NJ-DOE+-+Acronyms+&+Terms

New Jersey Department of Education Revised 2009
 * GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS AND TERMS**


 * TABLE OF CONTENTS**

Assessment …………………………………………………………………… 2

Bilingual Education/ESL …………………………………………………….. 3

Career and Technical Education …………………………………………… 4

Drugs and Alcohol Programs/Student Health ……………………………… 6

Early Childhood Education …………………………………………….……. 10

Educational Equity …………………..……………………………………..… 12

Educational Technology ………………………………………………………. 13

Facilities ………………………………………………………………………… 16

Grants Management ………………………………………………………..…. 20

High–Need School Districts …………………………………………………… 22

Licensing and Credentials ……………………………………………….…… 23

//No Child Left Behind// (//NCLB//) ……………………………………………..…. 24

Professional Standards and Development ……………………………………29

Special Education ……………………………………………………………… 30

Standards (Academic) ..……………………………………………………….. 31

State Aid/School Data ………………………………………………………… 32

INTRODUCTION In response to feedback from people who have read publications and documents from the Department of Education, we have created a glossary of some of the frequently used acronyms and terms. References to //N.J.S.A.// (//New Jersey Statutes Annotated//) can be checked on the legislative Web site at www.njleg.state.nj.us

References to //N.J.A.C.// (//New Jersey Administrative Code//) can be checked on the department’s Web site at www.state.nj.us/education under administrative code. Additional information on all topics in this glossary is also available on the department’s Web site. The overview of DOE programs on the home page includes topical sites.


 * 2 ---**


 * Assessment**

the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS) for the purposes of satisfying the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) graduation requirement. Students who fail to demonstrate proficiency in one or both HSPA content areas must participate in the AHSA process. The AHSA process begins with remedial instruction and is followed by the administration to the student of performance assessment tasks in the respective content area. Students must pass a certain number of these tasks, which are aligned to the CCCS, to satisfy the HSPA requirement. They may also satisfy that requirement through re-test administrations of the HSPA.
 * AHSA – Alternative High School Assessment (formerly known as the Special**
 * Review Assessment or SRA)** is an alternative assessment that provides students with

//Act (IDEA)// mandates the participation of all students with disabilities in statewide assessments. States must develop and conduct alternate assessments for students who cannot participate in the general statewide testing program. The New Jersey APA is a portfolio assessment by which evidence of student progress is collected during several months. The portfolios are scored by the state and results contribute to district/school adequate yearly progress calculations under //No Child Left Behind//.
 * APA - Alternate Proficiency Assessment –** The //Individuals with Disabilities Education//

learned a specific body of knowledge and skills – the Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS). The statewide assessments are CRTs.
 * CRT – Criterion-Referenced Tests** are intended to measure how well a person has

school graduation requirement, replacing an earlier high school test that pre-dated the development of the CCCS. The HSPA measures student achievement of the knowledge and skills in the language arts literacy and math CCCS. Passing both sections of the test is a requirement for receiving a high school diploma.
 * HSPA – High School Proficiency Assessment** was implemented in 2002 as a high

communication.
 * LAL – Language Arts Literacy** integrates verbal skills needed for critical thinking and

“the nation’s report card.” It biennially measures student achievement levels in reading and math at grades 4 and 8, and in other selected subjects in alternate years. While NAEP does not provide student- or school-performance data, its national, state-level and sub-population data inform educational policy-making and assist states in measuring the rigor of statewide assessment programs.
 * NAEP – National Assessment of Educational Progress** is sometimes referred to as

of Education that collects and reports statistics about schools in all 50 states. http://nces.ed.gov/
 * NCES – National Center for Education Statistics** is the branch of the U.S. Department

elementary and middle school assessment program covering grades 3 through 8. NJ ASK is intended to provide information about student progress toward mastery of the skills specified by the CCCS in language arts literacy and math at each grade level, and science at grades 4 and 8.
 * NJ ASK – New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge** is the state’s

criteria not aligned with state standards. NRTs often provide percentile rankings rather than proficiency designations.
 * NRT – Norm-Referenced Tests** compare test takers to each other on a given set of

by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) to help states design assessments in a variety of subject areas.
 * SCASS -- State Collaborative on Assessment and Student Standards** was created

comparative study designed to provide information about educational achievement and learning contexts for the participating countries in mathematics and science in grades 7 and 8.
 * TIMSS -- Third International Mathematics and Science Survey** is an international

annually to English language learners (ELLs). t measures students’ growth in English language skills in relation to the academic English language proficiency (ELP) standards.
 * ACCESS for ELLs****®**English language proficiency test is a large-scale test administered


 * 3 -**


 * Bilingual Education/ESL**

include: • Making progress toward English language proficiency as measured by the state’s ELP assessment; • Attaining English language proficiency as measured by the ELP assessment; • Meeting annual yearly progress (AYP) targets as measured by the state content assessment.
 * AMAOs -- Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives** are performance targets that

English and who have difficulty speaking, reading, writing or understanding the English language as measured by an English language proficiency test. Thus, they require bilingual or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to learn successfully in classrooms where the language of instruction is English.
 * ELL -- English Language Learners** are pupils whose native language is other than

of students with limited English proficiency. These services are provided in school districts with less than 10 students of limited English proficiency and are in addition to the regular school program.
 * ELS -- English Language Services** are designed to improve the English language skills

a daily developmental second language program of up to two periods of instruction based on student need. Programs offer listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing in English using second-language teaching techniques. Teachers also incorporate the cultural aspects of the students’ experiences into ESL instruction.
 * ESL -- English as a Second Language** programs in K-12 education require

native language is other than English and who have difficulty speaking, reading, writing or understanding the English language as measured by an English language proficiency test. Thus, they require bilingual or ESL programs in order to learn successfully in classrooms where the language of instruction is English.
 * LEP -- Limited English Proficient** is defined in //N.J.A.C.// 6A:15-1.2 as pupils whose

associations. This professional organization has been established for educators concerned with the teaching of English as a second language and bilingual education.
 * NJTESOL/NJBE -- New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other**
 * Languages/New Jersey Bilingual Education** is a chapter of the two national

English understandable to LEP students. Sheltered English classes are taught by regular classroom teachers who have received training on strategies to make subject area content comprehensible for LEP students.
 * Sheltered English Instruction** is an approach used to make academic instruction in

partner states that has developed English language proficiency standards and an English language proficiency test (ACCESS for ELLs®) aligned with the standards to comply with Title III of the //No Child Left Behind Act.//
 * WIDA****--****World-class Instructional Design and Assessment** is a consortium of 19

and language competencies that LEP students in pre-K programs and elementary and secondary schools need to become fully proficient in English and to have unrestricted access to grade-appropriate instruction in challenging academic subjects.
 * WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards for English Language Learners in**
 * Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12** were developed by WIDA. They are the standards


 * 4 --**


 * Career and Technical Education**

occupations and broad industries recognized nationally and by DOE.
 * Career Clusters are** 16 career-technical program areas that consist of groups of similar

that offer a sequence of courses providing individuals with coherent and rigorous content aligned with the challenging Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS), technical skill proficiency, industry-recognized credentials, certificates or associated degrees, and may include prerequisite courses.
 * CTE -- Career and Technical Education** consists oforganized educational activities

courses designed to provide students with industry-based skills and knowledge.
 * Career and Technical Education Program** is a sequence of academic and technical

vocational-technical education instructional programs. They are a valuable tool for implementing the CCCS. CTSOs are co-curricular and provide professional development opportunities for teachers and adult advisors. CTSOs provide students with the opportunity to enhance their occupational, employability and leadership skills through a variety of activities, such as conferences, award programs and competitive events. These organizations conduct activities and events at the local, state and national levels. New Jersey’s career and technical student organizations include the following:
 * CTSOs --****Career and Technical Student Organizations** are an integral part of

• **DECA -- Distributive Education Clubs of America** for marketing education students; • **FBLA-PBL -- Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda** for business education students; • **FFA -- Future Farmers of America** for agricultural students; • **FCCLA -- Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America** for family and consumer science students; • **HOSA -- Health Occupations Students of America** for health occupation students; • **TSA -- Technology Student Association** for technology education students; • **SkillsUSA** for trade and industrial education students.

of instructional programs. It is intended to facilitate the organization, collection and reporting of program completion data using classifications that capture the majority of reportable program completion activity.
 * CIP Codes -- Classification of Instructional Programs** is a taxonomic coding scheme

missed their first opportunity to complete a high school program of instruction. To qualify for a state-issued high school diploma, candidates must receive a minimum passing score on individual GED tests in mathematics, science, social studies, writing skills and interpreting literature and the arts. The GED testing program is jointly supervised by the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education and DOE.
 * GED --** **General Educational Development** tests are intended for persons who have

management of the secondary and postsecondary career and technical education system and administration of federal and state career and technical education funding for approved secondary and postsecondary programs across the state.
 * OCTE -- Office of Career and Technical Education** within DOE is responsible for the

