California Public Education Glossary

A

Academic Performance Index (API)—Historical

A numerical measure used in California’s former statewide accountability system. The last API report was produced in 2013. California replaced the API with a multiple-measures accountability and continuous-improvement system reported through the California School Dashboard.

Actual versus Funded Average Daily Attendance

Actual average daily attendance (ADA) is the attendance generated in the current year. Funded ADA is the ADA amount used in the state apportionment calculation after applying applicable funding protections and statutory rules, which can include prior-year or declining-enrollment provisions. The two amounts may differ, particularly when enrollment or attendance declines.

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)—Historical

A school and district accountability measure required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. AYP is retained as a historical term; the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind, and California now uses state and federal accountability measures reported through the California School Dashboard and related reports.

Alternative School

A school or program designed to provide educational options that differ from a traditional comprehensive school. Examples include continuation, community day, county community, opportunity, and juvenile court schools. Definitions and eligibility rules vary by program.

Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM)—Historical

California’s former accountability model for alternative schools serving high-risk students. The current system uses Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS) within the California School Dashboard.

Annual Measurable Objective (AMO)—Historical

An annual proficiency target used under the federal No Child Left Behind accountability system. The term may appear in historical accountability reports but is not part of California’s current Dashboard system.

Average Class Size

The average number of students assigned to classes, generally calculated by dividing student class enrollments by the number of classes included in the calculation. Methodology can vary by source and may exclude specified courses or unusually large or small classes. Average class size is not the same as the pupil-teacher ratio.

Average Daily Attendance (ADA)

A measure of student attendance calculated from the days of attendance generated during days of instruction. ADA is not the same as enrollment and is generally lower. California uses ADA in school funding and apportionment calculations under rules established in statute and regulation.

B

Basic Aid or Community-Funded District

An informal term for a school district whose local property-tax revenue equals or exceeds its calculated Local Control Funding Formula entitlement. Such districts generally retain the excess local revenue and may still receive specified state funding.

Bond Measure

A proposal asking voters to authorize general obligation bonds, usually to finance school facilities and other eligible capital projects. California local school bonds may qualify for a 55 percent approval threshold when constitutional and statutory accountability requirements are met; otherwise, a two-thirds threshold generally applies. State general obligation bonds require majority voter approval.

Budget Act

The annual statute authorizing state expenditures for a fiscal year. The Legislature must pass the budget bill by June 15. Following voter approval of Proposition 25 in 2010, the budget bill may pass by a majority vote; tax increases remain subject to separate constitutional voting requirements. The Governor may reduce or eliminate individual appropriations, subject to constitutional limits.

Building Fund

A fund used by a school district or county office of education to account for proceeds from general obligation bonds and certain authorized property transactions. Expenditures are generally restricted to capital outlay purposes.

C

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

California’s statewide assessment system. It includes Smarter Balanced assessments in English language arts/literacy and mathematics and other assessments required for specified grades and student populations. CAASPP replaced most components of the former STAR program beginning in 2014.

California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS)

A California Department of Education data collection covering specified aggregate information about schools, districts, calendars, staff, programs, and other topics. Many student-level and staff-assignment data elements once collected through CBEDS are now reported through CALPADS.

California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS)

California’s statewide longitudinal education data system. Local educational agencies use CALPADS to report student enrollment, demographics, programs, courses, discipline, staff assignments, and other information required for state and federal reporting.

California School Dashboard

California’s current public accountability tool. It reports school, local educational agency, and student-group performance using multiple state and local measures to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement.

California Standards Tests (CSTs)—Historical

Standards-based tests that formed part of California’s former Standardized Testing and Reporting program. Most CSTs were discontinued during the transition to CAASPP, although historical results remain available for longitudinal reference.

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)

California’s public-assistance program providing cash aid and services to eligible families with children. CalWORKs participation and school meal eligibility are different measures and should not be treated as interchangeable without reference to a report’s methodology.

Capital Outlay

Expenditures to acquire or construct capital assets, or to improve existing capital assets in a way that materially increases their value or useful life. Accounting thresholds and classifications are governed by the California School Accounting Manual and local policy.

