Academic Freedom:

 Instructor’s ability to explore and cover varied topics in the classroom without interference from administration or higher authority.

Academic Integrity:

Student’s ability to perform ethically in an academic/school atmosphere (i.e. avoid plagiarism and cheating). Click here for additional information.

Academic Rigor:

 Difficulty and/or challenge(s) presented in any academic setting.

Accountability:

  Being responsible for the decisions you make. 

ACT:

Comprehensive exam which evaluates student abilities and knowledge in various academic subjects.  The ACT is often used as a measurement for college admission.  Click here for additional information about the ACT test.

Administration:

The management of a college or school.  Examples include President, Dean, Superintendent and Principal.

Admissions Essay:

 Essay composed by the student for the purpose of informing a college about the student's personality/background/character.

Alumni:

 Former students at any given educational institution.

AP:

 Abbreviation for "Advanced Placement."  Advanced Placement is a school system program allowing high school students to take courses at an advanced level preparing them for a standardized exam designed to test their college-level knowledge of the same subject.  The goal of the student is to earn a score high enough to earn college credit without taking the college course.  Click here for additional information about AP.

Application:

Form completed with student's information for the purposes of gaining admission to a given college or post-secondary institution.

Articulation Agreement:

Contract between educational institutions allowing for the direct and smooth transfer of courses.

Assessment:

Evaluation of student's performance.

Associate’s Degree:

Degree earned after the successful completion of a 2-yr collegiate program.  Types of Associate's Degrees include A.A. (Associate's of Arts), A.A.S. (Associate's of Applied Science), and A.S. (Associate's of Science).

ATC:

Abbreviation for "Advanced Technical Credit."  Advanced Technical Credit is a high school program allowing a student to earn technical credit towards their post-secondary degree while still in high school.

At-Risk:

Student in danger of not completing task or course due to extenuating circumstances. 

Award Letter:

 Letter sent from Financial Aid department of an educational institution informing the student of the financial aid available to them.  This letter is sent after the receipt and processing of all financial aid application information (including the FAFSA).

Bachelor’s Degree:

Degree earned after the successful completion of an undergraduate program.  Also known as a "baccalaureate."  Types of Bachelor's Degrees include B.A. (Bachelor's of Arts), and B.S. (Bachelor's of Science).

Campus/College Visit:

Trip taken to any college campus for the purpose and intent of gaining information and knowledge about the given institution.  Oftentimes tours can be arranged for this purpose (these tours are typically coordinated through the Admissions department of the institution).

Career:

One's occupation or profession.

CCR:

Abbreviation for "College and Career Readiness."  Click here for additional information about College and Career Readiness.

CCRS:

Abbreviation for "College and Career Readiness Standards."  Click here for additional information about College and Career Readiness Standards.

CE:        

Chancellor:

Main/cheif administrative figure at a college/university.

Cohort:

An organized group with appointed members.

College:

An institution of post-secondary/higher learning.  Interchangable with the term "university."

College-Access Challenge Grant:

Grant awarded by the Department of Education to aid low-income students prepare for, enter and succeed in post-secondary endeavors. Click here for additional information about the College-Access Challenge Grant Program.

College Prep:

High school courses designed to prepare high school students for the rigor of college courses in the same subjects.

Community College:

Post-secondary educational institution offering courses through a two-year degree (Associate's Degree) and or Certificate Program.  Interchangable with the term "junior college."

Core Curriculum:

Course of study focusing on the mainstream educational subjects (English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science) required for every degree.

Cost-of-Living:

Expenses incurred through daily life.  Examples of Cost-of-Living expenses include rent, telephone service, electricity, Internet.  Interchangable with the term "Personal Expenses."

Counseling:

Guidance provided via a professional for the purpose of working through personal, educational and or professional issues, concerns, or problems.

Cross-Disciplinary:

CSCOPE:

Curriculum support system offered through the Texas Education Service Center Curriculum Collaborative.  Click here for additional information about CSCOPE.

CTE:

Culture:

A set of shared attitudes and beliefs that set apart a group of people.