Education is responsible for the //Adult Education Act// and the //Carl D. Perkins Career and// //Technical Education and Improvement Act//. These programs annually provide millions of federal dollars to support New Jersey’s career and technical education programs.
 * OVAE -- Office of Vocational and Adult Education** within the U.S. Department of

provides federal funding for secondary, postsecondary and adult career and technical education programs. This law also provides grants to states for the development of Tech Prep programs.
 * Perkins Act --** **//The//** **//Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006//**

training and retraining programs. The training may be financed personally by the student, through funds provided by a variety of state agencies, through federal loans and grants, or a combination of these sources.
 * PVS -- Private Vocational Schools** offer non-degree postsecondary occupational

and assist in the implementation of a state employment and training policy. The goal is to create a coherent, integrated system of employment**,** training and education programs and services that, in concert with efforts of the private sector, will provide each citizen with equal access to the learning opportunities needed to attain and maintain high levels of productivity and earning power.
 * SETC -- N.J. State Employment and Training Commission** is mandated to develop

learning experiences designed to offer students opportunities for career exploration within 16 career clusters.
 * SLE -- Structured Learning Experience** includes experiential, supervised, in-depth

provide a logical course of study leading to preparation for the postsecondary educational experience. In some cases, college credits or advanced placement is given for advanced work done in the secondary school.
 * Tech Prep** requires articulation between secondary and postsecondary institutions to

performance data, as well as psychographic and demographic information, as required by the //Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.//
 * VEDS -- Vocational Education Data System** is a computerized system of student

by New Jersey and administered by the Department of Labor to retrain workers by redirecting a percentage of the unemployment insurance revenue to provide individual job training grants to dislocated workers and customized training grants to companies seeking to upgrade the quality of their workforces. The program is regarded as a national model for providing skills training.
 * WDPP -- Workforce Development Partnership Program** is a unique program funded

through statewide and local workforce investment systems. Activities are designed to increase the employment, retention, earnings and occupational-skill attainment of participants to improve workforce quality, reduce welfare dependency and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation.
 * WIA --** **//Workforce Investment Act//**provides funds for workforce investment activities

sector participants that provide coordinated planning, policy guidance and oversight for all workforce readiness programs in their designated areas.
 * WIB -- Workforce Investment Board** involves local partnerships of private and public


 * 6 **


 * Drug and Alcohol Programs/Student Health and Behavior**


 * AAP --****American Academy of Pediatrics**


 * AIDS -- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome** is the end-stage of HIV disease.

non-traditional learning environment and is distinct and separate from the existing general or special education program. The alternative education program must fulfill program criteria pursuant to //N.J.A.C//. 6A:16-9.2 and be approved by the district board of education [//N.J.A.C.// 6A:16-9.1(a)] or by the Commissioner of Education [//N.J.A.C//. 6A:16- 9.1(b)] for the purpose of addressing the individual learning, behavior and health needs of students determined by the school district to be at risk of school failure or who have been mandated for removal from general education [//N.J.A.C//. 6A:16-5.5, 5.6 and, as appropriate, 5.7].
 * Alternative Education Program** is a comprehensive educational program delivered in a


 * ATOD -- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs**

survey sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that monitors changes in adult health-related behaviors, health problems and use of health care.
 * BRFSS -- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System** is an ongoing telephone


 * CDC-DASH -- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Adolescent**
 * and School Health**


 * CHES -- Certified Health Education Specialist**


 * CODA -- Child of a Deaf Adult**


 * COSA -- Child of a Substance Abuser**

information on alcohol and drug abuse research and programs.
 * C-SAP -- Center for Substance Abuse Prevention** is a federal office that provides

establishment of standards, policies and procedures for positive student development and student behavioral expectations.
 * CSC -- Code of Student Conduct** is required under //N.J.A.C.// 6A:16-7.1 for the

interactive components**:** health education; physical education; health services; nutrition services; counseling and psychological services; healthy school environment; health promotion for staff; and family/community involvement.
 * CSHP --** **Coordinated School Health Programs** model consists of the following eight

Administrative Office of the Court (AOC) providing cognitive skills learning and community service activities for adjudicated juveniles.
 * CSL -- Community Service Learning** is a discretionary grant program within the


 * D&A -- Drugs and Alcohol**

curriculum in drug and violence prevention education.
 * D.A.R.E. -- Drug Abuse Resistance Education** is a law enforcement-delivered

Department of Children and Families (DCF).
 * DCBHS --****Division of Child Behavioral Health Services** is a division of the


 * DCF -- Department of Children and Families**


 * DHSS -- Department of Health and Senior Services.**


 * DHS --****Department of Human Services.**

and Rutgers University designed to build local educational resources for improving SECD conditions in schools.
 * DSACS -- Developing Safe and Civil Schools: A Coordinated Approach for Social-**
 * Emotional and Character Development (SECD)** is a cooperative project between DOE


 * DYFS --****Division of Youth and Family Services** is a division of DCF.

develop a comprehensive and coordinated program that occursbefore and after school, on weekends and during the summer. This mix of academic, recreational and cultural activities can provide young people with a positive alternative to spending time on the streets or being home alone in the afternoons. There is a growing body of research evidence indicating that high-quality after-school programs can reduce risk-taking behaviors, provide positive developmental opportunities and improve the academic performance of students, particularly those at risk of academic failure.
 * ELO -- Extended Learning Opportunity** is a strategy that schools may utilize to

districts via the Internet records of individual incidents of violence, vandalism, weapons use and substance abuse. Offender and victim information is also included in the EVVRS.
 * EVVRS -- Electronic Violence and Vandalism Reporting System** collects from school

coordinating body whose membership includes state agency representatives and public members with an interest in drug and alcohol prevention and intervention services.
 * GCADA -- Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse** is a state-level

//seq//. and //N.J.A.C.// 6A:16-1.3 and 7.9.
 * HIB -- Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying** as set forth in //N.J.S.A.// 18A:37-14 //et//


 * HIV -- Human Immune Deficiency Virus** is the virus that causes AIDS.

public employee training in management, leadership, customer service, diversity and technology.
 * HRDI -- Human Resources Development Institute** is a state agency that provides

Division of Community Services at DCF that investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect in out-of-home settings such as foster homes, residential centers, schools, detention centers, etc.
 * IAIU --****Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit** is a child protective service unit in the


 * IDU -- Injecting Drug Use**

school nurse that specifies the delivery of accommodations and services needed by a student in the event of an emergency.
 * IEHP -- Individualized Emergency Healthcare Plan** is a plan written by a certified

details accommodations and/or nursing services to be provided to a student because of the student’s medical condition based on medical orders written by a physician.
 * IHP --** **Individualized Healthcare Plan** is a plan written by a certified school nurse that

building where general education students are served that uses a multidisciplinary team approach for the planning and delivery of services to assist students experiencing learning, behavior or health difficulties and to assist staff who have difficulties in addressing student’s learning, behavior or health needs.
 * I&RS -- Intervention and Referral Services** is a coordinated system in each school

education student who has been assigned by the district board of education to home instruction or an alternative education program, or who is being provided either in or out 9 of school other educational services that are comparable to those provided in public school for students of similar grades and attainments (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:38-25). The IPP sets forth the student’s present level of performance, measurable goals and short-term objectives or benchmarks that encompass behavioral and social competency, as well as curriculum and individually designed instructional activities to achieve the goals and objectives.
 * IPP -- Individualized Program Plan** means a written plan developed for a general

jurisdiction of the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC).
 * JDC -- Juvenile Detention Center** offers county education programs under the

and offers programs to help them become educated, productive citizens.
 * JJC -- Juvenile Justice Commission** stresses accountability with adjudicated youth

Juvenile Justice Commission providing substance abuse and violence prevention education to adjudicated juveniles.
 * JRRI -- Juvenile Risk Reduction Initiative** is a discretionary grant program within the


 * NASN --****National Association of School Nurses**

behaviors and related issues administered every two years by DOE in cooperation with the DHSS’ Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program.
 * NJSHS -- N. J. Student Health Survey** is a statewide survey on student health


 * NJSSNA** -- **N. J. State School Nurses Association**

throughout the school district based on the needs of its students, potential emergency situations, basic nursing services requirements and the assignment of health services staff to provide those services.
 * NSP --** **Nursing Services Plan** describes in detail the nursing services to be provided

support services initiatives addressing the areas of school health; ATOD; school safety and security; law enforcement operations; student conduct; I&RS; alternative education programs; home or out-of-school instruction; and missing or abused children.
 * OESS --****Office of Educational Support Services** within DOE is responsible for student

Education.
 * OSDFS -- Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools** within the U. S. Department of

school, weekend and summer experiences.
 * OST -- Out-of-School-Time** is a designation used when discussing before- and after-


 * PDS -- Persistently Dangerous School** (See //NCLB//)

under contract with JJC for pupils in state custody.
 * RGC -- Residential Group Centers** are community-based programs operated by or

coordinates the district’s comprehensive substance abuse prevention and intervention program, which includes in-service training, curriculum, program and policy development, and intervention, counseling and referral services (//N.J.S.A.//18A:40A-18).
 * SAC -- Substance Awareness Coordinator** is a certified school staff member who

positive outcomes for in-school youth through programs of student prevention, intervention and treatment services.
 * SBYS – School-Based Youth Services** is a school-linked service of DCF that fosters

child abuse and neglect. The hotline is toll-free and is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. SCR screeners obtain relevant information from callers and forward reports requiring field response to the appropriate DYFS local office, Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit (IAIU) or after-hours response workers in the Special Response Unit (SPRU). The role of the screener includes conducting background checks and searching existing databases to provide accurate and thorough information to the assigned field worker. When suitable, SCR screeners handle calls by making a referral to appropriate community-based services to support the family.
 * SCR --** **State Central Registry** is the centralized call center (1-877-NJ-ABUSE) to report

the federal //No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).// It provides funds to districts to implement comprehensive and science-based ATOD and violence prevention programs and activities.
 * SDFSCA -- Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act** is Title IV, Part A of

children and adults develop the skills, attitudes and values necessary to acquire social and emotional competence that lead to healthy behaviors, personal resilience and active engagement in civic life.
 * SECD -- Social-Emotional and Character Development** is the process through which

develop the skills, attitudes and values necessary to acquire social and emotional competence.
 * SEL – Social Emotional Learning** is the process through which children and adults


