Glossary

This glossary contains some of the words you will encounter in the professional development modules that may be unfamiliar to you. Many of these are explained in further detail in the professional development modules in either the Related Concepts slides or the content of the module itself.

Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

C

Core Content Connectors (CCC's) - The Core Content Connectors (CCC’s) identify the most salient grade-level, core academic content in ELA and Mathematics found in both the Common Core State Standards and the Learning Progression Frameworks. CCCs have been formatted into 2 subgroupings under an umbrella term Graduated Understandings. They are the Instructional Families and Element Cards.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS's) - Your State has either developed their own grade level state standards or has adopted the Common Core State Standards to establish guidelines for learning in Math and English Language Arts from kindergarten through 12th grade. Achieving the learning goals put forth in the standards will prepare students for college and career.

E

Element Cards (EC's) - Element help teachers instruct students at various levels as they move toward full understanding of content standards. They include: Core Content Connectors; Progress indicators from one or more Learning Progression Frameworks; Concepts of Universal Design for Learning; and Essential Understanding(s).

G

Graduated Understandings (GU's) - The Graduated Understandings are comprised of two resources: The Instructional Families and the Element Cards. The Instructional Families and Element Cards present the areas of curricular emphasis within and across grades and the progression of learning within domains of the Common Core State Standards. Similar curricular emphasis can be identified in state standards.

I

Instructional Families (IF's) - The Instructional Families are a series of tables depicting relationships among the CCSS, the CCC’s, and the LPF’s. They present the curriculum visually within and across grade levels. The Instructional Families are presented in three different views: 1) By grade band and Learning Progression Strands; 2) By grade and CCCs; and, 3) By Instructional Family and CCCs.

L

Learning Progressions Framework (LPF) - The Learning Progressions Frameworks: Describe pathways for learning that focus on the big ideas of a discipline; help educators design instruction and assessments that move students toward deeper and broader understanding of the content; and, include progress indicators; descriptions of observable learning along the learning continuum in each strand.

U

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles that guide development of curriculum. When implemented, UDL provides opportunities for learning to all individuals by utilizing: Multiple Means of Engagement; Multiple Means of Representation; and, Multiple Means of Action and Expression.