Glossary

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Glossary of Terms

Enrolled, Not in Membership

Students who participate in fewer than two hours of instruction per day do not generate ADA and do not participate in an alternative attendance accounting program.

Examples:

  • Small Talk students
  • Drop-In Speech students
  • Private School Speech Services students
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Special education services for children aged 3-5 years who meet eligibility requirements. An Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee must determine eligibility and document it in the student’s record.
Central Placement
The ARD Committee determines Special Education placement into a self-contained special education program, which may not be available on every campus.
Full Individual Evaluation (FIE)

The evaluation process to:

  • Determine the presence of a physical, mental, or emotional disability
  • Identify academic, developmental, or behavioral deficits
  • Assess present competencies to develop an appropriate educational program
Individualized Education Program (IEP)

The ARD/IEP Committee determines a student’s educational plan. Key responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing assessment data
  • Establishing eligibility for special education services
  • Developing and reviewing the IEP, Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), and Behavior Support Plan (BSP)
  • Completing transition information for students
Dual Language One-Way Immersion Program
  • For students whose home language is Spanish
  • Focus on becoming bi-literate, bilingual, and bicultural
  • Instruction provided in English and Spanish
Dual Language Two-Way Immersion Program
  • An equal number of native Spanish and English speakers
  • Both groups become bi-literate, bilingual, and bicultural
  • English-speaking students receive early literacy instruction in Spanish
  • Five-year commitment required
Inter-District Transfer
Allows students living outside the district to attend a school within the district.
Intra-District Transfer (School-to-School)
Allows students to transfer between schools within the same district.
Transfer Next Level
Continuing transfer approval for students advancing to the next education level (e.g., elementary to middle school).
Course Selection

Process for middle and high school students to choose classes for the upcoming school year.

Pre-K 3 Lottery
Selection process for Pre-K 3 seats since demand exceeds availability.
Pre-K 3 & Pre-K 4
Age-based programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old children.
Pre-K Eligibility Criteria

Your child must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 of the enrolling school year and meet one of the following criteria:

  • Unable to speak or comprehend English
  • Family meets free/reduced lunch income eligibility guidelines
  • Meets federal homelessness criteria
  • Child is a dependent of an active-duty military member
  • Child of a member of the armed forces injured or killed on active duty
  • Child of a STAR of Texas Award recipient

Child is or has been in foster care

Pre-K Tuition
Fee structure for families who do not qualify for free Pre-K programs.
Proof of Residency
Required documentation to verify residence within district boundaries.
Residency Affidavit
A sworn statement verifying residency when living with others.
Guardianship Affidavit
Legal document designating a guardian responsible for a student’s education.
Legal Guardian
An individual legally responsible for a child’s education and welfare.
Grandparent After-School Care
Residency exception for students cared for by grandparents after school.
Child Find
A federally mandated program to identify and evaluate children with disabilities who may need special education services.
Student Acceptance
Confirmation that a student has been approved for attendance under open enrollment or transfer policies.
Newcomer Center
Supports students new to the U.S. or the district with enrollment and language support.
Family Services Center
Provides support services such as enrollment assistance and community resources.
McKinney-Vento
Supports students experiencing homelessness to ensure educational stability.
Early Ed (EE)
A grade level for students with disabilities who: Are 3, 4, or 5 years old Have a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) meeting TEA criteria for a qualifying disability Have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) agreed upon by an ARD Committee
Central Placement
District assigns students to schools based on capacity, programs, or student needs.
  • Mandates that the Local Education Agency (LEA) identify children with disabilities who may need special education services.
  • Covers children from birth through age 21.
  • LEA must evaluate any child suspected of having a disability.
  • Visit TEA Child Find for more information.
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