 * STD/STI -- Sexually Transmitted Disease/Sexually Transmitted Infection**

to oversee the coordination of childcare service delivery for DHS-administered programs.
 * UCCA -- Unified Child Care Agency** is a county-based agency designated by the DHS


 * USCO -- Unsafe School Choice Option** (See //NCLB//)


 * 10 ---**


 * Early Childhood Education**

knowledge of early childhood development and their skills in working with young children. The credential means that the candidate has, at a minimum, 180 hours of continuing education credit, 720 hours of classroom experience and has passed the exam.
 * CCP -- Certified Childcare Professional** is a credential earned by teachers for their

education teachers who have met the CDA competency standards or 120 hours of formal education through an agency or organization with expertise in child development or early childhood teacher preparation. Only the Council for Professional Recognition can award a CDA credential.
 * CDA -- Child Development Associate** is the national credential for early care and

Strategies that applies child development and learning theories to an education environment that focuses planning around indoor and outdoor interest areas.
 * Creative Curriculum** is an early childhood education curriculum developed by Teaching

for All Foundation that fosters cognitive, linguistic, social, physical and emotional development of three- and four-year-olds in a theme-based environment.
 * Curiosity Corner** is an early childhood education curriculum developed by the Success

sampling their skills across areas of language, reasoning, gross motor, fine motor and social development. It is required that all three- and four-year-old children in former Abbott districts be administered an initial screening device, such as the Early Screening Inventory-Revised (Meisels et al., 1997), regardless of whether they are enrolled in a district preschool program. This information is never used to determine or deny placement. Screening is always the first step in the assessment process as it does not provide enough information to identify children as needing special education services.
 * Developmental Screening** is an assessment that screens preschool children by quickly

childhood education programs.
 * DCF -- Department of Children and Families** partners with DOE in implementing early

and funding wrap-around services for the providers.
 * DHS -- Department of Human Services** is responsible for licensing childcare providers

responsibility for childcare licensing, child protection and child welfare, among other programs.
 * DYFS -- Division of Youth and Family Services** is a division within DCF with

assess group programs for children of preschool through kindergarten age. It is used to evaluate each component of a preschool classroom from the quality of interactions, materials and activities to the way in which the classroom is arranged.
 * ECERS-R -- Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised** is designed to

private-provider setting serving former Abbott school districts. There must be one family worker for every 45 children and their families being served by the agency. In conjunction with the school district, agency and parents, the family worker ensures that parents and children obtain necessary health and social services.
 * Family Worker** is a position required in every early childhood education program in a

educational program and day in accordance with the school district’s grade one through 12 daily school calendar and not exceeding the 10-month academic period.
 * Full-Day Preschool** is a preschool program consisting of a six-hour comprehensive

developed by the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation that encourages children to make choices about materials and activities throughout the day to foster developmentally important skills and abilities.
 * High/Scope Preschool Curriculum** is an early childhood education curriculum

program. There must be at least one master teacher for every 20 early childhood education classrooms to coordinate early childhood education programs and assist in the provision of professional development in early childhood education. Master teachers who specialize in supports for English Language Learners and inclusion of children with special needs are also provided.
 * Master Teacher** is a position required in every former Abbott early childhood education

Washington, D.C.-based organization of early childhood educators and advocates dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through third grade.
 * NAEYC -- National Association for the Education of Young Children** is a

affiliate group of the NAEYC.
 * NJAEYC -- New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children** is an


 * Preschool Education Aid** (See State Aid/School Data)

as of Sept. 1, 2001, for any new preschool teacher in a former Abbott district in either a district program or private-provider setting.
 * P-3 -- Preschool through Grade 3 Endorsement** is a credential that is required

creating developmentally appropriate preschool learning environments that promote early literacy and other important goals. The guidelines support and prepare young children to meet New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards when they enter kindergarten.
 * Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards** is a document containing guidelines for

school districts to provide the mandated early childhood programs for three- and four- year-olds.
 * Private Providers** are early childhood agencies in the community that contract with

districts other than those school districts required to provide //universal// preschool.
 * Targeted Preschool** are preschool programs for all at-risk preschool children in school

Vygotsky. Teachers scaffold children’s learning in all domains during play and classroom activities. All components include a focus on self-regulation.
 * Tools of the Mind** is a comprehensive preschool curriculum based on the work of Lev

and four-year-old children in District Factor Group (DFG) A and B school districts and DFG CD school districts with a concentration of at-risk children equal to or greater than 40 percent.
 * Universal Preschool** includes preschool programs for all age-eligible resident three-


 * 12 --**


 * Educational Equity**

among certified staff.
 * AAO -- Affirmative Action Officer** must be appointed in every school district from

charter schools specifically to ensure that an equal educational opportunity is available to all students through identification and correction of discriminatory and inequitable practices prohibited by state and federal law (//N.J.A.C//. 6A7-1.3).
 * CEP -- Comprehensive Equity Plan** is a three-year plan developed by districts and

enable the provision of a thorough and efficient education as defined by the state’s Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS), differentiated instruction, formative assessments aligned to the CCCS and high expectations for teaching and learning in a public school district. EEO requires the elimination of prejudice and other forms of discrimination in the policies, practices and curricula of the district, as evidenced through the narrowing of the achievement gap and when all students and staff enjoy equal access to all programs and benefits provided by or offered within the public schools of the district (//N.J.A.C.// 6A7- 1.3).
 * EEO -- Equal Educational Opportunity** means the creation of environments that

regarding policies, procedures and programs relating to career education and lifelong learning for males and females.
 * GEAC -- Gender Equity Advisory Committee** makes recommendations to DOE

housed at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Its mission is to bridge the education and workforce development communities to increase awareness and opportunities for students in grades 7 to 12 who are interested in nontraditional careers.
 * NRCR -- Nontraditional Career Resource Center** is a program funded by DOE and


 * 13 ---**


 * Educational Technology**

the former Abbott districts in submitting applications for the Universal Service Fund (e- rate program). Each former Abbott district sends at least one representative to regularly held meetings to discuss mutual needs, challenges and solutions for educational technology activities.
 * ACT -- Abbott Consortium for Technology** was originally formed to meet the needs of

simultaneous voice, data and video traffic at high speeds. It allows the flexibility to assign the bandwidth necessary for sending information when and for as long as it is needed.
 * ATM -- Asynchronous Transfer Mode** is a connection-oriented service that transmits

teachers, outlining the terms and conditions of Internet use in schools. It states acceptable uses of online materials, rules for online behavior and access privileges. It also covers penalties for violations of the policy. Anyone using a school's Internet connection signs an AUP, which is kept on file as a legally binding document.
 * AUP -- Acceptable Use Policy** is a written agreement, signed by students, parents and


 * Bandwidth** is data speed through a connection, measured in bits-per-second (BPS).

who posts regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events or other material such as graphics or video.
 * Blog** (a contraction of the term weblog) is a Web site usually maintained by an individual

computer-based communications and media, such as e-mail, online social networks or instant messages, for social, professional, educational or other purposes. An example of this is a Ning (see below).
 * Collaborative Online Community** is a group of people that primarily interacts via

provides educational content to students who are not physically “on site." Distance education allows teachers and students to exchange printed or electronic media in real time and through online methods.
 * Distance Learning** or distance education is an educational delivery system that

support of teaching, and learning and academic achievement.
 * Educational Technology** is the practice of using technology in instructional settings in

the Universal Service Fund (USF).
 * E-rate -- Education Rate** discount is available under a federally funded program called

that offers educators professional development opportunities. Funded by federal and state funds, ETTCs contain demonstration technology equipment and offer training programs to assist teachers in implementing the Core Curriculum Content Standards.
 * ETTC -- Educational Technology Training Center** is a county-based resource center

and social tagging-- is the practice/method of collaboratively creating and managing tags to annotate and categorize content.
 * Folksonomy** -- alsoknown as collaborative tagging, social classification, social indexing

create sites on the World Wide Web.
 * HTML -- Hypertext Markup Language** is a programming coding language used to

place, such as another section of the same document or to another document.
 * Hyperlink** is a reference, link or navigation element in a document that links to another

sites that provides a richer functionality than simple-text documents by enabling the reader to explore interesting links to other Web pages linked to specific words or images within the page.
 * Hypertext** (meaning "more than just" text) is a form of text typically published on Web

people based on typed text. The text is conveyed via devices connected over a network such as the Internet.
 * IM -- Instant Messaging** is a form of real-time communication between two or more

telephone line, making it capable of simultaneous delivery of voice and data services over a single telephone line. It is designed to provide a standard interface to customer equipment, such as computers, telephones, facsimile machines and routers.
 * ISDN -- Integrated Services Digital Network** increases the bandwidth of a normal

