American College Test (ACT) – A standardized test used for college admissions and scholarship decisions across the United States. It measures students’ academic readiness for college with required English, Math, and Reading sections and optional Science and Writing.

Apprenticeship – A formal arrangement in which someone learns an art, trade, or job under the guidance and supervision of another.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - The application of computer systems able to perform tasks or produce output normally requiring human intelligence, especially by applying machine learning techniques to large collections of data.

At-Risk Students – Students facing challenges that could hinder their academic success. These challenges can be academic, social, emotional, or related to external factors like poverty or unstable home environments.

Branding – The process of creating a unique identity and image for an organization, influencing how stakeholders and others interact with them.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts – An immersive, transformational program designed to help educators foster positive relationships with students, build self-managing classrooms, and create a safe and supportive learning environment. 

Close Reading – A method of literary analysis that involves a careful, sustained examination of the details of a text to reveal deeper layers of meaning and improve the reader’s comprehension. 

Daily Grammar Practice (DGP) - A comprehensive, research-based approach to teaching and learning grammar. It focuses on helping students understand, apply, and remember grammar concepts through a simple, consistent process of daily practice.

Differentiation - The process of utilizing known differences among students to provide varied tasks and experiences that will maximize each one’s learning opportunity.

Digital Citizenship – The responsible and ethical use of technology, which involves navigating the digital world safely, responsibly, and respectfully.

Educators – All Collierville Schools employees, united in their dedication to facilitating student growth, learning, and social, emotional, and moral development.

English Language Arts (ELA) - A core subject in schools, focusing on developing students’ literacy skills through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. ELA also encompasses the study of language and how it is used.

High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) - Curriculum resources that are designed to be engaging, effective, and aligned with educational standards, ultimately leading to improved student learning and outcomes.

Industry Credential – A verified statement of an individual’s qualification or competence in a specific field. It is typically issued by a third-party authority, like a professional organization or government agency, and signifies that the holder possesses the knowledge and skills needed for a particular role within that industry. Such credentials are valued in the labor market and are often sought or accepted by employers.

Instructional Coach (IC) - An educational leader who works with teachers to improve their instructional practices and student learning outcomes. They act as mentors, provide feedback, and support teachers in developing new skills and implementing effective strategies.

Instructional Practice Guide (IPG) - A tool used by educators and instructional leaders to observe, reflect on, and improve teaching practices. It provides a structured framework for identifying what effective instruction looks like in the classroom and helps align teaching with academic standards and district goals.

Instructional Technology Facilitator (ITF) – A certified educator and technology expert who supports teachers in integrating technology into their teaching practices to enhance student learning and engagement. They provide professional development, model effective technology use, and collaborate with teachers to design technology-rich instructional strategies. Additionally, they support and implement both district and school-wide digital initiatives.

Internship - A work-based learning experience that provides students or recent graduates with practical, real-world skills and knowledge related to their field of study or career interest. These experiences are typically temporary and offer an opportunity to explore a field, gain experience, and make connections. Internships can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and can vary in duration, often aligned with a semester or academic year.

Job Shadowing – A learning experience where an individual observes a professional performing daily tasks to gain insights into a specific role or industry.

Leadworthy - A leadership development and character education program designed by Capturing Kids’ Hearts specifically to empower fifth through 12th graders to “lead with heart.”

Mentorship – An alliance in which a mentor and a mentee work together over time to aid and promote the mentee’s growth, development, confidence, and success. 

Post-Secondary Opportunities - The range of academic, career, and technical pathways available to students after high school. These may include Dual Enrollment (DE), Early Postsecondary Opportunities (EPSOs), Industry Certifications, Advanced Placement (AP), College-Level Exam Program (CLEP), and Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.

Productive Struggle - The process of allowing students to grapple with challenging tasks—without immediate teacher intervention—in order to deepen their understanding and build resilience. It is not about letting students flounder, but rather about creating space for them to engage in meaningful problem solving, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes.

Professional Development – The process of improving one’s knowledge, skills, and abilities for professional growth and possible future career advancement.

Professional Learning Community (PLC) - A group of educators who work together to improve teaching practices and student learning outcomes.

Response to Intervention (RTI) - In education, RTI is a framework for providing support and interventions to struggling learners, often using a multi-tiered system of support.

Special Populations - Groups of students who require additional support or differentiated instruction to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities. 

Stakeholders - All students, parents, families, educators, alumni, community members, and government employees who share a vested interest in the success of Collierville Schools.

Standards-Aligned Instruction - The process of ensuring that curriculum, instruction, and assessments are consistent with established educational standards.

Strategic Plan – A comprehensive roadmap that outlines an organization’s goals, objectives, priorities, and recommended actions.

Subgroups - Distinct student populations identified for the purpose of monitoring academic performance, growth, and equity.

Technology Literacy – The ability to use technology tools and resources effectively and responsibly to acquire, evaluate, create, and communicate information.

Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) – The official state agency dedicated to improving student academic achievement in Tennessee, committed to the belief that children from all backgrounds can succeed when given the opportunities they deserve.

Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) – A statistical method used to measure the influence of a district, school, or teacher on the academic progress (growth) of individual students or groups of students, relative to their peers across Tennessee, from year to year.

Theory of Action - A clear, simple explanation of how a school district or organization believes its actions will lead to its desired outcomes. It connects the “why” behind the work with the “how” and “what” of implementation.

Tier 1 Classroom - In a school setting, Tier 1 classroom instruction refers to the foundational, universal support provided to all students, forming the base of a tiered system of support. This level focuses on high-quality, scientifically researched instruction for the majority of students, often using evidence-based curricula and strategies aligned with state standards.

Work-Based Learning - An educational strategy that allows students to apply acquired knowledge and skills in a real-world, work-related setting through apprenticeship, internship, job shadowing, or other learning models while still enrolled in school.