OAE 015


  1. Instructional Leadership – A leadership approach where school leaders focus on improving teaching and learning.

  2. Transformational Leadership – A leadership style that inspires staff and students through vision, motivation, and collaboration.

  3. Transactional Leadership – A leadership style focused on structure, rewards, and discipline to maintain school efficiency.

  4. Servant Leadership – A leadership style where leaders prioritize the needs of students, teachers, and the community.

  5. Distributed Leadership – A leadership model where leadership responsibilities are shared among staff members.

  6. Shared Decision-Making (SDM) – A collaborative approach where teachers, staff, parents, and community members contribute to school decisions.

  7. Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM) – Using student achievement data, teacher evaluations, and other metrics to guide instructional and administrative decisions.

  8. Strategic Planning – A long-term plan that aligns a school’s vision, goals, and initiatives to improve student achievement.

  9. School Climate – The quality and character of school life, including relationships, safety, and academic expectations.

  10. School Culture – The shared values, traditions, and practices within a school that influence behavior and learning.




  1. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) – Collaborative teacher groups that focus on student learning, data analysis, and instructional improvement.

  2. Differentiated Instruction – Tailoring teaching methods to meet diverse student needs.

  3. Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) – An instructional approach that acknowledges and integrates students’ cultural backgrounds into learning.

  4. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – A framework for designing instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

  5. Response to Intervention (RTI) – A tiered approach to early identification and support for struggling students.

  6. Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) – A broader framework that includes both academic and behavioral interventions.

  7. Formative Assessment – Ongoing assessments used to guide instruction (e.g., quizzes, exit tickets).

  8. Summative Assessment – Evaluations that measure learning at the end of a unit or course (e.g., final exams, state tests).

  9. Benchmark Assessments – Periodic assessments used to track student progress toward academic standards.

  10. Instructional Coaching – A process where experienced educators provide support and feedback to teachers to improve instruction.




  1. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – A federal law ensuring students with disabilities receive Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

  2. Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) – The right of students with disabilities to receive individualized education services at no cost.

  3. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) – The requirement that students with disabilities receive education with their non-disabled peers whenever possible.

  4. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act – A civil rights law that protects students with disabilities from discrimination.

  5. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) – A federal law that protects student education records and privacy.

  6. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) – Federal legislation aimed at ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students.

  7. Title I Funding – Federal funding for schools with a high percentage of low-income students.

  8. Title IX – A federal law prohibiting gender discrimination in educational institutions.

  9. Due Process – Legal procedures ensuring fair treatment for students and staff in disciplinary and legal matters.

  10. Mandated Reporting – The legal obligation of educators to report suspected child abuse or neglect.




  1. Budget Allocation – The process of distributing financial resources to support school initiatives.

  2. Capital Budget – Funds allocated for major school improvements, such as buildings or technology.

  3. Operational Budget – Funds used for daily school expenses, including salaries, utilities, and supplies.

  4. Site-Based Management – A decentralized approach where individual schools have control over budget and decision-making.

  5. Facilities Management – The oversight of school buildings, maintenance, and safety.

  6. School Safety Plan – A comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to emergencies.

  7. Crisis Management – The process of responding to and mitigating school emergencies.

  8. Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) – A formalized plan outlining procedures for handling school crises.

  9. Stakeholder Engagement – The process of involving parents, teachers, students, and the community in school decision-making.

  10. Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) – A contract between the school district and teacher unions regarding wages, hours, and working conditions.




  1. Ohio Teacher Evaluation System (OTES) – The state-approved system for assessing teacher performance in Ohio.

  2. Formative Observation – An informal evaluation method that provides feedback to improve teaching practices.

  3. Summative Evaluation – A final, comprehensive assessment of a teacher’s performance.

  4. Growth Mindset – The belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning.

  5. Professional Development (PD) – Ongoing training to enhance educators’ skills.

  6. Teacher Mentorship Programs – Structured support for new teachers by experienced educators.

  7. Instructional Walkthroughs – Brief classroom visits to observe teaching and provide feedback.

  8. 360-Degree Feedback – A performance review method incorporating feedback from multiple sources, such as peers, students, and supervisors.

  9. Action Research – A process where teachers systematically examine their own practice to improve instruction.

  10. Reflective Practice – The process of self-assessment and continuous improvement by educators.




  1. Stakeholder Communication Plan – A strategy for engaging and informing parents, staff, and the community.

  2. Family Engagement – Involving parents in their child’s education through communication and collaboration.

  3. School-Community Partnerships – Collaborations between schools and local businesses, organizations, and community members.

  4. Public Relations (PR) in Education – Strategies for promoting the school’s image and engaging the community.

  5. Crisis Communication – Clear, timely messaging during emergencies to ensure transparency and trust.

  6. Advocacy in Education – Supporting policies and initiatives that benefit students and schools.

  7. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) – Programs that develop students’ emotional intelligence, resilience, and interpersonal skills.

  8. Trauma-Informed Education – An approach that recognizes and responds to the effects of trauma on student learning.

  9. Restorative Justice Practices – Conflict resolution strategies that focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships.

  10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) – Policies and practices that ensure all students have equal access to education and resources.