Chapter 10 Vocabulary

Charter School

A public school that operates as a school of choice. Charter schools commit to obtaining specific educational objectives in return for a charter to operate a school. Charter schools are exempt from significant state or local regulations related to operation and management but otherwise adhere to regulations of public schools — for example, charter schools cannot charge tuition or be affiliated with a religious institution

Competency Test

A test developed to measure the minimum knowledge and/or skills deemed necessary for adequate. performance in the classroom.

Establishment Clause

Clause in the First Amendment that states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

In 2015, President Obama signed a new version of the federal education law, which reversed much of the federal government's control of public education and returned control to the states and local districts.

- ESSA requires every state to measure performance in reading, math, and science. Each state determines the way students are assessed. Every school in each state must inform parents about their standards and their results.

- ESSA requires every state to develop a concise and easily understandable "State Report Card" that is accessible online and provides parents important information on test performance in reading, math, and science. The report cards must also provide data on graduation rates, suspensions, absenteeism, teacher qualifications, and many other areas.

- ESSA increases transparency to empower parents with information to help them make the best choices for their children. For the first time ever, states are required to report how much money, on average, they spend per student. This is called "per pupil expenditures." ESSA also requires states to list their lowest performing 5% of schools. These schools require "comprehensive support and improvement."

- ESSA extends flexibility for funds to be invested in career and technical education and even toward transportation for students to attend higher performing schools."

Free Exercise Clause

Clause in the First Amendment that states that Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion.

Merit Pay

Merit pay programs for educators — sometimes referred to a "pay for performance" — attempts to tie a teacher's compensation to his/her performance in the classroom. Merit pay is intended to:

- Reward teachers who are more effective (meaning their students score higher on standardized testing)

- Increase competition among teachers

- Increase student scores on standardized testing

- Create a measurable evaluation of teachers

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

Also known as The Nation's Report Card, is to measure the educational achievement and progress of the nation's students at established grades and ages in relation to the content of NAEP frameworks.

School Choice

Allows parents to send their children to any public school in a particular area, fostering competition between district schools.

School Vouchers

Intended to improve education by promoting competition among schools. The government provides a certain dollar amount that parents can then apply to private or parochial school tuition or as part of the full cost of a public school education.

Teacher Quality

The most important factor influencing learner outcomes. Some analysts assert that current teachers have less skill and knowledge than teachers in the past. There are various reasons for this including: low pay, low respect for the profession, the teacher tenure system, new generation of students, and increased testing requirements.