Glossary
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)
- Academic Enrichment
- Academic Trends
- Accreditation
- Active Learning
- Afterschool Program
- Assessment-Based Learning
- Blended Learning
- Collaboration
- Contact Hours
- Continuous Improvement Model
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Cross-Curricular
- Curriculum Alignment
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Disguised Learning
- Distance Learning
- Education Standards
- ELT (Extended Learning Time)
- Engagement Strategies
- Evidence-Based
- Experiential Learning
- Family Engagement
- Flexible Scheduling
- Formative Assessment
- Foundational Skills
- Grant-Funded Programs
- Growth Mindset
- Hard Skills
- High-Quality Educational Materials
- Hybrid Learning
- Inquiry-Based Learning
- Learning Centers
- Learning Loss Prevention
- Learning Styles
- Literacy Development
- Mastery Learning
- Multi-Disciplinary
- OST (Out-of-School Time)
- Outcome-Based Education (OBE)
- PBL (Project-Based Learning)
- Performance Metrics
- Personalized Learning
- Professional Development
- Program Evaluation
- Research-Based
- Retention Rates
- Scaffolding
- SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)
- Sequencing
- Service Learning
- Small Group Instruction
- Soft Skills
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
- Structured Instruction
- Student-Centered Learning
- Student Engagement
- Subject-Based Activities
- Theme-Based Activities
- Supplemental Learning
- Synchronous & Asynchronous Learning
- Theme-Based Activities
- Tiering
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Workplace Readiness
- Wraparound Services
A federally funded program that provides academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours, helping students meet academic standards while offering enrichment activities.
Supplemental learning activities that deepen students' understanding of core subjects like math, science, and language arts through hands-on, engaging experiences.
Emerging practices, methodologies, and innovations in education that influence teaching, learning, and curriculum development, often shaped by research, technology, and policy changes.
A process through which educational programs are evaluated and certified to meet specific quality standards set by governing bodies or organizations.
An instructional approach where students engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and problem-solving rather than passively receiving information.
A structured, supervised program that provides academic support, enrichment activities, and social-emotional development opportunities outside of regular school hours.
An instructional approach that uses formative and summative assessments to guide instruction and improve student outcomes.
A combination of in-person instruction and digital learning tools to create a flexible and personalized educational experience.
A critical component of enrichment programs, fostering teamwork, communication, and cooperation among students, educators, and community partners.
The total instructional time an instructor spends directly teaching or facilitating learning activities with students.
A data-driven approach to evaluating and enhancing programs through regular assessment, feedback, and modifications.
An approach to addressing challenges that combines logical thinking with innovation, exploration, and experimentation to develop unique and effective solutions.
The ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information logically to solve problems, make decisions, and form reasoned judgments.
An instructional approach that integrates concepts, skills, and knowledge from multiple subject areas to create a more cohesive and meaningful learning experience.
Ensuring that instructional content matches academic standards and learning objectives to create a seamless educational experience.
Using assessment data and analytics to inform teaching strategies and improve student learning outcomes.
Tailoring lessons to meet individual student needs, learning styles, and academic abilities.
When students engage in educational activities without realizing they are actively learning, often through games, storytelling, or hands-on experiences.
Educational programs delivered remotely through online platforms, video conferencing, or other digital tools.
National or state-defined learning goals that outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level, guiding curriculum development and assessment.
Additional instructional time beyond the traditional school day, often used for tutoring, enrichment, and academic interventions.
Techniques used to maintain student interest, participation, and motivation in learning activities.
Programs, curricula, or practices that have been proven effective through empirical data and measurable outcomes, often backed by studies and evaluations.
A hands-on learning approach that emphasizes real-world experiences, problem-solving, and reflection to develop critical thinking and practical skills.
Active participation and collaboration between families and educators to support student learning and development.
A program model that allows for variations in instruction time, delivery methods, and student participation to accommodate different learning needs.
Ongoing assessments, such as quizzes, discussions, and feedback loops, used to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
Core competencies such as literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and communication that provide the basis for learning, academic achievement, and workforce readiness.
Afterschool or enrichment programs supported by external funding sources, such as government grants, foundations, or private donations.
The belief that intelligence and abilities can grow through effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes.
