Glossary of Terms

Cooperative Learning: A teaching strategy combining teamwork with individual and group accountability. Working in small groups, with individuals of varying talents, abilities, and backgrounds, students are given one or more tasks. The teacher or the group often assigns each team member a personal responsibility that is essential to successful completion of the task.

Flexible Graduation Requirements: Many schools are hindered by inflexible graduation, time, and attendance requirements, such as the 100-year-old Carnegie unit, that do not reflect contemporary knowledge of best practices. This may mean that some students complete high school in fewer or more than the traditional four years.

Project-Based Learning: Teaching by engaging students in a long-term activity in which they gather information and develop a product of some kind, such as a written report, oral presentation, or model.

School Health: A planned, sequential K-12 curriculum that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of health. Qualified, trained teachers provide health education.

Source: From "A Coordinated School Health Program" by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Retrieved April 2, 2002, from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/cshpdef.htm.

Well-Rounded Curriculum: Schools should give students a general education, which includes basic skills but goes beyond a narrow interpretation of "the basics." A balanced curriculum includes music and fine arts, the humanities, vocational education, and student activities.