Miss. Code. tit. 7, pt. 163, GLOSSARY
The following definitions are established for the purpose of implementing the Mississippi Nonpublic School Accountability Standards established by the State Board of Education and authorized under Miss. Code Ann. § 37-17-7. |
ACADEMIC CORE
Required course offerings in which specific skills contained in the Mississippi College- and Career-Ready Standards and Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks must be taught. Subjects in the academic core are English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages, and arts.
ACADEMIC YEAR
The amount of time that must be scheduled in the educational calendar and that consists of a minimum of 180 teaching days. Seeteaching day. Two (2) of the 180 days may be 60% days provided there are 198 minutes of actual instruction, and the remainder of each day is used for professional development and/or testing.
ACCELERATED COURSES
Courses designed for those students who can master the general curriculum and engage in more in-depth study of additional skills.
ACCREDITATION RECORD SUMMARY
A continuous record maintained on each nonpublic school seeking State Board accreditation reflecting the extent to which accreditation requirements are met and used as the basis for assigning annual accreditation statuses. The Accreditation Record Summary is updated as citations of noncompliance with requirements are added or deleted, and school officials are notified in writing of such.
ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
Process (input) standards that address accepted educational principles and practices believed to promote educational quality.
ACCREDITATION STATUS
The annual status for a school approved by the State Board of Education based on compliance with process standards using verified accreditation data from the previous school year. The accreditation statuses are Temporary, Accredited, Advised, Probation, and Withdrawn. (See Policy 2.3.)
ACCREDITED STATUS
An accreditation status assigned when the school is in compliance with each of the applicable accreditation requirements and standards as described in this document.
ADMINISTRATOR
Any staff member employed by a local governing body who is assigned the responsibility for coordinating, directing, supervising, or otherwise administering programs, services, and/or personnel under the auspices of the program or school.
ADVANCED
A non-profit, non-governmental organization that accredits primary and secondary schools throughout the United States and internationally. AdvancED was formed in 2006 by the consolidation of the pre-college divisions of two (2) of the U.S. regional accreditation organizations: the Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA CASI), and the Council on Accreditation and School Improvement of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS CASI). In 2012, the NorthwestAccreditation Commission (NWAC)joined AdvancED. Information is also available on-line at www.advanc-ed.org.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
A program of college level courses and examinations for secondary school students administered by the College Board High schools providing advanced placement courses must follow guidelines published by the College Board.
ADVISED STATUS
An accreditation status assigned to a school the first year that the school has a verified process standard deficiency on record from the previous school year.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL AUDIT REPORT APPEAL
An appeal made to the State Board of Education. Upon written application, the State Board of Education may consider new factual evidence.
ASSISTANT TEACHER
A school employee assigned to assist a licensed teacher and who works under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher.
CARNEGIE UNIT
A standard measure of high school work indicating the minimum amount of time that instruction in a subject has been provided. Awarding of one (1) Carnegie unit indicates that a minimum of 140 hours of instruction has been provided in regular and laboratory classes over a school year; awarding of one-half (1/2) Carnegie unit indicates that a minimum of 70 hours has been provided. (See Process Standard 11.2 for exceptions.)
CENTRAL DEPOSITORY
A secure, designated location approved by the local governing body.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
One exit option that is available to a student with a disability following the student's completion of his or her IEP goals. This exit option is provided to students with disabilities who are unable to meet the appropriate state minimum requirements for a Standard Diploma or the requirements for any of the other exit options available to students with disabilities. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-16-11.
CHIEF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
The administrator of the school who is responsible for administering the daily operations and activities of the school. Other titles may include superintendent, principal, director, and headmaster.
CHURCH-RELATED SCHOOL
A school that is governed and operated by a denominational, parochial, or other bona fide church organization or religious order.
CLASSROOM
A school room in which student instruction takes place.
COMPULSORY SCHOOL-AGE CHILD
A child who has attained or will attain the age of six (6) years on or before September 1 of the calendar year and who has not attained the age of seventeen (17) years on or before September 1 of the calendar year; and shall include any child who has attained or will attain the age of five (5) years on or before September 1 and has enrolled in a full-day public school kindergarten program. Provided, however, that the parent or guardian of any child enrolled in a full-day public school kindergarten program shall be allowed to disenroll the child from the program on a one-time basis, and such child shall not be deemed a compulsory-school-age child until the child attains the age of six (6) years. (See Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-91.)
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN (CAP)
A plan to correct the deficiencies on record that shall be developed by the school, in conjunction with the Mississippi Department of Education, when a school is assigned a PROBATION or WITHDRAWN accreditation status.
