elementary school (plural, elementary schools)

an elementary school is any school which is classified as such by state and local practice and composed of any span of Grades not above Grade 8 (students aged 13/14). A pre-compulsory or Kindergarten school is included under this heading only if it is an integral part of an elementary school or an established school system. The traditional elementary school (and the one used for the purposes of this Archive) includes Kindergarten/Grades 1 to Grade 8, although variations exist, the most common being Kindergarten/Grade 1 to Grade 6 or Kindergarten/Grade 1 to Grade 5.

high school (plural, high schools)

provides the final years of compulsory upper secondary schooling necessary for graduation. In the traditional elementary school/high school model reflected in this archive, the high school includes Grades 9-12, although in some states it encompasses Grades 10-12.

intermediate school (plural, intermediate schools)

In some states, education is organised in accordance with a primary school, intermediate school, junior high school and senior high school system, in which the intermediate school provides for Grades 3-6 (students aged 8/9 to 11/12).

junior high school (plural, junior high schools)

In states where the education system is organised in terms of primary schools, intermediate schools, junior high schools and senior high schools, the junior high school provides for Grades 7-9 (students aged 12/13 to 14/15).

Kindergarten (plural, Kindergartens)

Pre-compulsory Kindergarten or pre-Kindergarten classes cater for students at age 4 or 5 years. Enrolment is voluntary and some Kindergartens provide programmes for 3-year-old children. Many Kindergartens are part of the local elementary school.

middle school (plural, middle schools)

In states where middle schools exist, these usually either cater for students in Grades 4-6 (ages 9/10 to 11/12) or in Grades 6-8 (ages 11/12 to 13/14).

primary school (plural, primary schools)

In states where the education system is organised in terms of primary schools, intermediate schools, junior high schools and senior high schools, the primary school provides for Kindergarten to Grade 2 (children aged 5/6 to 7/8).

principal

headteacher

senior high school (plural, senior high schools)

In states where the education system is organised in terms of primary schools, intermediate schools, junior high schools and senior high schools, the senior high school provides for Grades 10-12 (students aged 15/16 to 17/18).

Alternate performance indicators (Wisconsin)

Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (Kentucky)

Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (Kentucky)

Early Identification and Intervention Programme (Maryland)

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, see section 1.2.1

Individualised education plan (for a student with special educational needs/disabilities, see 1.2.1)

least restrictive environment, see section 1.2.1

Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard

National Foundation for Educational Research (England)

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (England)

School Curriculum and Assessment Authority (England) (now QCA)

United States (see USA)

United States of America

Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations

Wisconsin Reading Comprehension Test

Wisconsin Student Assessment System