Curriculum:

A set of courses offered by an educational institution.

DAP:

Dean:

Head of a college division; can be academic or administrative.

Developmental Education:

Courses designed to bring students who are academically unprepared for college courses to a level of preparedness allowing them to be successful as college Freshmen.  Click here for additional information about Developmental Education.

Diploma:

A document awarded by an educational institution proving the student has successfully completed a course of study.

Dorm (Dormitory):

College building designed and used for the purpose of housing current students.  Dorms typically contain bedrooms, kitchenettes, bathrooms, washing facilities, common living areas, and vending areas.

Drop:

Leaving a college course or an educational institution without completing official paperwork.

Dual Credit:

Course option allowing high school students to take one collegiate course taught by a college-level instructor while in high school and, provided the student passes with a "C" or higher, receive both high school and college credit.

Early College High School:

A blended program offered by a high school allowing students to simultaneously take high school and college-level courses over the period of four-years with the end-result being the student graduating with both a high school diploma and an Associate's Degree or Certificate.  Click here for additional information about the Early College High School Program.

Educational Journey:

The process each student undergoes while completing the process of K-12 and beyond.

Educational Potential:

A student's ability to succeed in any educational endeavor; from kindergarten through post-secondary education/training.

Elective:

An optional educational course not part of the main core curriculum intended to offer a student a more well-rounded and focused educational experience.

English:

The academic study of English language, composition and literature.  Examples of English courses include British Literature, Expository Writing and Research-Based Argument.

Enrollment:

The process of becoming a member of the student population of an educational institution.

Entrance Exam:

An exam designed to ascertain a student's academic knowledge and skill level prior to registration in courses.

EOC Test:

Abbreviation for "End of Course" Test.  An End of Course Test is an exam designed to ascertain a student's knowledge about and attainment of information in regards to a give subject.

ESC:

Abbreviation for "Education Service Center."  An Education Service Center functions as regional support for local school districts for grades levels K-12.  Click here for additional information about the Education Service Centers of Texas.

Ethnicity:

Refers to a person's ethnic group (culture, physical features, background, religion, etc.).

Exemptions:

Expected Family Contribution:

The monetary input expected of a student's family in regards to the payment of college/post-secondary expenses. 

Extracurricular:

Activities and functions related to an educational institution, but not connected to academic study.

Faculty:

The teaching body of an educational institution.  Faculty includes teachers, instructors, and professors.

Financial Aid:

Monies awarded to students in the college system.  Financial Aid includes scholarships, grants, and loans.

Final Exam:

An exam given at the end of a course as an assessment of what the student has learned throughout the course.

First Generation:

The first person in a family to attend a post-secondary educational institution.

Freshman:

A student in their first year of high school or college. 

FTIC:

Abbreviation for "First Time In College."  Interchangable with the term "First Generation."

Full-time:

Based on the number of college credits a student is taking during one given semester.  Full-time is twelve-plus credits.

GED:

 Abbreviation for "General Educational Development."  General Educational Development is a certificate earned after the completion of five tests (Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Reading, Writing) based on the knowledge acquired in high school.  Following successful completion of the General Educational Development Program, a student is awarded a GED Certificate.  General Educational Development is an alternative to completing high school and subsequently the GED Certificate is awarded in place of the high school diploma.  Click here for additional information about General Educational Development in Texas.

GPA:

Abbreviation for "Grade Point Average."  Grade Point Average is ascertained via a formula which takes the total number of grade points earned by a student and dividing it by the total number of credits taken or by the hours of course work.  Grade Point Average is often used as a requirement and/or factor for college admission.

Graduation:

The completion of a high school, training and or degree-program culminating in the receipt of a diploma, certificate or degree.

Graduation Requirements:

Set list of courses and/or extracurricular activities required for a student to successfully reach the point of graduation.

Grant:

Monies available for education which a student must qualify for based on a set of specific parameters.  Grant monies do not have to be repaid.

Guidance Counselor:

See Counselor

Guidance Curriculum:

Higher Education:

Any educational institution serving students who have successfully completed high school.