Internet and the connecting individual or agency.
 * ISP -- Internet Service Provider** is a business that acts as an intermediary between the

interactive video within the classroom.
 * ITV -- Interactive Television** or distance-learning classroom systems provide full-motion

area such as a school.
 * LAN -- Local Area Network** connects computers, modems and printers within a local

topic or need, catering to specific membership bases.
 * Ning** is an online platform for people to create their own social networks for a particular

meant to refer to direct one-on-one chat or real-time text-based group chat (also known as synchronous conferencing).
 * Online Chat** refers to any kind of communication over the Internet, but is primarily

syndicated download, through Web feeds, to portable media players and personal computers.
 * Podcast** is a series of audio or video digital-media files distributed over the Internet by

formats used to publish frequently updated works, such as blog entries, news headlines, audio and video, in a standardized format. Such formats benefit readers who want to subscribe to timely updates from favored Web sites or aggregate feeds from many sites into one place.
 * RSS --****Rich Site Summary** or **Real Simple Syndication** is a family of Web-feed

transmission service used for Internet access and connecting LANs over a wide area.
 * SMDS -- Switched Multi-megabit Data Service** is a connectionless high-speed data

or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Most social network services are Web-based and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as e-mail and instant messaging.
 * Social Networks** are online communities of people who share interests and/or activities,

number of the sites on the Internet. Each site has a unique locator. The URL for the DOE is www.state.nj.us/education. //Telecommunications Act of 1996// designed to provide affordable access to telecommunications services for all eligible schools and libraries in the United States by providing discounts on telecommunications services, Internet access and internal connections.
 * URL -- Uniform (or Universal) Resource Locators** are similar to an address or phone
 * USF -- Universal Service Fund** is a federally funded program in the

purpose of sharing the videos with other viewers.
 * Video Hosting Service** allows individuals to upload video clips to an Internet site for the

communicate and collaborate on specific topics/issues through the use of social networking sites such as Wikis and Nings.
 * Virtual Learning Community** is formed by groups of people with common interests who

transmission technologies for delivery of voice communications over IP networks such as the Internet. Commonly used terms synonymous with VoIP are //IP telephony// and //Internet telephony//.
 * VoIP -- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)** is a general term for a family of

areas among computers, modems and printers.
 * WAN** **--** Wide Area Net is a network capable of transmissions over large geographic

facilitates communication, secure information sharing, interoperability and collaboration 16 on the World Wide Web. Web 2.0 includes social-networking sites, video-sharing sites, wikis, blogs and folksonomies.
 * Web 2.0** refers to a //perceived// second generation of Web development and design that

Internet. In a Web conference, each participant sits at his/her computer and is connected to other participants via the Internet. A Web conference can be either a downloaded application on each of the attendees’ computers or a Web-based application where the attendees will simply enter a URL (Web site address) to enter the conference.
 * Web Conferencing** is a process used to conduct live meetings or presentations via the

contribute or modify content. Wikis are often used to create collaborative Web sites and to power community Web sites.
 * Wiki** is a page or collection of Web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to

navigation of the Internet.
 * WWW -- World Wide Web** is an Internet browsing system that allows for point and click


 * 16 --**


 * Facilities**


 * Abbott District** (see High–Need School Districts)


 * Additional Space** is space in excess of the facilities efficiency standards (FES).

spaces.
 * Adjusted Gross Square Footage** is the gross square footage of a facility less excluded

time equivalent (FTE) student times the number of unhoused students.
 * Approved Area for Unhoused Students** is the product of the area allowance per full-

requirements of //N.J.A.C.// 6A:26-2 //et seq//. and has been determined by the Commissioner to ensure that school facilities are educationally adequate to support during the next five years the achievement of the Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS).
 * Approved LRFP -- Approved Long-Range Facilities Plan** conforms to the

through grade 5; 134 square feet for grades 6 through 8; and 151 square feet for grades 9 through 12.
 * Area Allowance** per full-time equivalent (FTE) studentis 125 square feet for preschool

projects, and it must be the figure based on the year of approval of the school facilities project.
 * Area Cost Allowance** is used in determining preliminary eligible costs of school facilities

of P.L. 2007, c. 137, is the successor entity to the N. J. Schools Construction Corporation and it oversees school construction projects.
 * Authority -- N. J. Schools Development Authority,** established pursuant to section 3

upgrades and replacements of building systems, such as structure, enclosure,
 * Capital Maintenance** is intended to extend the useful life of a school facility, including

mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. It can be considered to be part of a school facilities project.

project.
 * Capital Project** is a school facilities project, other capital project or land acquisition

playground included in a demonstration project that is to be used in common by students of the district and by residents of the community.
 * Community Design Feature** is any area, room, equipment, recreational area or


 * Consumer Price Index or “CPI”** (See State Aid/School Data)

interest upon school bonds and other obligations issued to finance the purchase or construction of school facilities, additions to school facilities or the reconstruction, remodeling, alteration, modernization, renovation or repair of school facilities, including furnishings, equipment, architect fees and the costs of issuance of such obligations. It also includes payments of principal and interest upon bonds issued to fund or refund such obligations, and upon municipal bonds and other obligations that the Commissioner approves as having been issued for such purposes. Debt service pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 1978, c.74 (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:58–33.22 //et seq//.), P.L. 1971, c.10 (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:58–33.6 //et seq//.) and P.L. 1968, c.177 (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:58–33.2 //et seq.)// is excluded.
 * Debt Service**, as defined by //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F–3, means payments of principal and

construction by a redevelopment entity pursuant to //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7G-6.
 * Demonstration Project** is a school facilities project selected by the state Treasurer for

facility for the provision of instruction that will enable students to achieve the CCCS and meet the facilities efficiency standards combined with the requirements of //N.J.A.C//. 6:26- 5.
 * Educational Adequacy**,for purposes of a school facilities project, is the suitability of a

//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7G-1 //et seq//, as amended, is the authorizing legislation for the state’s long- term school construction program.
 * EFCFA -- Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act** (P.L. 2000, c.72)

school facilities project resulting from design factors that are not required to meet the facilities efficiency standards and not approved pursuant to //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7G-5(g) or are not authorized as community design features included in final eligible costs pursuant to //N.J.S.A//. 18A:7G-6(c). Excess costs are to be distinguished from the additional costs arising out of design factors that are required to meet the facilities efficiency standards and that are either approved or authorized by //N.J.S.A//. 18A:7G-5 or -6.
 * Excess Costs** refer to the additional costs, if any, that must be borne by a district for a

that delivers programs and services aligned with the CCCS, provides support services directly to students, or would be structurally or fiscally impractical to convert to other uses contained in the facilities efficiency standards.
 * Excluded Space** is an existing space not contained in the facilities efficiency standards

whether it would be more feasible to replace rather than renovate a school facility because of health and safety or efficiency.
 * Feasibility Study** is a pre-construction evaluation undertaken by a district to determine

authority are those that are determined by the Commissioner pursuant to //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7G-5(h) (1); or, for other projects, determined pursuant to //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7G-5(h) (1) or //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7G-6.
 * FEC -- Final Eligible Costs** for a school facilities project to be constructed by the

childhood, elementary, middle and high schools. These standards determine the extent to which a district's construction project qualifies for state aid. They represent the instructional and administrative spaces that are educationally adequate to support the achievement of the CCCS.
 * FES -- Facilities Efficiency Standards** are developed by the Commissioner for early

is calculated as follows: each student in grades kindergarten through 12 is counted at 100 percent of the actual count of students. Two students in half-day programs are equal to one FTE.
 * FTE – Full-Time Equivalent** student**,** for purposes of a LRFP or school facilities project,

allow sufficient space for the building to be educationally adequate for the delivery of programs and services necessary for student achievement of the CCCS. Functional capacity is determined by dividing the adjusted gross square footage of a school building by the minimum area allowance per FTE student for the grade-level students contained in the building.
 * Functional Capacity** means the number of students who can be housed in a building to


 * Gross Square Footage** means the total square footage of a school facility.


 * Lease Purchase** (see State Aid/School Data)

projects funded under //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7G-9 or //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7G-10.
 * Local Portion** is the amount of school bonds issued as local funding for school facilities

applicable law.
 * Local Share** is the total cost of the project less the state share as determined by

subdivision or entity authorized to construct, operate and maintain a school facilities project and to borrow money for those purposes pursuant to law.
 * Local Unit** is a county, municipality, district board of education or any other political

lease obligations and all other obligations of a local unit that are issued or entered into for the purpose of paying for all or a portion of the costs of a school facilities project.
 * Local Unit Obligations** refer to school bonds, notes, refunding bonds, refunding notes,

district pursuant to //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7G-4 and //N.J.A.C//. 6A:26-2 //et seq//. and approved by the Commissioner for the district to be eligible for state facilities aid for construction projects.
 * LRFP -- Long-Range Facilities Plan** must be submitted to the Commissioner by a

and/or additions to school facilities.
 * New Construction** is a school facilities project that consists of new school facilities

service aid percentage less than 55 percent that elects not to have the Economic Development Authority oversee the project.
 * Non-Authority Project** is a school facilities project of a district with a district debt

project as calculated pursuant to the formulas set forth in //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7G-7, that include the costs of construction and other allowable costs.
 * PEC -- Preliminary Eligible Costs** are the initial eligible costs of a school facilities

and acquisition; feasibility studies; land-related design work; design work; site remediation; demolition; and acquisition of temporary facilities.
 * Preconstruction Activities** include but are not limited to site identification; investigation;

instructional space, administrative and support space, and the sizes and numbers of the space that would constitute a school facility adequate to support the achievement of the CCCS by the projected student enrollment.
 * Programmatic Model** is a list of each general instructional space, specialized

District below).
 * ROD -- Regular Operating District** is any district other than a SDA district (see SDA

alteration, modernization or repair of a school facility that does not increase the gross square footage of the school facility.
 * Rehabilitation** is a school facilities project consisting of the reconstruction, remodeling,

school day prior to October 16 of the current school year in the school registers.
 * School Enrollment** includes the number of FTE students who are recorded on the last

unhoused students or rehabilitation for the purpose of keeping a school facility functional.
 * School Facilities Project** is new construction necessary to meet the housing needs of