Categorical Aid

State or federal funding restricted to a defined population, program, or purpose. Although the Local Control Funding Formula consolidated many former state categorical programs, restricted categorical funding continues for programs such as special education, child nutrition, and specified federal grants.

Certificated or Credentialed Employee

An employee serving in a position for which California law requires an appropriate credential, permit, or other authorization. This group commonly includes teachers and many educational administrators and pupil-services professionals.

Charter School

A public school operating under a charter approved by an authorized public agency. Charter schools have flexibility from many laws governing school districts but remain subject to requirements specified in charter-school law and other applicable state and federal laws. They must be nonsectarian, may not charge tuition, and may not unlawfully discriminate. Authorization, oversight, renewal, appeal, and geographic rules are governed by current California Education Code.

Classified Employee

A school employee serving in a position that does not require a state-issued education credential. Examples may include instructional assistants, office staff, custodians, food-service employees, bus drivers, technology staff, and some managers.

Cohort

For graduation and dropout reporting, a group of students first entering grade nine in the same school year. The cohort is adjusted by adding qualifying transfers into the cohort and removing students who transfer to another diploma-granting school, emigrate, or die. Students who drop out or remain enrolled without graduating generally remain in the cohort, subject to current reporting rules.

Common Administration Districts

Separate elementary and high school districts operating with shared administration and, in some cases, a common governing board or employee organization. The districts remain separate legal entities and may have separate data-reporting and funding responsibilities.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

Academic content standards describing what students should know and be able to do in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. California adopted the standards in 2010 and subsequently developed implementation frameworks, instructional resources, and aligned assessments.

Community Day School

A school operated by a school district for students who have been expelled, referred by probation or a school attendance review board, or otherwise meet statutory eligibility criteria. Community day schools provide academic instruction and specified support services in a structured setting.

County Community School

An alternative education program operated by a county office of education for students who meet statutory referral or eligibility criteria, which can include expelled students, probation-referred students, and other students with significant educational needs.

Continuation High School

An alternative diploma program, generally for students age 16 or older who are at risk of not completing high school. Continuation schools provide required academic instruction and may offer credit recovery, career preparation, counseling, and other individualized supports.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

An adjustment intended to account for changes in costs over time. California uses statutory formulas to calculate COLAs for specified education programs, but the amount actually funded depends on the annual Budget Act and other law.

D

Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS)

A designation in California’s current accountability system for specified alternative schools serving high-risk students. DASS replaced the former Alternative Schools Accountability Model designation.

Deferred Maintenance

Major repair or replacement work that is postponed to a future date. Districts commonly use facilities inspections, condition assessments, and multiyear plans to prioritize roofs, building systems, paving, and other long-lived assets.

District Type

A classification based on the grade levels a school district is authorized to serve. California districts are generally elementary, high school, or unified districts, although the precise grades served can vary.

Districtwide Charter—Historical or Limited Use

A former description for converting all schools in a district to charter status. Charter authorization law has changed substantially; consult current Education Code and California Department of Education guidance rather than relying on historical procedures.

Dropout

A student who leaves school without completing a recognized high school credential and does not have a qualifying exclusion such as a documented transfer to another diploma-granting school. California’s detailed dropout rules depend on enrollment, exit, completion, and subsequent-enrollment records reported through CALPADS.

Dropout Rate

The percentage of students in a defined population who are reported as dropouts. California publishes four-year and extended-year cohort dropout rates. Rates from different methodologies or eras should not be compared without reviewing the applicable definitions.

E

Education Code

The body of California statutes governing education. Related requirements also appear in other California codes, federal law, and regulations, including Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

English Learner (EL)

A student whose Home Language Survey indicates a language other than English and whose initial English language proficiency assessment indicates that English learner programs and services are needed. California currently uses the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), including alternate assessments for eligible students.

Enrollment

A count of students registered and attending a school or educational program under the definitions used for a particular report. Census Day enrollment generally reflects enrollment on the first Wednesday in October. Enrollment differs from average daily attendance, which measures attendance over time.

