PBIS Positive Behavior Intervention and Support. Positive Behavior Intervention
and Support programs are a way to impact school learning environments by
establishing and reinforcing clear behavioral expectations in order to support
high student performance and to reduce behavioral problems. PBIS site schools
work to integrate their Safe Schools Plans, character education efforts and
strategies, and discipline efforts in order to make the schools caring and safe
communities for learning.
PEP Personalized Education Plan. An individualized educational plan designed to
improve a student’s performance to grade-level proficiency.
PSAT Pre-Scholastic Assessment Test. Normally taken by high school juniors as
a practice test for the SAT. Some schools use the PSAT as a diagnostic tool to
identify areas where students may need additional assistance or placement in
more rigorous courses.
READY The READY initiative, which is being implemented in public schools in the
2012-13 school year, focuses not only on student proficiency in foundational
subjects but on ensuring students are career and college ready when they
graduate high school. The initiative is characterized by a new Standard Course of
Study, assessments and accountability model.
RttT Race to the Top. RttT is a federal grant program that supports the efforts
of the NCDPI, local school districts and many charter schools to carry out the
state’s Career & College: Ready, Set, Go! initiative. This bold education reform
effort is focused on college- and career-ready standards and assessments, data
systems, great teachers and leaders, and school turnarounds. North Carolina
is one of 12 recipients of RttT grant awards. Approximately half of the $400
million in RttT funding is being distributed to districts for their own initiatives that
support North Carolina’s Race to the Top plan through 2014.
SAT The SAT is often taken by high school juniors and seniors as a precursor to
college/university admission. It assesses a student’s verbal, mathematical and
writing skills.
SBE State Board of Education. The State Board of Education is charged
with supervising and administering "the free public school system and the
educational funds provided for its support." The Board consists of the Lieutenant
Governor, the Treasurer, and eleven members appointed by the Governor and
confirmed by the General Assembly in Joint Session.
SCOS or SCS ( North Carolina) Standard Course of Study. The SCOS is the
guiding document outlining what should be taught in North Carolina public
school classrooms.
SEA State Education Agency. Federal term for each state education department.
SEA is another name for the NCDPI.
SIP School Improvement Plan. A plan that includes strategies for improving student
performance, how and when improvements will be implemented, use of state
funds, requests for waivers, etc. Plans are in effect for no more than three years.
SLC [North Carolina! Student Learning Conditions [Survey]. This survey
provides middle and high school students with the opportunity to express their
perceptions regarding the learning environment in their schools. Similar to the
NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey, student responses will be utilized for
school and district improvement efforts.
STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM curriculum
emphasizes connections within and between the fields of mathematics and science;
integrates technology; introduces and engages students in the engineering design
process; cultivates creativity; and develops skills that drive innovation.
TIMS Transportation Information Management System. The computer system used
by North Carolina school districts for routing and scheduling school buses to
ensure safe and efficient bus routes.
Title I Title I is the largest federal education funding program for schools. Its aim is
to help students who are behind academically or at risk of falling behind. School
funding is based on the number of low-income children, generally those eligible for
the free and reduced price lunch program. Title I used to be known as Chapter I.
Title III Title III is the section of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that
provides funding and addresses English language acquisition and standards and
accountability requirements for limited English proficient students.
Title IX Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 bans sex discrimination in
schools receiving federal funds, whether it is in academics or athletics.
TWC [North Carolina] Teacher Working Conditions [Survey], A biennial survey of all
North Carolina public schools’ licensed staff, the TWC survey provides educators
with an opportunity to express their perceptions about working conditions at their
schools. Information gathered from the survey is shared with school staff, district
administrators, parents and the community for school improvement planning
purposes. Survey results are available online at www.ncteachingconditions.org. In
addition, the new evaluation instruments for superintendents, principals and teachers
use TWC responses to reflect on the presence of working conditions in the school.
USED United States Education Department. The USED provides federal assistance
to state and local agencies primarily responsible for education and works to
ensure both equal access (e.g., disadvantaged, disabled, at-risk students) and
educational excellence. The department engages in four major types of activities:
establishes policies related to federal education funds, administers distribution of
funds and monitors their use; collects data and oversees research on America’s
schools; identifies major issues in education and focuses national attention on
them; and enforces federal laws prohibiting discrimination in programs that
receive federal funds (USED website).
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NORTH CAROUNA
State Board of Education | Department of Public Instruction
6306 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-6306 :: 919.807.3450
www.ncpublicschools.org
In compliance with federal law, NC Public Schools administers all state-operated educational programs, employment
activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military
service, disability, or gender.exe ept where exemption is appropriate and allowed bylaw.
Inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination issues should be directed to: Dr. Rebecca Garland, Chief Academic
Officer :: Academic Services and Instructional Support :: 6368 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6368 :: Telephone:
(919) 807-3200 :: Fax: (919) 807-4065 :: Visit us on the Web :: www.ncpublicschools.org
EDUCATION
ACRONYMS
In education, as in most specialized
professions, educators use terms that may be
unfamiliar to the general public. For example,
most people associate the ABCs with the
alphabet and having pep with energy. But
if an educator uses these terms, they take on a new
meaning. It’s not surprising that parents and others new
to public schools often feel confused. This list of the
more commonly used acronyms or abbreviations and
their meanings has been developed to assist everyone in
public schools communicate more effectively.
Ж
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NORTH CAROLINA
mr State Board of Education | Department of Public Instruction
