Family Roadmap Glossary (Common Terms)
This glossary is a list of common words used in education. It includes simple definitions and explanations that are often used by schools and educators. This resource will help you better understand your child's education.
After-school Programs
After-school programs are activities that happen outside of the regular school schedule. These programs are designed to help students learn new things. They also are a place for students to have fun and be safe while their parents or guardians are still at work. Some after-school programs might include sports teams, art classes, music lessons, or tutoring. Your child is not required to participate in these programs. They are optional.
Attendance
Attendance means going to school regularly. Your child should go to school every day. They should only miss school if they are sick or for another important reason. It is important to be at school to learn and be with friends. When your child misses school, they can fall behind and miss out on fun activities with their class. To learn more, you can visit the Attendance Support page.
Career Technical Education (CTE)
Career-Technical Education (CTE) is a type of education that helps students learn skills and knowledge that can prepare them for different careers and jobs. Students can learn practical and hands-on skills in subjects like technology, healthcare, engineering, and many more. It is a way for students to explore different career options and gain valuable experience to help them succeed in the future.
Dual Language Learners (DLL)
In the early care and education system, dual language learners learn two or more languages at the same time from birth or are learning a second language after learning their first language. This term is used for students who have not yet enrolled in kindergarten. They are acquiring basic language skills in their first language along with English as a second or new language.
Education Levels
There are different education levels that students go through. There are five main levels: preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, and post-secondary education. You can learn more on the USA Hello website.
Preschool
Preschool is a school where young children go to play and learn before they start going to kindergarten. Children usually go to preschool between 3 and 5 years old. Attending preschool helps children get used to a school routine. It also lets them learn and join fun activities with others their age. At this age, students may be identified as Dual Language Learners.
Sometimes families must pay for their child to go to preschool. There are free preschool options for low-income families through the Head Start program. Children in preschool learn how to be with other children and get ready for kindergarten. Preschool is also a time when teachers and families may identify special learning or developmental needs. Together, families and preschool teachers can help find health care, learning and other supports that will support the special needs of the young child. In Ohio, the Help Me Grow program provides many supports to families of young children.
Kindergarten
Children start public school with kindergarten around age 5. Kindergarten classes may be shorter (half day) or longer (full day). Kindergarten classes that are half day may take place in the morning or the afternoon. The length of time children spend in their kindergarten classes depends on the school or district.
Elementary School
Children go to elementary school from kindergarten to fifth grade. Most students finish elementary school at 10 years old. After kindergarten, the next year is first grade.
Children in elementary school usually learn different subjects from one teacher in a single classroom. They learn to develop writing and math skills and learn reading, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Middle School
In middle school, students are around 11 to 13 years old. It starts with sixth grade and ends with eighth grade. Middle school students usually go to different classrooms for different subjects and have different teachers in one school day.
High School
Students usually go to high school when they are 14 to 18 years old. Some students who need more help may be able to attend high school until the age of 22 years old.
High school starts with ninth grade and ends with 12th grade. The classes are arranged by subjects. A student usually has different teachers throughout the day. Some students can take advanced classes and prepare for work or college. Students may also choose to attend a Career-Technical Education program for high school. High schools also have clubs, sports, and other activities.
In high school, each grade year has a name:
- Freshman year (9th grade)
- Sophomore year (10th grade)
- Junior year (11th grade)
- Senior year (12th grade)
Education Rights
Civil rights have been guaranteed in the United States to ensure that everyone has the equal opportunities and legal protections, no matter their race, religion, or other personal traits. Some examples of civil rights are the right to a public education, the right to vote, get help from the government and the right to use public spaces. Civil rights are the foundation for the rights students and families have in education.
Families and students who receive English language supports have rights. Learn more at the Department's Education Rights page.
Enrollment
Enrollment is when you register your child to go to a school. It is like joining a club or team, but instead you are joining a school. It means your child is going to be a student there. Every child from age 5 to 18 must be enrolled in school.
English Learner
Schools may use this term for students who speak more than one language and have English test scores below a proficient level in reading, writing, or speaking. These students are usually enrolled in school and receive instruction and other supports to learn to speak, read, write, and understand English. Students who are English learners usually speak one or more languages other than English at home.
English Language Supports (Extra help to improve English skills)
Every school must provide extra help to students who need to improve their English skills. Each school may teach English differently. Every year, your child will take a test (the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment) to check their English language skills. Your child will get English language supports until they pass the test.
English language supports may include:
- Classes to help students learn English
- Extra help during regular classes (like science or math) to help students understand what they are learning
English Language Proficiency
English language proficiency means being able to speak, understand, read, and write English very well. Schools use tests (like the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment) to check how well students use English. It takes time and practice to get good at it. When someone has English language proficiency, they can communicate well in English (speaking, reading, writing, and understanding).