 * SDA -- Schools Development Authority** (see Authority in this section)

expansion aid in the 2007-2008 school year.
 * SDA District** is a district that received educational opportunity aid or preschool

facilities project as determined pursuant to applicable sections of the law.
 * State Share** is the state's proportionate share of the final eligible costs of a school


 * State Support** is the state share or state debt service aid.

spaces or facilities -- used for educating students on a temporary basis while awaiting completion of a school facilities project that will permanently house students.
 * Temporary Facility** is a facility -- including temporary classroom units (TCUs) or leased

facilities project to be constructed by the authority or a redevelopment entity or financed pursuant to //N.J.S.A//. 18A:7G-15. In the case of a school facilities project that does not fit the description above, the total cost of the project is determined by the district.
 * Total Costs** are the final eligible costs plus excess costs, if any, in the case of a school

construction, alteration, renovation, rehabilitation, maintenance, occupancy and use of buildings and structures, including school facilities.
 * UCC -- Uniform Construction Code** is state code that contains standards governing

facility, calculated pursuant to //N.J.A.C//. 6A:26-2.2(c).
 * Unhoused Students** are the students in excess of the functional capacity of a school


 * 20 **


 * Grants Management**

centralized control function for receipt of official grant documents. Among the various functions of the ACC are the receipt and evaluation of proposals and applications; grant agreement approvals and awards; oversight of the grantee report tracking system; award modification review and approval process; and award closeout.
 * ACC -- Application Control Center** is responsible for providing the department’s

developed annually by program offices for each appropriation received by DOE. Each AMP includes a description of the appropriation, timelines, proposed use of funds and program description. Each AMP must be approved by the Commissioner prior to the distribution of grant funds. Approved AMPs provide the necessary information to develop and distribute a pre-announcement of the availability of subgrant funds to be used for specific educational purposes.
 * AMP -- Appropriation Management Plan** is a comprehensive planning document

competitive basis to those agencies that were funded in year one of a multiyear grant program. Grantees must be certified by the program office as eligible to continue based on performance.
 * Continuation Grant** is a discretionary grant in which funds are provided on a non-

agency to provide specified services. No evaluation is required.
 * Cooperative Agreement** is a document developed jointly by DOE and the targeted

agencies of a specific type (e.g., county vocational schools, institutions of higher education with teacher preparation programs, etc.). This type of grant program may be used when the enabling legislation does not specify which agencies are eligible or provide a formula for disbursement of funds and clearly provides discretion to the grantor agency (DOE) regarding such disbursement issues. DOE may use its discretion to determine the types of agencies, the total amount of funds to be distributed, the intent of the funding, the allowable uses for the funds and the formula that would be applied. **All**
 * Discretionary Formula Grant** is a grant in which funds are provided equitably to all

agencies of that type would receive funds according to the formula after submission/approval of an application for funds or the cooperative agreement. with legislation that permits the grantor agency (DOE) to exercise judgment in selecting the project, the grantee and the amount of the award. Applicants may or may not compete for these funds.
 * Discretionary Grant** is a grant made in support of an individual project in accordance

discretionary grant programs, provides advice to facilitate the preparation of a well- considered, complete application and includes directions for completing the standard application forms.
 * DGA -- Discretionary Grant Application** contains information applicable to all

U. S. Department of Education, contain portions of Title 34 of the //Code of Federal// //Regulations// (parts 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 97, 98 and 99) that address the administrative requirements for grantees.
 * EDGAR -- Education Department General Administrative Regulations,** issued by the

basis of a specific formula, prescribed in legislation or regulation, rather than on the basis of an individual project review. The formula is usually based on such factors as population, enrollment, per capita income or specific need. Applicants do not compete for these funds.
 * Entitlement Grant** is a grant in which funds are provided to specified grantees on the

submit most grant applications to DOE. The system is accessed through DOE Homeroom Web site.
 * EWEG – Electronic Web-Enabled Grants** is thesystem that is used by applicants to


 * LEA – Local Education Agency** (See State Aid/School Data)

competitive basis and that is open to agencies with specific characteristics (e.g., high needs districts, districts with Title I schools in need of improvement, institutions of higher education with teacher preparation programs, etc.) as determined by the enabling legislation. Applications are evaluated and scored by a reader panel according to specified selection criteria.
 * Limited Competitive Grant** is a discretionary grant in which funds are provided on a

designed to solicit applications from eligible candidates. It contains three sections that detail the state’s goals and purposes; the eligible agency’s guidelines for constructing a project consistent with the state’s goals; and general application guidance that links the applicant to the Discretionary Grant Application on DOE’s Web site.
 * NGO – Notice of Grant Opportunity** is a document specific to a grant program

guidance for the administration of grants, cost principles and audit requirements. Federal regulations require that state departments of education treat federal and nonfederal sources of funds in a consistent manner and in accordance with state law. To meet this requirement, DOE applies the provisions of the federal OMB Circulars uniformly to all contractors, regardless of the source of funds.
 * OMB Circulars -- Office of Management and Budget Circulars** provide federal

are provided on a competitive basis and that is open to all eligible agencies as determined by the enabling legislation. Applications are evaluated and scored by a reader panel, according to specified selection criteria.
 * Open Competitive Grant** is the most common form of discretionary grant in which funds

programs that are designed to help rural districts. The two programs are the Small Rural Schools Grant Program, which is administered directly by the USDE, and the Rural and Low-Income School Program, administered by DOE.
 * REAP -- Rural Education Achievement Program** refers to federal formula grant


 * SEA -- State Education Agency** (See State Aid/School Data)

to an agency (or agencies) with unique qualifications such that no other agency can provide the specified services. The grant may be awarded through the NGO process or by issuing a cooperative agreement.
 * Targeted Grant** is a discretionary grant that provides funds on a non-competitive basis


 * 22 --**


 * High-Need School Districts**


 * At-Risk School District** is a district as defined in P.L. 2007. c.260.

litigants in //Raymond Abbott v. Fred G. Burke// decided by the New Jersey Supreme Court on June 5, 1990, as follows: Asbury Park City; Bridgeton City; Burlington City; Camden City; East Orange City; Elizabeth City; Garfield City; Gloucester City; Harrison Town; Hoboken City; Irvington Township; Jersey City; Keansburg Borough; Long Branch City; Millville City; New Brunswick City; Newark City; City of Orange Township; Passaic City; Paterson City; Pemberton Township; Perth Amboy City; Phillipsburg Town; Pleasantville City; Trenton City; Union City; Vineland City; and West New York Town. The following school districts were added to the original 28 Abbott school districts pursuant to statute: Neptune Township, Plainfield and Salem City. The Abbott designation was eliminated when the //School Funding Act, P.L. 2007 c. 260// was enacted.
 * Abbott School District** refers to the following 28 urban school districts that were


 * CCCS -- Core Curriculum Content Standards** (see Standards)

including former Abbott school districts or the state school district superintendent in the case of a state-operated school district. . previously designated as Abbott districts in all court proceedings and oversees the actions taken to carry out the court’s decisions.
 * CSA -- Chief School Administrator** is a term that refers to a district superintendent,
 * ELC -- Education Law Center** is the legal entity that represents the school districts

students are “at-risk” as defined in //P.L. 2007, c.260// and is at one or more of the following proficiency levels on state assessments: 1. Less than 85 percent of total students have achieved proficiency in language arts literacy on the N. J. Assessment of Skill and Knowledge (NJ ASK) 3; 2. Less than 80 percent of total students have achieved proficiency in language arts literacy on the NJ ASK 8; 3. Less than 80 percent of total students have achieved proficiency in language arts literacy on the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA); 4. Less than 85 percent of total students have achieved proficiency in mathematics on the NJ ASK 4; 5. Less than 80 percent of total students have achieved proficiency in mathematics on the NJ ASK 8; and/or 6. Less than 80 percent of total students have achieved proficiency in mathematics on the HSPA.
 * High-Need School District** isa school district in which 40 percent or more of the

least two of the grades from six through 12 pursuant to //N.J.A.C// 6A:13
 * Secondary Education School District** is a school district that includes students in at

align school district and/or school curriculum to the CCCS and assure that instructional practice and professional development are effective and driven by the curriculum.
 * Standards-Based Reform** is the process by which schools and school districts work to


 * 23 --**


 * Licensing and Credentials**

permits qualified individuals who have not completed a teacher training program to earn instructional licenses while teaching in schools under a program of mentoring, supervision, evaluation and formal instruction. It allows people to enter teaching after they have worked in other careers.
 * AR -- Alternate Route** is an alternative certification process adopted in 1985 that

preparation for educators at an institution of higher education.
 * Approved Program** is a department-approved planned program of professional

services and administrative -- that the Board of Examiners issues to permit an individual to serve as a teaching staff member. The Board of Examiners issues a separate endorsement for each subject area that falls under a specific type of certificate. The endorsement must be considered part of the certificate.
 * Certificate** refers to one of three types of credentials – instructional, educational

have completed degree, academic study and applicable test requirements for certification. The CE is the alternate route certificate and permits the applicant to seek and accept employment in positions requiring certification. Once hired, the holder of the CE obtains a provisional certificate through his/her employer and must complete 34 weeks of mentoring, as well as instruction in the N. J. Professional Teaching Standards.
 * CE -- Certificate of Eligibility** is a credential with lifetime validity issued to persons who

validity issued to persons who have completed degree, academic study, applicable test requirements and traditional professional preparation programs for certification. The CEAS is the traditional route certificate and permits the applicant to seek and accept employment in positions requiring certification. Once hired, the holder of the CEAS obtains a provisional certificate through his/her employer and must be mentored for 30 weeks.
 * CEAS -- Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing** is a credential with lifetime

college-level coursework in a subject field that includes 12 semester-hour credits of study at the junior, senior or graduate levels.
 * Coherent Sequence of Courses** is a sequence of at least 30 semester-hour credits of

