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Glossary

All 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 Other
Data-driven decision making
A process of making decisions about curriculum and instruction based on the analysis of classroom data and standardized test data. Data-driven decision making uses data on function, quantity, and quality of inputs, and how students learn to suggest educational solutions. It is based on the assumption that scientific methods used to solve complex problems in industry can effectively evaluate educational policy, programs, and methods.
Descriptive research
A descriptive study reports the things are. It is also used to summarize, organize, and simplify data. Typical questions asked in descriptive studies are: How do kids score on reading achievement tests across race/ethnicity and gender? How safe do students feel in your school?
Developmental Bilingual Program
A program that teaches content through two languages and develops both languages with the goal of bilingualism and biliteracy. See also late-exit bilingual education (Baker, 2000).
Discussion
The discussion connects the various aspects of the data analysis; shows the commonalities across groups, uniqueness, inconsistencies, etc.; and identifies the limits to the study resulting from the design and data analysis.
Distance Learning
As defined by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001:[3]

The term distance learning' means the transmission of educational or instructional programming to geographically dispersed individuals and groups via telecommunications.
Dominant Language
The language with which the speaker has greater proficiency and/or uses more often (Baker, 2001). See primary language.
Drug
A chemical compound or substance that can alter the structure and
function of the body. Psychoactive drugs affect the function of the brain, and
some of these may be illegal to use and possess. [2]
Drug Abuse
The use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of legal
drugs. The repeated use of drugs to produce pleasure, to alleviate stress, or to
alter or avoid reality (or all three). [2]
Dual Immersion
Also known as two-way immersion or two-way bilingual education, these programs are designed to serve both language minority and language majority students concurrently. Two language groups are put together and instruction is delivered through both languages. For example, in the US, native English-speakers might learn Spanish as a foreign language while continuing to develop their English literacy skills and Spanish-speaking ELLs learn English while developing literacy in Spanish. The goals of the program are for both groups to become biliterate, succeed academically, and develop cross-cultural understanding (Howard, 2001).
Dual Language Program
Also known as two-way or developmental, the goal of these bilingual programs is for students to develop language proficiency in two languages by receiving instruction in English and another language in a classroom that is usually comprised of half native English speakers and half native speakers of the other language.
Due Process
A safeguard that protects the rights of individuals.[5]


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