controlled experiment
an experiment that tests only one factor at a time by using a comparison of a control group with an experimental group
independent variable
variable that is changed in an experiment
observation
use of the senses to gather and record information about structures or processes in nature
data
recorded observations or items of information
inference
logical conclusion based on observations
generalization
general conclusion
hypothesis
suggested, testable answer to a well-defined scientific question
variable
any factor in an experiment that is not constant (any factor that can change)
evidence
collected body of data from observations and experiments
theory
well-tested explanation that makes sense of a great variety of scientific observations
dependent variable
the variable that is measured in an experiment
qualitative data
Information describing color, odor, shape, or some other physical characteristic
quantitative data
numerical information describing how much, how little, how big, how tall, how fast, etc.
inquiry learning
approach in which the teacher presents a puzzling situation and students solve the problem by gathering data and testing their conclusions
problem based learning
methods that provide students with realistic problems that don't necessarily have "right" answers
GOALS of problem based learning
to enhance intrinsic motivation and skills in problem solving, collaboration, evidence based decision making, and self directed lifelong learning
TEACHER's role in problem based learning
PHASE 1 = orient students to the problem: goes over the objective of the lesson, describes important requirement, motivates students. PHASE 2 = organize student for study: helps students define and organize study tasks related to the problem. PHASE 3 = assist independent and group investigation: encourages to gather appropriate information, conduct experiments, search for explanation and solutions.

PHASE 4 = develop and present artifacts and exhibits: assists in planning and preparing reports, videos, and models to help them share their work with others. PHASE 5 = analyze and evaluate the problem solving process: teacher helps students to reflect on their investigations and the process they used.

anchored instruction
a type of problem based learning that uses a complex, interesting situation as an anchor for learning
cooperation
way of working with others to attain a shared goal
cooperative learning
situations where elaboration, interpretation, explanation, and argumentation are integral to the activity of the group and where learning is supported by other individuals
highly structured tasks
include work that have specific answers-drill and practice, applying routines and procedures, answering questions from readings, computations in mathematics
Ill-structured complex tasks
have multiple answers and unclear procedures, requiring problem finding and higher-order thinking, require all the resources of all the group members to accomplish
social skills and communication tasks
when the goal of peer learning is enhanced social skills or increased intergroup of understanding and appreciation of diversity, the assignment of specific roles and functions within the group might support communication
learning styles
The different ways people process information., Preferred methods of absorbing and processing information
Blooms taxonomy
A Hierarchical arrangement of cognitive abilities
scaffolding learning
"Scaffolding refers to providing contextual supports for meaning through the use of simplified language, teacher modeling, visuals and graphics, cooperative learning and hands-on learning" (Ovando, Collier, & Combs, 2003, p. 345).

common core
standards that provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them; they are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers.
accelerated learning
an intensive method of study employing techniques that enable material to be learned in a relatively short time. A program of learning that allows certain students to progress more rapidly than others., A total system for speeding and enhancing both the design process and the learning processes, based on the latest brain research
Critical thinking
focused, organized thinking about such things as the logical relationships among ideas, the soundness of evidence, and the differences between fact and opinion
guided practice
the teacher guides and assists students as they learn how and when to apply the strategy, practice done with frequent and immediate teacher assistance
anticipatory set
A brief activity or event at the beginning of the lesson that effectively engages all students' attention and focuses their thoughts on the learning objectives.

meta cognitive knowledge
form of knowledge; awareness of what you understand & what you don't (taught by experience); "comprehensive monitoring" tells you if you understand a topic vs. slow down & re-read
Equity
fairness
differentiated lessons
framework or philosophy for effective teaching that involves providing students with different avenues to acquiring content; to processing, constructing, or making sense of ideas; and to developing teaching materials and assessment measures so that all students within a classroom can learn effectively, regardless of differences in ability
compacting curriculum
Identifying aspects of the content that the student has already mastered and provide instruction only on the content that the student has not yet mastered.
cooperative learning
Approach to instruction in which students work with a small group of peers to achieve a common goal and help one another learn.
professional learning community
A defined group of educational stakeholders brought together to enable teachers and others to collaborate in support of reflective practice action research and ongoing professional development
Tier 1
High quality, effective instruction designed to engage and challenge all students in the general education classroom
cueing
setting event and providing the context
RTI
Response To Intervention; A systematic educational decision-making process, Goal: to ID those who need support early; Need universal screening, progress monitoring, and instructional decision-making
tier 3
5-10% of students. Individual students who perform at low levels in otherwise affective classrooms, need inensive intervention. Formative evaluation.

First time to consider for SPED

Inclusion
an approach to educating children with special needs in which they are included in regular classrooms, with "appropriate aids and services", as required by law
team teaching
a group of two or more teachers working together to plan, conduct and evaluate the learning activities for a shared group of learners., teachers share responsibilities equally
IEP-
The Individual Education Plan developed for each child eligible for special education, based on the child's unique needs, with parent participation, containing a statement of the child's present level of performance, educational needs, goals and measurable objectives. Is reviewed at least annually.
curriculum
course of study, specific course of study in a school or college
engage
carry out or participate in an activity
explore
to search for or travel for the purpose of discovery; to investigate carefully
Explain
Give a detailed account of causes, reasons, or mechanisms.
Elaborate
to add details to, especially in writing or with words
Evaluate
to consider or examine something in order to judge its value, quality, importance, extent, or condition