Content Standards.
 * Dual Content Major** is any college major that combines two of the Core Curriculum

authorized to serve.
 * Endorsement** refers to the specific subject area in which a certificate holder is

support and guidance to a novice teacher.
 * Mentor Teacher** is an experienced New Jersey-certified teacher assigned to provide


 * NASDTEC -- National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and**
 * Certification**.

professional accrediting body for educator preparation.
 * NCATE -- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education** is a national

time teaching under a standard state teaching certificate.
 * Novice Teacher** is any full- or part-time teacher who has not completed one year of full-

requirements for initial employment but who have not yet met the requirements for standard certification. Provisional certificates are issued to newly employed instructional, administrator and educational services staff who are employed as part of a state- approved district training program or residency leading to standard certification. Provisional certificates are also issued to initially employed educational services staff who have from one to three years of successful full-time experience or the equivalent in another state under that state’s standard certificates.
 * Provisional Certificate** is a two-year certificate issued to candidates who have met the

support, supervision and evaluation by school-based professionals as part of the teacher certification requirements. For alternate route teachers, the program includes formal instruction.
 * PTP -- Provisional Teacher Program** consists of 30 or 34 weeks of full-time, on-the-job

certification requirements.
 * Standard Certificate** is a permanent certificate issued to a person who has met all

accrediting body for educator preparation.
 * TEAC -- Teacher Education Accreditation Council** is a national professional

of scientific principles to solve problems. Acceptable technology discipline majors include, but are not limited to, engineering; computer science; information technology; design technology; aviation technology; military technology; or industrial technology.
 * Technology Discipline Major** is any college major that concentrates on the application

student teaching.
 * Traditional Route** is an approved collegiate teacher preparation program culminating in


 * 24 ---**


 * //No Child Left Behind//** **(****//NCLB//****)**

subgroups of students, assuring that each group meets the same benchmarks as they move toward meeting the federal Title I goal of 100 percent proficiency in language arts literacy, mathematics and science by 2014.
 * Achievement Gap** Title I requires schools to close achievement gaps across several

students and subgroups.
 * Accountability** requires schools to be responsible for progress and achievement for all

not making AYP for any of the state assessments for two consecutive years are designated as in need of improvement. New Jersey has taken a proactive measure to inform schools not making AYP after one year by designating them as Early Warning to assist them in identifying areas in need of attention and to make any necessary adjustments to prevent not meeting AYP for another year.
 * AYP -- Adequate Yearly Progress** Under the //No Child Left Behind Act of 2001//, schools

consists of educational practitioners, parents and other individuals assembled, trained and assigned by the Commissioner and the chief school administrator to implement the CAPA process in low-performing schools to bring about school improvement.
 * CAPA Team -- Collaborative Assessment and Planning for Achievement Team**

workbook to the United States Department of Education (USED) detailing the implementation of its single accountability system as regulated by //NCLB//.
 * Consolidated State Accountability Workbook** each state is required to submit a

directly responds to the consistent academic failure of a school. It is designed to increase the likelihood that students enrolled in schools identified for corrective action will meet or exceed the state’s proficient levels of achievement on the state’s assessments.
 * Corrective Action** is action taken that is consistent with state law and substantially and

requirements for making AYP for two consecutive years.
 * DINI – District in Need of Improvement** means that the entire district did not meet the

a provision for schools to be designated as persistently dangerous when they meet the objective criteria for three consecutive years. New Jersey has taken a proactive measure to inform schools meeting the criteria for this designation after **two** consecutive years to assist them with reducing the number of violent incidents and subsequently avoiding the designation of persistently dangerous.
 * Early Warning for Unsafe Schools** The Unsafe School Choice Option policy sets forth

families who live in the school attendance area is equal to the district percentage, is at least 35 percent or is located in a single attendance area.
 * Eligible Attendance Area** is the area where the percentage of children from low-income

enacted in 1965 affecting education from kindergarten through high school. This law provides guidance and funds to schools throughout the United States. The //No Child Left// //Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001// reauthorized //ESEA.// Prior to //NCLB//, the education reauthorization was called //Improving America’s Schools Act.//
 * //ESEA//** **--** **//Elementary and Secondary Education Act//**is the principal federal law


 * ESL -- English as a Second Language** (See Bilingual Education/ESL)

students.
 * Flexibility** is when communities have more options to determine how to best serve

day of the 2002-2003 school year to teach in a Title I, Part A program must be “highly qualified.” In addition, the law requires all local educational agencies (LEAs) to have a plan to ensure that all teachers in the LEA teaching subjects in the Core Curriculum
 * HQT -- Highly Qualified Teacher** under //NCLB// means any teacher hired after the first

Content Standards be “highly qualified” by the end of the 2005-2006 school year. The requirements can be found at http://www.nj.gov/njded/profdev/nclb/. the federally sanctioned alternate criteria by which veteran teachers can demonstrate that they satisfy the highly qualified requirement in New Jersey.
 * HOUSE -- High Objective Uniform State Evaluation (HOUSE) Standard** establishes

//and Secondary Act//. The act was amended in 1994 and was reauthorized in 2002 as //No// //Child Left Behind//.
 * //IASA//** **--** **//Improving America’s Schools Act//**was the reauthorization of the //Elementary//

school they attend has not made AYP in improving student achievement, as defined by the state, for two consecutive years or longer and has been identified as in need of improvement.
 * Intradistrict School Choice** Children are eligible for school choice when the Title I


 * LEA -- Local Education Agency** (See State Aid and School Data)


 * LEP -- Limited English Proficient** (See Bilingual Education/ESL)

reauthorizes the //Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA//), the main federal law regarding K-12 education. The four main pillars of //NCLB// are: accountability; flexibility and local control; enhanced parental choice; and a focus on what works in the classroom. //NCLB// requires state governments and educational systems to help low- achieving students in high-poverty schools meet the same academic performance standards that apply to all students.
 * //NCLB//** **--** **//No Child Left Behind Act of 2001//** was signed into law on January 8, 2002. It

funds.
 * Paraprofessional** is an employee who provides instructional support with Title I, Part A

communication involving student academic learning and other social activities that play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning.
 * Parent Involvement** is the participation of parents in regular, two-way, meaningful

Part A funds to notify at the beginning of the school year parents of each student that they can request and receive information on the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teacher. Additionally, the law requires that if a student is being taught by a teacher who is not highly qualified, parents are to be notified after four consecutive weeks.
 * Parent’s Right to Know** is a provision in //NCLB// that requires schools receiving Title I,

building (except for regional day schools, educational services commissions and special services school districts) that meets the objective criteria of persistently dangerous established by DOE for three consecutive years and is part of an LEA that receives funds under //NCLB//. The most current available data from the Electronic Violence and Vandalism Reporting System (EVVRS) is used to identify persistently dangerous schools on or before July 31 of each year, in compliance with federal regulations (68-FR 16789).
 * PDS -- Persistently Dangerous School** is a public elementary or secondary school

performance targets. The percentage of students scoring non-proficient must be reduced by at least 10 percent for each student subgroup that did not meet performance targets.
 * Safe Harbor** is the method for making AYP if student subgroups do not meet

particular school reside.
 * School Attendance Area** isthe geographic area in which the children served by a

an important element in New Jersey’s continuing commitment to set high standards, measure school progress and report results to the public each year.
 * School Report Card** contains statistical profiles of all public schools in the state and is

curriculum and the varied educational needs of children living in impoverished communities with comprehensive strategies for improving the entire school’s academic performance. At least 40 percent of the children enrolled in the school or residing in the school attendance area must be from low-income families to qualify.
 * Schoolwide Program** isa program using Title I funds to address the entire school

objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to education activities and programs.
 * Scientifically Based Research** involves the application of rigorous, systematic and

public schools, districts and charter schools. The state’s accountability system requires AYP decisions for all public schools.
 * Single Accountability System** The state has a single accountability system for all

students or has only one grade span.
 * Single Attendance Area** isa school district with either one school, less than 1,000

is calculated using 40 primary indicators (test participation and scores) and one secondary indicator (attendance or high school graduation). Schools that do not meet the benchmark on one or more of the indicators for two consecutive years are designated as “in need of improvement.” The 40 primary indicators are based on meeting a 95 percent participation rate in language arts literacy and math tests, as well as meeting AYP benchmark targets for the math and language arts literacy (LAL) tests. Data are then examined by looking at 10 subgroups for both tests.
 * SINI -- Schools in Need of Improvement** is a designation based on making AYP, which

provided to income-eligible students who attend a Title I SINI. Extra help in LAL and math must be provided outside of the regular school day. SES is mandated by //NCLB// for students attending Title I schools in their second year and beyond of being designated as in need of improvement. DOE maintains a list of approved schools and educational agencies that offer SES.
 * SES -- Supplemental Educational Services** refers to extra academic instruction

eligible children attending Title I schools to enter into a service agreement with a supplemental education service provider. SES provides extra academic assistance for eligible children. Students from low-income families who are attending Title I schools that are in their second year of school improvement (i.e., have not made adequate yearly progress for three or more years), in corrective action or in restructuring status are eligible to receive these services.
 * SESA -- Supplemental Educational Services Agreement** is used for parents of

proficient target in order for a school to make AYP. The nine student subgroups are: special education; LEP; economically disadvantaged; white; African American; American Indian; Asian/Pacific Islander; Hispanic; and other.
 * Student Subgroup** All students, as well as nine identified subgroups, must meet the

services only to identified children who are in most need of academic support/enrichment.
 * Targeted Assistance Program** isa Title I program that directs funds and provides


