Back-mapping: organizing state grade level band indicators for each subject into specific grade level indicators with clarifying statements

Clarifying examples: an example of student behavior or student product that demonstrates evidence of attainment of mastery for a specific indicator within a standard

Consultants: individuals or groups who provide advice, support, or training for a fee

Curriculum framework: a matrix of grade level indicators for each subject area that states what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade level; also containing a philosophy and purpose statement and a rationale that includes the research base for each subject area

Distance learning: learning that utilizes video or audio from a remote location

Formative assessment: an assessment used during the course of instruction that measures student mastery of specific indicators and is used by teachers to inform and guide subsequent instruction

Grade level band indicators: indicators for each standard grouped by grade level band, K-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-12

Indicator: a specific statement related to a standard that describes in specific detail what students should know and be able to do at a particular grade level

Partners: individuals, organizations and MCPS offices who work together to accomplish the work of revising and maintaining the curriculum

Proficiency levels: descriptors of student behaviors or products that indicate mastery or how close to mastery of a specific indicator a student is

Stakeholders: individuals representing students, parents, principals, administrators, business and community

Standard: a broad statement of what students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of Grade 12 used to guide and organize content expectations K-12

Student data points: specific assessment scores or performance levels for each indicator for each individual student

Summative assessment: an assessment that measures student mastery of all indicators included in a unit or other instructional period at the end of that instructional period

Vendors: companies who market curriculum products or produce curriculum products to meet specifications established by the school system

Web-enabled curriculum materials: printable or interactive curriculum materials that are available on the world wide web

MCPS: Montgomery County Public Schools

CBE: Council for Basic Education

OCIP: Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs

MSPAP: Maryland School Performance Assessment Program

HSA: High School Assessment

SAT: SAT I: Reasoning (formerly known as Scholastic Achievement Test)

CTBS: Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills

DSD: Department of Staff Development

OGAT: Office of Global Access Technology

OSP: Office of School Performance

IMS: Instructional Management System

OSA: Office of Shared Accountability