CORRESPONDENCE COURSE
Independent study carried on through lessons and exercises that are provided to non-resident students by approved university extensions. (See the Approved Courses for Secondary Schools in Mississippi.)
CURRICULUM
The course content listed in the Mississippi College- and Career-Ready Standards and Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks.
DEFICIENCY
The failure of a school to comply with an accreditation requirement.
DEPARTMENTALIZED CLASS
A class in which an educator teaches one (1) or more core academic subjects to more than one (1) group of students.
DIRECT INSTRUCTION
Act or process in which a teacher is actually guiding (instructing) students toward achieving specific learning objectives. NOTE: As a result of COVID-19, staff time spent on activities necessary to deliver instruction via different learning modes (hybrid, remote, one-on-one virtual) may be considered direct instruction as a part of the teacher workday.
DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
Courses utilizing telecommunications technologies including satellites, telephones, and cable-television systems to broadcast instruction from a central site to other classrooms.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
Kindergarten and assistant teacher programs that comply with Mississippi Kindergarten Guidelines, Mississippi Elementary School Assistant Teacher Program Regulations, and Mississippi Reading Improvement Program Regulations approved by the State Board of Education and published by the Mississippi Department of Education. (See also kindergarten and pre-kindergarten.)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Primary, elementary, and intermediate division of the educational system comprising grades/levels K through 6 or K through 8 or any combination of such grades.
EVALUATION
Formal appraisal (assessment) of educational experiences, including the performance of schools, educational programs, personnel, and students. Evaluations are conducted to determine strengths and areas which need improvement and may involve the use of various measurements designed to appraise the effects of educational experiences.
EXTENDED YEAR PROGRAM
A program of instruction offered by the school after the close of the regular academic year that is designed for students who need extra time to complete course objectives/requirements (not ESY provided through special education programs).
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
School sponsored student activities that require administrative supervision and student involvement outside the allocated time for instruction. Student participation in extracurricular activities may be noted on the student's transcript, but academic credit may not be awarded.
FRAMEWORKS
Competencies (required learning standards for all students) and objectives (learning outcomes indicating how the competencies can be fulfilled) approved by the State Board of Education.
HALF-TIME EMPLOYEE
Any staff person who devotes 50% of the instructional schedule to the assigned duties.
HIGH SCHOOL
The secondary division, within the educational system comprising grades 9-12 or any combination of such grades.
HOME SCHOOLING PROGRAM
An instructional program that is provided in the home by the parents and is not instituted/operated for the purpose of avoiding or circumventing the compulsory attendance law.
HONORS COURSES
See Accelerated Courses.
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP)
A written plan outlining the special education and related services that are designed to meet the unique needs of each child with a disability.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA)
This act authorizes a federal formula grant to each state to assist in meeting the special education needs of children with disabilities as mandated in federal regulations.
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS AUTHORIZED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Programs of study approved by the Mississippi Board of Education that are designed to provide innovative approaches to teaching and learning. These programs are designed to better prepare students for postsecondary education and direct entry into the workplace.
INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF
Employees of a school who are professionally trained and licensed to provide instruction and/or services to students enrolled in the school.
INVESTIGATIVE EVALUATION (COMPLAINT AGAINST SCHOOL)
An evaluation that is conducted in a school in response to a formal written complaint. All formal complaints made against schools must be submitted to the State Board of Education in writing and bear the signature of the individual(s) filing the complaint. The written complaint shall contain specific details concerning alleged violations. When the complaint is received, the chief school administrator is notified in writing of the nature of the complaint and informed that the school is subject to an unannounced audit to investigate the allegations. If the complaint addresses an area over which the State Board of Education has no authority, the individual filing the complaint is notified.
JOINT COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION OF HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS (JCAHO)
The Joint Commission develops standards of quality in collaboration with health professionals and others and stimulates healthcare organizations to meet or exceed the standards through accreditation and the teaching of quality improvement concepts. Standards include specific requirements for educational services provided by inpatient and residential organizations. The national office address is One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181.
KINDERGARTEN
That portion of the elementary school serving children who have reached the age of five (5) years on or before September 1.
KINDERGARTEN INSTRUCTIONAL DAY
At this level, the school day. (For specific requirements see the current edition of the Mississippi Kindergarten Guidelines.)
LABORATORY
Room or rooms basically/appropriately equipped and used by students for the supervised study of some branch of science or the application of scientific principles.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Statements of what a student will know and be able to do when a course is completed.
LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
A specially designed space in each school equipped for centrally housing an organized collection of materials and equipment representing a broad range of current learning media, including instructional technology. The facility contains areas for individualized study and for large and small group instruction. The facility is organized and administered to function as a learning laboratory where the use of all media is purposeful, planned, and integrated with the educational program and instructional processes of the school. See Mississippi School Library Media Guide.
LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY (LEA)
A public board of education or other public authority legally constituted within Mississippi for either administrative control or direction of, or to perform a service function for, public elementary or secondary schools in a city, county, township, school district, or other political subdivision of the State, or for a combination of school districts or counties as are recognized in the State as an administrative agency for its public elementary schools or secondary schools.
LOCAL GOVERNING BODY
A policy-making entity, governing entity, advisory council, or a combination of such entities, as designated at the school level.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
A school with any configuration of intermediate grades 4-8 whose principal may be licensed as an elementary school administrator or a secondary school administrator.
MISSION STATEMENT
A school's statement of purpose that is used in strategic planning as the basis for educational decisions.
MISSISSIPPI COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW
The Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-91 of the Mississippi Code 1972 Annotated governs compulsory school attendance. It requires a parent, legal guardian, or custodian who has legal control or charge of a child aged six (6) to seventeen (17) to enroll him or her in an education program (i.e. public, private, or home school). Student enrollment must occur except under the limited circumstances specified in subsection three (3) of Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-91 which includes, but are not limited to, sending the child to a state approved, nonpublic, or educating the child at home in an organized educational program. July 1, 2003, the law was amended to include the following: a child, five (5) years of age, who enrolls in public kindergarten, will have to abide by the same guidelines as outlined in the Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-91. The Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement at the Mississippi Department of Education is responsible for oversight of this law.
MISSISSIPPI OCCUPATIONAL DIPLOMA
A viable exit option available to students with disabilities which emphasizes high expectations in both academics and work experiences that will assist students with disabilities to acquire and maintain the necessary competencies and skills needed to secure and retain competitive employment. This exit option expands the opportunities available for students with disabilities to exit high school. (See Miss. Code Ann. § 37-16-11(2) and Appendix F.)
MISSISSIPPI VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A free web-based educational program offered by the Mississippi Department of Education to provide Mississippi students with access to a wider range of course work. Technology will be used to deliver instruction to students via the Internet in a virtual or remote setting.
NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS
Private schools, parochial and other church-related schools, special purpose schools either privately owned and operated or governed by a public agency other than the Mississippi Department of Education, and tribal schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. Nonpublic schools may be operated either as a for profit organization or as a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation.
ON-SITE EVALUATION
An evaluation conducted at the geographical location of the school to determine compliance with all accreditation requirements and standards. If deficiencies are found in meeting accreditation standards, the chief school administrator is notified in writing and given thirty (30) days from the receipt of notification to provide a written response. The report of findings is filed in the current accreditation records in the Office of Accreditation.
PARENTALLY PLACED PRIVATE SCHOOL CHILD WITH A DISABILITY
A child with a disability enrolled by his or her parent(s) in a private school, including religious schools or facilities that meet the definition of elementary school or secondary school.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL
A parochial school is a school that is governed and operated by a parochial or other bona fide church organization or religious order.
PERSONNEL ACCREDITATION DATA REPORTING SYSTEM
School employee information required by the Mississippi Department of Education on an annual basis. This information is transmitted electronically, reflects the daily schedule of each employee, and is used to determine school compliance with a number of accreditation standards.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The instructional requirements for physical education specified in the Fitness through Physical Education Framework. Elective units for graduation include participation in interscholastic athletic activities that meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association. Beginning with school year 2008-2009 (seniors of 2011-2012), one-half (1/2) Carnegie unit in physical education is required for graduation.
PLANNING PERIOD
An unencumbered period of time during the teaching (instructional) day or week required for each classroom teacher. See Process Standard 20.
POLICY
A statement of official intent adopted by the (local governing body) and recorded as official action in minutes. The school must comply with all local governing body policies.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
Instructional program serving children who have reached the ages of three (3) or four (4) years on or before September 1.
PRINCIPAL
The individual who is responsible for the total program of a school and who holds valid and appropriate administrator certification.
PRIVATE SCHOOL
A private school is a school that is privately owned and operated, which may be non-profit or for profit.
PROBATION STATUS
An accreditation status assigned to a district that complies with fewer than 100% of the Accreditation Policies and Process Standards. The district will be required to develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to address the deficiencies.