 * Federal Title programs:**

achievement of the disadvantaged.
 * TITLE I, PART A** supports programs and resources aimed at improving the academic

programs and correctional facilities to assure they attain high academic levels of performance.
 * TITLE I, PART D** serves neglected and delinquent youth in institutions, community day

increasing the number of highly qualified teachers and principals in classrooms and schools.
 * TITLE II, PART A** provides resources for improving teacher and principal quality and

strategies that target specific needs of individual schools.
 * TITLE II, PART D** facilitates comprehensive and integrated educational technology

children, including immigrant children and youth.
 * TITLE III, PART A** focuses on teaching of English to limited English proficient (LEP)

environment that supports academic achievement.
 * TITLE IV, PART A** provides resources for fostering a safe and drug-free learning

development and implementation of various innovative reforms.
 * TITLE V, PART A** provides a flexible source of funding to assist LEAs in the


 * TITLE VI, PART B** addresses unique needs of rural school districts.

equitable participation of nonpublic school students and teachers in //NCLB// programs.
 * TITLE IX** covers general provisions applicable to some/all of the programs, including

military personnel as teachers in school districts serving high concentrations of low- income families. TTT helps relieve teacher shortages, especially in math, science, special education and other high-needs subject areas, and assists military personnel in making successful transitions to careers in teaching.
 * TTT -- Troops to Teachers** is a federal program that seeks to place experienced former

establishes the criteria and actions necessary for school districts and DOE to ensure a safe learning environment for students. Students attending a persistently dangerous public elementary or secondary school, or who become a victim of a violent criminal offense, as determined by state law, while in or on the grounds of the public school the student attends are provided with an option to transfer to a safe public elementary school or secondary school within the LEA.
 * USCO -- Unsafe School Choice Option** policy(Title IX, Part E, Subpart 2, SEC. 9532)


 * 29 --**


 * Professional Standards and Development**


 * HQT -- Highly Qualified Teacher** (See //NCLB//)

standards for what effective teachers should know and be able to do; develops and operates a national voluntary system to assess and certify teachers who meet these standards; and advances related education reforms for the purpose of improving student learning in public schools. The national board sets advanced standards in more than 30 certificated fields.
 * NBPTS -- National Board for Professional Teaching Standards** establishes rigorous

with districts in search of applicants.
 * NJHIRE** is DOE’s Internet-based hiring system that helps match teachers seeking jobs


 * NJPEP -- N. J. Professional Education Port-Virtual Academy**
 * (**www.nj.gov/education/njpep/)

provides support to the educational community in the understanding and implementation of the Core Curriculum Content Standards, statewide and local assessments, and the integration of 21st century knowledge and skills and global perspectives through professional learning that inspires, leads to reflection and fosters collaboration with peers and students. appointed by the Commissioner of Education to oversee the implementation of the continuing education regulations for teachers. Nineteen members comprise the board and include the following: 10 classroom teachers; two college representatives, with at least one representing a teacher education program; three district administrators; two members of local boards of education; and two members of the general public. The primary role of the board is to advise the Commissioner with regard to implementation of the professional development requirements for teachers.
 * NJPTSB -- N. J. Professional Teaching Standards Board** is an advisory board

program administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that identifies outstanding math and science teachers in each of four categories -- elementary mathematics and science and secondary mathematics and science. Each Presidential honoree’s school receives a $7,500 grant to be spent under the honoree’s direction during a five-year period to improve math or science programs.
 * PAEMST -- Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching** is a

school/university/community partnerships focused on improving the education of practicing and prospective teachers; strengthening knowledge and practice in teaching; and enhancing the profession by serving as models of school/university collaboration. The partnerships address student learning problems, shared teaching, collaborative research on the problems of educational practice and cooperative supervision.
 * PDS -- Professional Development Schools** are collaborative

performances expected of New Jersey principals and school administrators. The standards serve as the basis of the state’s program approval process for school leader preparation and as a guide for the professional development of school leaders.
 * Professional Standards for School Leaders** define the knowledge, dispositions and

performances expected of New Jersey teachers, and serve as the basisof the state’s program approval process for teacher preparation and as a guide for the professional development of teachers.
 * Professional Standards for Teachers** define the knowledge,dispositions and

strengthen school leaders through the development of state-level policy and regulations that promote the recruitment, preparation, assessment/certification, development and retention of a diverse pool of school leaders whose primary mission is to enhance teaching, learning and student achievement. New Jersey was selected as one of 15 states funded by the DeWitt-Wallace Funds to develop and pilot policies that would attract, develop and retain high-quality principals and superintendents, particularly for high-need schools.
 * SAELP -- State Action for Education Leadership Project** is a national project to

under Title II, Part A of //NCLB//. Its purpose is to increase student academic achievement through strategies, such as improving teacher and principal quality through high-quality professional development, as well as increasing the number of highly qualified teachers in the classroom and highly qualified principals and assistant principals in schools.
 * Title II, Part A -- Improving Teacher Quality State Grant Program** is federally funded


 * 30 ---**


 * Special Education**

performancein implementing the requirements of the //Individuals with Disabilities// //Education Act.//
 * APR -- Annual Performance Report** is a federally mandated report of each state’s

teacher/consultant and school social worker who are employees of the school district responsible for conducting evaluations to determine eligibility for special education and related services for students with disabilities.
 * CST -- Child Study Team** consists of a school psychologist, a learning disabilities

to a student with a disability beyond the normal school year in accordance with the student’s IEP and at no cost to the parent.
 * ESY -- Extended School Year** means special education and related services provided

services that are provided at public expense under public supervision and direction and without charge to parents; meet state and federal requirements; include preschool, elementary or secondary school education; and are provided according to an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
 * FAPE -- Free, Appropriate Public Education** consists of special education and related

mandates a FAPE for students with disabilities. In New Jersey, students ages 3 through 21 are included.
 * IDEA --** **//Individuals with Disabilities Education Act//**is the federal statute that

includes appropriate school staff and parents. It determines the special education program for a student with disabilities through individually designed instructional activities constructed to meet goals and objectives established for the student. It establishes the rationale for a student’s placement and documents the provision of FAPE.
 * IEP -- Individualized Education Program** is a written plan developed at a meeting that

are responsible for the development, review and revision of the student's individualized education program. The team comprises the parent, the student (if appropriate), required school personnel and other knowledgeable individuals at the discretion of the school district or parent.
 * IEP Team -- Individualized Education Program Team** is the group of individuals who

network designed to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities ages 3 to 21. The centers provide professional development activities, technical assistance and statewide dissemination of educational materials, practices and techniques for educators, parents, paraprofessionals, child study teams and administrators. The program is intended to influence the design and implementation of special education programs. The LRC network includes two centers in the northern region, one center in the central region and one center in the southern region of the state. Each LRC project consists of two program components -- activities for educators and parents of students with disabilities ages 5 to 21 and activities for educators and preschoolers with disabilities ages 3 to 5.
 * LRC -- Learning Resource Center** is one of several centers that form astatewide

are educated with children who are not disabled to the maximum extent appropriate. It means that special classes, separate schooling or other removal of students with disabilities from the general educational environment should occur only when the severity of the disability is such that education in general education classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.
 * LRE -- Least Restrictive Environment** sets the standard that students with disabilities

and vocational services to deaf and multiply disabled deaf and hard-of-hearing children from birth through 12th grade. Residential services are provided to approximately half of the school’s students on a five-day-a-week basis.
 * MKSD -- Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf** under DOE provides educational

State Facilities for the Handicapped Bond Fund (chapter 149, laws of 1973). The 11 schools are managed by the local school districts under contract DOE.
 * RDS -- Regional Day Schools** are schools for the handicapped as authorized by the

implement the requirements of the //Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.//
 * SPP -- State Performance Plan** is a federally required plan of how each state will


 * 31 --**


 * Standards (Academic)**

Board of Education and revised and readopted by the board in 2004 and 2009. The standards are reviewed and revised every five years. CCCS include common expectations for student achievement grades pre-K to 12 in the following nine areas:
 * CCCS --- Core Curriculum Content Standards** were first adopted in 1996 by the State

Standard 1: Visual and Performing Arts Standard 2: Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Standard 3: Language Arts Literacy Standard 4: Mathematics Standard 5: Science Standard 6: Social Studies Standard 7: World Languages Standard 8: Technology Standard 9:. 21st Century Life and Careers

specific grade levels and are cumulative -- that is, the progress indicators begin at a foundational or basic level and increase in complexity as students mature.
 * CPIs --** **Cumulative Progress Indicators** specify content or skills to be taught at

grade-specific (e.g., by the end of grade 1, end of grade 2, etc.) or across several grades (e.g., K-4 or by the end of grade 4; 5-8 or by the end of grade 8, etc.).
 * Grade Level Clusters** establish the exit benchmark level for the CPIs. They may be


 * Strands** are organizational tools that help teachers locate related content and skills.


