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Definitinions

Authentic assessment is an assessment strategy that evaluates a student's critical thinking and problem-solving ability using real-life situations in which he or she may work with or receive help from peers, teachers, parents or supervisors.

Assessment accommodations allow students with disabilities an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned without being impeded by their disability. It is one method for providing equity, not advantages in assessment practices. Although research on accommodations is scarce, policy-makers and educators must make decisions about whether to use them and which students should receive them. Fuchs and Fuchs (2000) posit that valid accommodation practices should produce scores that measure the same attributes as standard assessments for students with and without disabilities. Early findings comparing the results for Limited English Proficient (LEP) and non-LEP students indicate positive results for students when given a Glossary explaining potentially unfamiliar words and extra time.

Comprehensive school reform is a program that integrates, in a coherent manner, the following nine components.
a. Effective, research-based methods and strategies
b. Comprehensive design with aligned components
c. Professional development
d. Measurable goals and benchmarks
e. Support within the school
f. Parental and community involvement
g. External technical support and assistance
h. Evaluation strategies
i. Coordination of resources

Constructivism is a theory that states that a learner acquires knowledge on the basis of an active interaction between new information and the learner's prior knowledge and experience.

Cooperative learning is a culturally sensitive pedagogical and social learning approach that has shown promise for African American students. In this approach, teachers place students with heterogeneous abilities together to work on assignments. Cooperative learning has been effective in helping students achieve the following goals:
a. Increased academic achievement
b. Improved relations among groups of students
c. More positive feelings about learning

Culture is a set of values, beliefs, and attitudes that are inculcated as a result of living with a group of people. An important consideration is that culture should not be confused with homogeneity.

Culturally appropriate pedagogy is a theoretical education framework that attempts to integrate the culture of different racial and ethnic groups into the overall academic program.

Cultural sensitivity is a teacher's awareness and competence in dealing with students and families from various ethnic groups.

Early intervention is a process that includes the development of an early appropriate intervention for students who are experiencing academic and/or behavioral difficulties to lessen the possibility that the problem will require special education services.

Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a document that must include a statement of present level of performance, clearly stated goals, objectives, services provided, and criteria and procedures for determining that the instructional objectives are met. IDEA requires that an interdisciplinary team, which includes the parents, write the document.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA) are amendments to P. L. 94-142, which mandates a free, appropriate public education for all children between the ages of 3 and 21 regardless of the disability. This Act included several provisions, including strengthening the role of parents and lowering the age that transition should be addressed to 14.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a legal tem referring to the fact that students with disabilities must be educated in as "normal" an environment as possible. The major goal is for students with disabilities to be educated with age-appropriate peers whenever apprpropriate.

Mental retardation is a state of impaired functioning characterized by limitations in intelligence and related adaptive skill areas.

Multicultural education curriculum and instruction that to provide equity in educational opportunities to students regardless of their cultural identities.

Section 504 is a national law that forbids excluding or denying individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to receive program benefits and services. It defines the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate in and have access to program benefits and services. The law also covers discrimination in employment matters.

Transition is a process mandated by IDEA that prepares students with disabilities for continued education, independence, and employment. IDEA requires attention to transition plans that must be incorporated into students' IEPs beginning no later than age 14. Each IEP must contain a statement of services necessary along with applicable linkages and agencies before the student exits high school.

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