Hybrid Course:

College course which combines two delivery methods.

Internship:

Work education allowing a student to gain experience and on-the-job training.  An internship is typically not a paid position. 

ISD:

Abbreviation for "Independent School District."

ITV Course:

Abbreviation for "Interactive Video Course."  Interactive Video Courses allow students and instructors to interact via video from multiple physical locations.

Job Shadowing:

Work-related experience allowing a student to accompany a professional to their place of business and observe the activities and components of their employment position.

Junior:

A student in their third year of high-school or college.

Junior College:

Post-secondary educational institution offering courses through a two-year degree (Associate's Degree) and or Certificate Program.  Interchangable with the term "community college."

LAP:

Lifelong Learner:

Someone who contiues to further their education without seeing the diploma, certificate or degree as a terminal ending.

Loan:

Monies available for educational spending based on a student's ability to qualify.  Depending on a variety of options, loans must be paid back (typically with interest).

Major:

Subject or field of interest chosen by a college student on which their entire course of study is based.

Master’s Degree:

Degree earned after the successful completion of a graduate program.  Types of Master's Degrees include M.A. (Master's of Arts), M.S. (Master's of Science), M.Ed. (Master's of Education), and M.B.A. (Master's of Business Administration).

Mathematics/Math:

The academic study of quantity, space, change and structure.  Examples of Mathematics/Math courses include Algebra, Calculus and Geometry.

Matriculation:

Enrollment in a college/university.

Meal Plan:

A plan offered by a chosen college allowing students a certain number of meals to be eaten in the cafeteria (or other food service locations on-campus) per week/month/term in exchange for a set fee.

Mentor:

A guide charged with the task of providing advice, assistance, and or counseling.  Typically in a college setting, a mentor is someone in the same peer group as the student receiving the assistance.

Minor:

A course of study chosen in addition to a major, but not focused on with the same intensity as a major.

NADE:

 Abbreviation for "National Association of Developmental Education."  Click here for additional information about the National Association of Developmental Education.

Online Course:

A course offered via the Internet.  Common Online Course delivery systems include WebCT and Blackboard.

Open-Admission:

Non-competitive college admissions process requiring only a high school diploma or equivalent documentation for admission.

Orientation:

Welcoming process designed to acquaint incoming freshman with a given educational institution.

P-16 Council:

Philanthropic organization composed of educators and local workforce members with the common goal of encouraging students to continue their Educational Journey from high school graduation to completion of a Bachelor's Degree.

Part-time:

Based on the number of college credits a student is taking during one given semester.  Part-time is considered as anything less than twelve credits.

PELL Grant:

Federal grant awarded to college students.  The PELL Grant is geared towards students from low-income families.

Personal Expenses:

Expenses incurred external of college tuition and fees.  Interchangable with the term "Cost-of-Living."

PhD:

Abbreviation for "Doctor of Philosophy."  A Doctor of Philosophy is a degree earned after the successful completion of a doctoral program. 

Placement Tests:

Exams designed to determine the course level in which a student should be placed when enrolling in college courses.

Plan-of-Interest:

Post-Secondary:

Any learning-centered institution attended after high school. 

President:

Cheif officer of a college or university.

Private College/University:

College or university typically not funded or mandated by federal or state monies and policies.

Professional Development:

Career-based educational opportunities designed to improve work-performance. 

QEP:

Abbreviation for "Quality Enhancement Plan."  A Quality Enhancement Plan is designed to focus on a element of collegiate practice or a specific division and enhance the performance of that element or division. 

Recommended Plan:

Registration:

The process of selecting and joining high school or college classes.  This process is completed at the beginning of each semester.

Residency:

Period of time during which a student has lived full-time in a particular location.

Resources:

Tools, departments, people, and other elements available through an educational institution designed to assist students, faculty and staff with a variety of situations and issues.

RHSP:

Abbreviation for "Recommended High School Program."  A Recommended High School Program is the default high school curriculum for most Texas high schools.  Click here for additional information about the Texas Recommended High School Program.