 * State and national organizations associated with the nine Core Curriculum**
 * Content Standards can be found under each of the areas at**


 * http://www.nj.gov/njded/aps/cccs/.**


 * 32 **


 * State Aid /School Data**

taking the greater of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 2.5 percent (//N.J.S.A//.18A:7F–5).
 * Adjusted for Inflation** as applied to a local district’s spending growth limitation means

for the first year (FY 2009) of the //School Funding and Reform Act 2008 (SFRA)// would be at least two percent greater than the aid amount provided in FY 2008, and that in subsequent years the aid will not be reduced below the FY 2009 amount notwithstanding some exceptions (//N.J.S.A//. 18A:7F-58).
 * Adjustment Aid** refers to aid provided to districts to ensure that the aid amount provided

Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) as required by //N.J.S.A//. 18A:23-1 //et// //seq.// The annual audit must be performed in accordance with standards required by the applicable authoritative or regulatory agencies and established in the documents issued by those agencies. An annual audit is performed by a public school accountant pursuant to //N.J.S.A.// 18A:23-8 //et seq//.
 * Annual Audit** is the audit of financial statements and schedules presented in the

districts for the purpose of calculating state school aid, with the exception of transportation aid submitted via the district report of transported resident students.
 * ASSA -- Application for State School Aid** is the data collection document submitted by

recent federal poverty guidelines available on October 15 of the prebudget year multiplied by 1.85 (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F–45).
 * At-Risk Pupils** refers to students from households with incomes at or below the most

budget at its adjusted spending growth limitation that is submitted to voters for approval in April. The base budget does not include separate additional spending proposals that a district may submit to voters or to the board of school estimate for approval (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F–5).
 * Base Budget** means the district board of education’s school budget that contains a net

Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS) and extracurricular activities necessary for a thorough and efficient education.
 * Base Per-Pupil Amount is** the cost per elementary pupil of delivering the Core

education or in an English as a second language program approved by the State Board of Education (also called LEP, ESL or ELL).
 * Bilingual Education Pupil** is a resident pupil enrolled in a program of bilingual

governmental unit that includes all funds and account groups. The report summarizes the activities and operations performed by all units that constitute the reporting entity. The combined financial position and results of operations are presented as if there were a single operating unit.
 * CAFR -- Comprehensive Annual Financial Report** is the official annual report of a


 * CCCS --- Core Curriculum Content Standards** (See Standards (Academic))

school as of October 15. The data are used in the School Report Card, the highly qualified teacher report and the Comparative Spending Guide, as well as federal collections and reports.
 * Certificated Staff Collection** is an annual DOE collection of all certificated staff in every

education pupil.
 * Combination Pupil** means a resident student who is both an at-risk and a bilingual

school districts compiled and published by DOE for general distribution pursuant to //N.J.S.A//. 18A: 4–30.
 * Comparative Spending Guide** is the annual report of comparative financial statistics of

decimal, in the consumer price index for the New York City and Philadelphia areas during the fiscal year preceding the schools’ prebudget year as reported by the U. S. Department of Labor (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F–45).
 * CPI -- Consumer Price Index** refers to the average annual increase, expressed as a

principal of a local district as set forth in //N.J.A.C//. 6:3-2.1, or the state district superintendent in the case of a state-operated school district.
 * CSA -- Chief School Administrator** means the superintendent or administrative

provides coordinated transportation services pursuant to the //Regionalized Public// //Transportation Services Act,// Chapter 53, P.L. 1997. The law requires the Commissioner to publish a list of CTSAs to help encourage district utilization.
 * CTSA -- Coordinated Transportation Services Agency** refers to an agency that


 * Debt Service** (See Facilities)

by their socioeconomic status (SES). The grouping designation is based on information available from the census and includes the following: percent of people in community with no high school diploma; percent with some college; occupations; income; unemployment; and poverty. There are eight groupings starting with A (the lowest socioeconomic level) and includes B, CD, DE, FG, GH, I and J (the highest). The groupings allow comparison of districts with similar profiles for purposes of state aid and assessment information.
 * DFG -- District Factor Grouping** is a system that provides a means of ranking schools

collection document submitted by boards of education for the calculation of state transportation aid and the district's transportation efficiency rating.
 * DRTRS -- District Report of Transported Resident Students** is the data

in FY 2008 and met two additional requirements: spending under adequacy; and are failing or municipally overburdened as determined pursuant to //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F-58. The aid was designed to enable these districts to spend at their adequacy budgets within three years and comes with a required local contribution.
 * EOA -- Educational Adequacy Aid** refers to aid provided to districts that received EOA

“Educational Adequacy Report” (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F–46).
 * Efficiency Standards** are applied to school districts and are contained in the

fund expenses to ensure that each district can provide a thorough and efficient system of education consistent with the CCCS (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F–48-53).
 * Equalization Aid** is the amount of state aid distributed to school districts for general

accordance with //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7A-11, setting forth enrollment as of October 15 of the school year and other information concerning the district.
 * Fall Survey** is a data collection submitted annually by each district to DOE in

outlines its plans for repairing physical infrastructure deficiencies, educational adequacy deficiencies and capacity deficits of the district’s school buildings. Efficient use and responsible ongoing maintenance of school facilities are integral components. All former Abbott districts are required to develop comprehensive five-year facilities management plans. All other districts currently are required to submit every five years less- comprehensive facilities plans.
 * FMP -- Facilities Management Plan** refers to a strategy developed by a district that

Governmental Accounting Standards Board as prescribed by the State Board. All school districts must use the GAAP accounting system //N.J.S.A.// 18A:4–14).
 * GAAP -- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles** are established by the

differences in the cost of providing educational services that are outside the control of the districts.
 * GCA -- Geographic Cost Adjustment** means an adjustment that reflects county

education or other public authority legally constituted within a state for either administrative control or direction of, or to perform a service function for, any public elementary or secondary school in the state. It can also refer to such combination of school districts or counties as are recognized in a state as an administrative agency for its public elementary or secondary schools. Local school districts are often referred to as LEAs in grant or funding documents.
 * LEA -- Local Education Agency** is defined by 20 U.S.C. 8801 as a public board of

equipment or construction of improvements or additions to school facilities. It is an agreement that cannot exceed five years under which the district leases equipment or school facilities, and gives the district the option of purchasing the leased property during or upon termination of the lease, with credit toward the purchase price of all or part of the rental payments. Lease purchase of buses cannot exceed 10 years. The lease agreement must contain a provision making payments subject to the annual appropriation of funds or contain an annual cancellation clause. Lease purchase of equipment does not need Commissioner approval. Lease purchase of construction of additions and renovations requires Commissioner or voter approval, as applicable. Payments of principal and interest for lease purchase agreements are part of the general fund budget. (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:20-4.2).
 * Lease Purchase** is an alternative way for a school district to finance the purchase of

districts based on property wealth and income levels. It is used in determining the amount of Equalization Aid that a district receives, if any.
 * Local Share** is the amount of funding that a local district can raise relative to other local

pursuant to the provisions of the SFRA other than preschool education aid, miscellaneous revenue estimated pursuant to GAAP, and designated general fund balance (//N.J.S.A//. 18A:7F–45).
 * Net Budget** means the sum of the district’s general fund tax levy, state aid received

registration system developed by the department to collect student-level data.
 * NJ SMART -- N. J. Standards Measurement and Resource for Teaching** is a student

budget is implemented (//N.J.S.A//. 18A:7F–45).
 * Prebudget Year** means the school fiscal year preceding the year in which the school

administrator to the public that includes the following: implementation of school-level plans, achievement of performance objectives, school report cards, professional development activities, condition of school facilities, status of mandated program reviews, and community support data.
 * QAAR -- Quality Assurance Annual Report** is a report provided by the chief school

postsecondary vocational students who are residents of the district on the last school day prior to October 16 of the current year. Disabled children between the ages of 3 and 5 are included in the resident enrollment (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F-45).
 * Resident Enrollment is** the number of pupils other than preschool, postgraduate or

interested taxpayers within each local school district and made available on DOE’s Web site. The report card for each school in the state contains information about student enrollment, test scores, attendance and graduation rates, as well as information about teaching and administrative staff and district-level finance (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7E–2).
 * School Report Card** is prepared and disseminated annually to parents and other

Department of Education that is authorized under federal law to administer federal funds directed to education in the state.
 * SEA -- State Education Agency** is a state-level entity such as the New Jersey

every district regardless of wealth, and determined by total and at-risk enrollments as well as at-risk concentration (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F-56).
 * Security Categorical Aid** refers to the unrestricted aid category that is distributed to

education is funded.
 * //SFRA//** **--** **//School Funding and Reform Act 2008//** is the current law that determines how

census amount that is distributed to all districts based on total enrollment and regardless of district wealth (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F-55).
 * Special Education Categorical Aid** is the one-third portion of the special education

classified for special education and speech-only services. It is calculated by multiplying the excess cost – above the base per-pupil amount – for special education (and speech only) students by the statewide average classification rate, which then is multiplied by each district’s total enrollment (//N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F-51).
 * Special Education Census** is the cost of providing programs and services to students

growth permitted in the net budget of a school district, county vocational school district or county special services school district as measured between the net budget of the prebudget year and the net budget of the budget year as calculated pursuant to //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F-5.
 * Spending Growth Limitation**, as defined by //N.J.S.A.// 18A:7F–45, is the annual rate of

children have a right to a “thorough and efficient system of free public school.”
 * T&E -- Thorough and Efficient** refers to New Jersey’s constitutional provision that all

costs from a base of zero, versus the previous year’s balance, to improve fiscal efficiency. It is an essential practice in whole school reform.
 * Zero-Based Budgeting** is a type of budgeting procedure that analyzes and justifies

I