PROCEDURE
A statement of processes by which policies, regulations, and standards are carried out.
PROCESS STANDARDS
Input standards that address accepted educational principles and practices believed to promote educational quality. Accreditation Policy 2.2.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The growth-promoting learning process that empowers stakeholders (teachers, administrators, staff, and other school personnel) to improve the educational organization.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Any employee of the school whose assigned duties require state licensure.
REMEDIAL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
Programs designed to provide interventions and supports for students who have been unsuccessful in mastering content/skills.
SATELLITE SCHOOL
A school operating at a different location under the management/supervision of an existing accredited non- public local governing body.
SCHOOL
An institution that exists for the purpose of teaching school-aged children, consists of one (1) physical plant located on one (1) school site, includes instructional staff members and students, and is in session each school year.
SCHOOL DAY
That portion of the calendar day that includes the teaching day, intermissions, and any additional time included in the employee contract. School day defines the normal working day for employees.
SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Individual providing comprehensive counseling services, including the following: academic planning and advisement; responsive services - personal/social counseling, crisis intervention, and preventative counseling; career and college counseling; individual, small, and large group counseling; referrals to community agencies; educational consultations and collaboration with teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders; and follow-up counseling services. No individual shall be employed as a Professional School Counselor (PSC) without a minimum of a Master's degree in School Counseling. Professional School Counselors shall abide by the American School Counselor Association Code of Ethics. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-79.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
See Strategic Educational Plan.
SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN
The foundation document a school uses to maintain a safe and secure educational environment.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
A school that contains any or all of grades 9 through 12 and may include grades 7 and 8.
SELF-CONTAINED CLASS
A classroom in which an educator teaches all core subjects to a group of students.
SERVICES PLAN
A written plan that describes the specific special education and related services that an LEA will provide to a parentally placed private school child with a disability following the LEA's determination and designation of the specific special education and related services that a child will receive from the LEA.
SPECIAL PURPOSE SCHOOL
A school that is organized to serve a specific population(s) of students or to provide a special program of instruction for students. A special purpose school that serves students with disabilities in accordance with IDEA and applicable state statutes and regulations must meet all relevant state and federal requirements for special education programs.
STANDARD DIPLOMA
As standard high school diploma awarded to a student who has met all the requirements established by the local governing body and by the State Board of Education. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-16-7.
STANDARDS
Criteria by which schools are assessed. By law, accreditation standards established for nonpublic schools may not be more stringent than accreditation standards applied to public schools.
STRATEGIC EDUCATIONAL PLAN
A plan that identifies the mission, goals, strengths, and needs of the school and outlines strategies for implementing changes and improvements. (See Appendix G, Process Standard 9.)
STUDENT SUPPORT PERSONNEL
A professional qualified to offer student support services (e.g., psychologist, guidance counselor, social worker, psychometrist, etc.).
SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM
A program of instruction offered by the school during the summer months after the close of the regular academic year. The program of instruction is designed for students who need extra time to complete course requirements and/or for students who wish to enroll in new courses/subjects.
SUPPORT STAFF
Persons employed by an educational organization to provide services to students and staff.
TEACHER
Any person holding a teacher's license from the State Board of Education, employed by theschool, and assigned an instructional area of work as defined by the Mississippi Department of Education (e.g., employment in an official capacity for the purpose of imparting knowledge, skills, information, and ideas to students in an instructional setting).
TEACHING DAY
A day in which a minimum of 330 minutes of instruction and/or evaluation and/or school approved group testing is provided.
TEMPORARY STATUS
An accreditation status assigned to a satellite school or a school newly established by the local governing body of an accredited nonpublic school/system currently on record with the State Board of Education.
TEXTBOOK
Any medium or manual of instruction which contains a systematic presentation of the principles of a subject, and which constitutes a major instructional vehicle for that subject. Whenever any book under contract is displaced by a new adoption, the local governing body may continue to require the schools to use the recently purchased books from any previous adoption; however, such period of use shall not exceed four (4) years. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-43-31(2) and refer to the current edition of the Textbook Administration Handbook Rules and Regulations.
TRIBAL SCHOOL
Schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
WITHDRAWN STATUS
An accreditation status assigned to a school when the State Board of Education takes action to withdraw the accreditation status of a nonpublic school due to noncompliance with its approved corrective action plan. The status of a school when the school has been previously assigned a status of PROBATION and the school fails to meet the goals and timelines for resolving identified deficiencies as stated in its approved Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
Miss. Code. tit. 7, pt. 163, GLOSSARY