SACS:

Abbreviation for "Southern Association of Colleges and Schools."  The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is the regional body covering eleven states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia) designed to maintain the accredidation standards of degree-granting higher-education institutions.  Click here for additional information about the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

SAT:

Abbreviation for "Scholastic Assessment Test."  The Scholastic Assessment Test is a comprehensive exam which evaluates student abilities and knowledge in various academic subjects and is often used as a measurement for college admission.  Click here for additional information about the Scholastic Assessment Test.

Scholarship:

Monies awarded to a student for educational use.  Most scholarships contain specific requirements and parameters.  Unlike loans, and like grants, scholarships do not have to be repaid.

Science:

The academic study of physical, life, earth and space sciences.  Examples of Science courses include Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Self-Discipline:

The ability to manage one's own time and responsibilities.

Period of time during which courses are offered.  The three common educational semesters are Spring, Summer and Fall.  Interchangable with the term "term."

Senior:

A student in their fourth year of high school or college.

Six-Drop Rule:

Texas law designed to prevent students from dropping more than six classes during their entire four-year collegiate career.

$mart Planning:

Social Studies:

The academic study of social sciences combined with humanities.  Examples of Social Studies courses include Sociology, History and Political Science.

Soft Skills:

A set of interpersonal skills including, but not limited to, communication, language, study skills, personal habits, and social interaction.

Sophomore:

A student in their second year of high school or college.

Special Needs:

Individuals who require additional assistance because of medical, mental or psychological disabilities.

Special Programs:

STEM:

Abbreviation for "Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics."   

Student Fees:

Costs owed by a college student in addition to tuition.  Student Fees include funding for student groups and associations.

Student Inventory:

Student Success:

Study Skills:

Skills needed to be a successful student in academic and technical courses.

TAKS:

Abbreviation for "Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills."  The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills is a standardized test given to K-12 students in an effort to assess student performance in five courses of study (Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Writing, Reading).  Click here for additional information about the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.

TCA:

Abbreviation for "Texas Counseling Association."  Click here for additional information about the Texas Counseling Association.

TEA:

Abbreviation for "Texas Education Agency."  Click here for additional information about the Texas Education Agency.

TEC:

Abbreviation for "Texas Education Code."  The Texas Education Code is a set of Texas laws and statutes related to public education in the State of Texas.  Click here for additional information about the Texas Education Code.

Tech Ed:

Abbreviation for "Technical Education."  Technical Education refers to courses of study related to technology.

Tech Prep:

Program of study allowing high school students to earn technical credits towards a certificate or technical degree program as early as their freshman year in high school.  Click here for additional information about Tech Prep. 

Term:

Period of time during which courses are offered.  The three common educational terms are Spring, Summer and Fall.  Interchangable with the term "semester."

Texas Two-Step Project:

Project that offers a seamless transition for students engaged in studying a technical program between high school and a post-secondary institution (commonly a two-year institution).  Click here for additional information about the Texas Two-Step Project.

THECB:

Abbreviation for "Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board."  Click here for additional information about the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Transfer:

The awarding of course credit at an educational institution based on a student's performance in the same course at an alternate institution.

TSI:

Abbreviation for "Texas Success Initiative."  The Texas Sucess Initiative is a program legislated by the state designed to improve student success in a college setting.

Tuition:

Cost of taking courses at an educational institution. 

Tutoring:

Assistance offered by a professional or highly-successful students/peers in a given course of academic study.

University

An institution of post-secondary/higher learning.  Interchangable with the term "college."

Vice-President:

Second-in-Command to the cheif officer (President) of a college or university.

Waiver:

Elimination of a given educational fee or fine based on a variety of circumstances.

Withdrawal:

Formal exiting of a college course or program.

Workforce:

Members of a society engaged in working within that society.  Also known as the "Labor Pool."

Workforce Solutions:

Organization designed to assist employers and potential employees with various job-related needs.  Click here for additional information about the West Texas branch of Workforce Solutions. 

Work Study:

Financial Aid program pairing a college student with an on-campus department, allowing the student to work at minimum wage.