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are activities that your child can join outside of their regular school day. These activities can be sports, music, clubs, or volunteering. They can help your child make new friends, learn new skills, and have fun. This is also a great way to stay active and healthy.
Family Liaison
A family liaison is someone who may speak more than one language and help families and schools work together. They work with parents, teachers, and schools to make sure everyone understands each other. This helps students do their best in school.
Financial Aid
Student financial aid in the United States is money that students can get to help pay for education after high school like college or career technical education. This money can come from the government, schools, and private groups. It can be given as a grant, a loan, a work-study job, or a scholarship. To apply for federal aid, students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Free and Reduced Meals
Free and reduced meals are meals that students can get at school for little or no cost. Families who have a lower income may qualify for these meals and can apply to get them.
Gifted Education
Gifted education means providing special classes or programs for students who are talented in certain subjects. These classes give students the chance to learn more and be challenged in ways that match their abilities.
Grades
Grades are the scores that teachers give students for the work that they do in class. They show how well your child understands and completes assignments. They can be used to track your child’s progress throughout the school year. Higher grades usually mean better performance. Lower grades may show areas where your child may need to improve.
Home School (Learning at Home)
Parents in Ohio can choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to school. They just need to tell the superintendent of their local school or district and follow the rules of Ohio law for homeschooling. Learn more on the Home Schooling webpage.
Home Language Survey (Language Usage Survey)
The Language Usage Survey is a form that schools use to learn about the languages families speak at home. Families may use this form to share what language they prefer to use. The school should use the information from the form to share information with families in the language they prefer to use. Students from families who use a language other than English at home may need to check if the student needs extra help to improve their English skills.
Interpretation
Interpretation means taking words or sentences from one language and writing or speaking to them in another language. It helps people who speak different languages understand each other better.
Interpreter
An interpreter is someone who translates what someone is saying into another language. This helps people who speak different languages understand each other.
Mental Health
It is important to take care of our minds just like we take care of our bodies. Mental health is all about how we feel and think. It includes emotions, behaviors, and ways of learning. When children have good mental health, they can feel happy and confident. They can also do well in school and have good relationships with family and friends.
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce oversees the schools that teach children in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is a state government organization of people who work together to help schools and teachers make sure children are learning and growing. They create rules and give guidance to help schools be their best.
Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA)
The Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment is a test given to students who are considered English Learners. The test helps teachers understand how well students can listen, speak, read, and write in English. It also helps teachers know how they can improve their language skills. This test is important for students who need extra help learning English so they can succeed in school and beyond. Each time students take this test the school must share the results with families.
Alternate Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (Alt-OELPA)
The Alternate Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (Alt-OELPA) is a test that measures how well English learners in grades K-12, who have significant cognitive disabilities, can understand and use the English language. The test looks at their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and includes English language they need for their schoolwork. The Alt-OELPA gives these students a chance to show what they know on a test that is based on different expectations for learning English. You can visit the Alt-OELPA page of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website.
Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener (OELPS)
The Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener is a test that schools use to determine if a student is a potential English learner and may need help learning English. Usually, students take this test after their family completes the Language Usage Survey or if the school learns that a studentʼs family uses another language other than English at home.
School District
A school district is a group of schools that belong to the same area. They work together to make sure all students in their area can go to a good school. Each school district has its own rules and leaders who make decisions for all schools in the district.
Special Education
Special education programs provide students with support if they have physical, mental, or other disabilities. Students in need of special education may have trouble learning in a regular classroom. They may get help in a separate classroom. This is to help them succeed in their education. This helps them learn in a way that is better for them.
Summer Camp
Summer camp is a place where children go during their summer break from school. They get to do fun activities like sports, arts and crafts, and games. They also get to make new friends. They can learn new things in a safe and supervised environment.
Translator
A translator is a person or tool that helps convert written words or phrases from one language into another.
Translation
Translation is the process of converting written words or text from one language into another. It helps people understand and communicate in different languages.
University (or College)
A university or college is a place where students go to continue learning after they finish high school. They take classes to prepare for the jobs they would like to have in the future. Universities are bigger than high schools and have lots of buildings for students to go to, like classrooms, libraries, and dorms.
Virtual Learning (or Remote or Online Learning)
Virtual learning is when students use technology like computers and the internet to learn. Students use virtual learning when they learn and complete assignments online. Virtual learning may take place at school, at home, the library, or other places in the community.
Vocational training is another type of education program students can participate in during high school. The programs are usually focused on training students to go into a specific career or trade, such as welding, safety, farming, hospitality, construction, or health care. Students in these programs may also learn specific skills like how to fix computers or cook.
These resources aim to bolster academic, student wellness, and college and career outcomes for Ohio's English Learners. Resources were created through a collaborative effort between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and The Ohio State University's Center on Education and Training for Employment along with a dedicated group of family advocates, community leaders, school district staff, and teachers.
Last Modified: 10/23/2024 10:56:38 AM