Ethnic Diversity Index (EDI)—Ed-Data Measure

A measure formerly published by Ed-Data to describe the distribution of students across reported race and ethnicity categories. It is not a current California accountability indicator. Interpretation depends on the categories and calculation used in the applicable report year.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The 2015 federal law that reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and replaced No Child Left Behind. ESSA establishes requirements for academic standards, assessments, accountability, school improvement, educator support, and federal education programs.

F

Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT)

A state-supported organization that provides fiscal, management, data-management, and training services to California local educational agencies and community colleges. FCMAT also performs specified fiscal oversight and intervention functions.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Meals provided at no cost or a reduced price to eligible students through federal child-nutrition programs. California also operates universal-meals requirements for public schools; student eligibility data may still be collected for funding and reporting purposes.

G

General Fund

The primary accounting fund used by a local educational agency for ordinary operations. Transactions required or authorized to be accounted for in another fund are reported separately.

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)

Programs and services designed for students identified as gifted or talented under local criteria. California’s former restricted GATE funding was consolidated into the Local Control Funding Formula; program design and funding decisions are generally made locally, subject to applicable law.

Graduate

A student who earns a recognized high school completion credential. Public reports may distinguish graduates receiving a regular high school diploma from non-graduate completers receiving other credentials. Consult the report’s file layout and business rules.

Graduation Rate

The percentage of students in an adjusted cohort who earn a regular high school diploma within a specified period. California publishes four-year and extended-year cohort graduation rates under state and federal reporting rules.

I

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

A written plan developed by an IEP team for a student eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It describes the student’s present levels, goals, services, supports, accommodations, and other required elements.

Instructional Materials

Resources used to support teaching and learning, including textbooks, digital materials, workbooks, and other curriculum resources. Adoption and sufficiency requirements vary by grade span, subject, and local or state responsibility.

J

Juvenile Court School

A public school program operated by a county office of education for students served through the juvenile court system. Programs provide required instruction and support progress toward graduation, transition, or return to another educational placement.

L

Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)

A three-year plan that California local educational agencies develop and update annually through consultation with parents, students, staff, and other educational partners. The LCAP describes goals, actions, services, and expenditures addressing state and local priorities, with attention to outcomes for student groups.

Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)

California’s principal school-funding formula, enacted in 2013. It provides grade-span base grants and additional supplemental and concentration funding associated with English learners, students from low-income families, and foster youth, together with specified add-ons and adjustments.

Local Educational Agency (LEA)

A public authority responsible for administering elementary or secondary education. In California, the term commonly includes school districts and county offices of education and, for many state and federal purposes, charter schools.

N

No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)—Historical

The 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. NCLB established AYP and related accountability requirements. It was replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015.

O

Opportunity School or Class

An alternative program that may provide specialized instruction, counseling, and support for students with attendance, adjustment, or behavioral needs. Establishment, placement, and operation are governed by California law and local policy.

P

Proposition 13

A 1978 amendment to the California Constitution that limits the general property-tax rate, establishes rules for assessed value, and imposes voter-approval requirements for specified taxes. It substantially changed the financing of California local government and public schools.

Proposition 30

A 2012 initiative that temporarily increased sales and personal-income tax rates and directed revenues through the Education Protection Account. The sales-tax increase expired in 2016. Proposition 55, approved in 2016, extended the higher personal-income tax rates for specified high-income taxpayers through 2030.

Proposition 227—Historical

A 1998 initiative that restricted bilingual instruction for English learners. Proposition 58, approved by voters in 2016 and effective in 2017, repealed key restrictions and authorized locally developed language-acquisition programs with parent and community input.

Propositions 98 and 111

Constitutional measures approved in 1988 and 1990 that established and modified a minimum annual funding guarantee for kindergarten through grade twelve schools and community colleges. The guarantee is calculated under formulas that vary with state revenues, economic conditions, enrollment, and other factors.

Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)

California’s public retirement system for eligible public employees. Most classified school employees participate in CalPERS unless covered by another authorized retirement arrangement.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Total student enrollment divided by the number of full-time-equivalent teachers. It is a staffing measure and is generally lower than average class size because some teachers serve in non-classroom or specialized assignments.

R

Race and Ethnicity

Student and staff demographic classifications collected under state and federal reporting standards. California reporting may use detailed categories and combination rules; category names and methodology should be confirmed in the documentation for the applicable dataset and year.

Regional Occupational Center or Program (ROC/P)

A career technical education program operated by one or more local educational agencies, sometimes through a joint powers authority. Programs provide career preparation and technical instruction consistent with current state requirements and local offerings.

Restricted Funds

Resources whose use is limited by law, regulation, grant terms, or donor restrictions. Board-designated amounts are not necessarily legally restricted and may be classified differently under governmental accounting rules.

S

SAT

A standardized college-admission test administered by the College Board. Colleges and universities establish their own policies regarding whether and how SAT scores are considered. California public-university admission policies should be verified directly with the relevant system or campus.

School Accountability Report Card (SARC)

An annual report containing information about a California public school’s conditions, performance, demographics, staffing, safety, facilities, and resources. State law generally requires each school to publish its SARC by February 1 using data from the prior school year.

School Type

A classification describing the grades served or educational program offered by a school, such as elementary, middle, high, continuation, community day, county community, juvenile court, or special education. Definitions may vary among data systems.

Small School District

A district meeting an enrollment or ADA threshold defined for a particular funding, governance, or reporting provision. California law uses different “small district” thresholds for different purposes, so the controlling statute or program guidance should be consulted.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium

A multistate consortium that developed standards-aligned assessments in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. California administers Smarter Balanced summative assessments as part of CAASPP.

Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Student

A student included in the socioeconomically disadvantaged student group under the criteria used for a specific California report. Dashboard and assessment reporting generally use eligibility for free or reduced-price meals or whether neither parent received a high school diploma; detailed business rules apply.

Special Education

Specially designed instruction and related services provided at no cost to eligible students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and California law. Eligible students receive a free appropriate public education through an individualized education program in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs.

Standardized Account Code Structure (SACS)

California’s uniform system of account codes and financial reporting for school districts and county offices of education. Charter schools may use SACS or an authorized alternative financial reporting format, as applicable.

Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (STAR)—Historical

California’s former statewide assessment program, administered from 1998 through 2013. CAASPP replaced most STAR assessments beginning in 2014.

State Board of Education-Authorized Charter—Historical Context

A charter school formerly authorized directly by the State Board of Education under prior appeal or statewide-benefit provisions. California charter authorization and appeal law has changed; current petitions and renewals must follow the presently applicable Education Code.

State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS)

California’s retirement system for eligible public-school educators and other members employed in positions covered by the Teachers’ Retirement Law.

Statewide Benefit Charter—Historical

A former charter category authorized directly by the State Board of Education to provide specified statewide-benefit services. Statutory authority for new statewide-benefit charter petitions was repealed; the term may still appear in historical records.

Statewide Student Identifier (SSID)

A unique identifier assigned through CALPADS to a student enrolled in a California public kindergarten-through-grade-twelve educational program. The identifier supports longitudinal reporting and follows the student across California public schools.

T

Title I, Part A

A federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act program providing funds to local educational agencies and schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure students meet challenging state academic standards.

Title I, Part C—Migrant Education

A federal program supporting eligible migratory children so they can overcome educational disruption and other challenges associated with migratory work and succeed in school.

Title VI—Historical Usage

The meaning of “Title VI” depends on the law and period referenced. The former federal Title VI innovative-program funding described in older reports is obsolete. In current education contexts, Title VI may refer to other federal provisions, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs.

U

Unrestricted Funds

Resources not legally restricted to a specific purpose. They remain subject to general legal requirements, accounting rules, collective bargaining obligations, and governing-board action.

Additional Resources

• California School Dashboard
• California Department of Education: School Performance and Data
• Local Control Funding Formula
• Local Control and Accountability Plan
• California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
• California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System
• California School Accounting Manual
• California Legislative Information