Teachable and measurable abilities, such as reading, writing, math, coding, or technical expertise, that are essential for specific tasks or professions.
Curriculum resources that align with academic standards, incorporate research-based teaching strategies, and engage students in meaningful learning experiences.
A combination of online and in-person instruction designed to offer flexibility while maintaining engagement and support.
A student-centered instructional approach that encourages curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving through guided questions and research.
Designated areas within a program where students engage in structured activities focused on specific subjects or skills, such as STEM labs, reading corners, or art stations.
Strategies designed to prevent academic regression, particularly during summer breaks or extended absences from school.
The preferred ways individuals process and retain information, often categorized as visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), reading/writing, and kinesthetic (hands-on learning).
Activities and strategies that enhance reading, writing, and communication skills, essential for academic success.
An instructional strategy in which students progress at their own pace until they achieve a high level of understanding before moving to the next concept.
An approach to education that incorporates knowledge, skills, and perspectives from multiple academic subjects to enhance learning, problem-solving, and real-world application.
Any structured learning or enrichment activities taking place outside of regular school hours, including before-school, afterschool, and summer programs.
A framework that focuses on defining clear learning outcomes and aligning instruction, assessment, and activities to achieve them.
An instructional method where students work on extended projects that require research, problem-solving, and collaboration, leading to a final presentation or product.
Quantifiable measures used to assess the effectiveness of an educational program, including student progress, engagement, and overall impact.
An approach that tailors instruction to fit the unique needs, interests, and pace of each student.
Training and ongoing education for teachers and facilitators to enhance instructional practices and program effectiveness.
A systematic process of assessing the effectiveness of a program through data analysis, feedback collection, and impact measurement.
Programs, curricula, or practices developed using established theories, studies, and academic research but may not yet have extensive empirical testing in real-world settings.
The percentage of students who remain enrolled in a school or afterschool program over a given period, often used to measure student engagement, program effectiveness, and dropout prevention efforts.
A teaching strategy that provides structured support to help students gradually build independence in their learning.
A framework that helps students develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
The process of arranging information, concepts, or activities in a logical order to support learning, problem-solving, or skill development. In education, sequencing helps structure lessons progressively, ensuring students build on prior knowledge effectively.
A teaching approach that combines community service with academic instruction to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that benefit their communities.
A teaching method where students are divided into smaller groups for targeted instruction, allowing for individualized support and deeper engagement.
Interpersonal and social abilities, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, that contribute to personal and professional success.
An interdisciplinary approach to education that integrates artistic creativity into traditional STEM subjects.
A curriculum focus that integrates these four disciplines to develop problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills.
An interdisciplinary approach to education that expands STEM and STEAM by integrating reading and literacy skills, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving across multiple subjects.
A systematic and organized teaching approach that follows a clear sequence, using explicit guidance, modeling, and practice to support student learning and mastery of concepts.
An instructional approach that prioritizes student interests, needs, and learning preferences, allowing for greater autonomy and engagement.
The level of interest, motivation, and active participation a student exhibits in their learning process.
Educational activities designed to focus on specific academic subjects, such as math, science, language arts, or social studies. These activities reinforce subject-specific skills and knowledge through structured lessons, projects, and hands-on experiences.
Structured learning experiences centered around a specific theme or topic, integrating various subjects and skills to create engaging, interdisciplinary lessons. These activities often enhance student engagement by connecting learning to real-world contexts and interests.
Additional educational support or enrichment activities that enhance core instruction and help students master key concepts.
Synchronous Learning: Instruction that occurs in real-time, with teachers and students interacting live.
Asynchronous Learning: Instruction where students complete lessons, assignments, or projects at their own pace without real-time interaction.
Structured learning experiences centered around a specific theme or topic, integrating various subjects and skills to create engaging, interdisciplinary lessons. These activities often enhance student engagement by connecting learning to real-world contexts and interests.
A differentiated instruction strategy where content, assignments, or assessments are adapted to different levels of student readiness.
A framework that ensures learning materials and instruction are accessible and effective for all students.
The skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary for individuals to succeed in professional environments, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.
Comprehensive support services designed to address students' academic and non-academic needs.