Page 153 - Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting in Ontario Schools. First Edition, Covering Grades 1 to 12. 2010

GLOSSARY
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English as a second language (ESL) programs. Programs for students whose first language is a language other than English or a variety of English significantly different from that used for instruction in Ontario schools. Students in these programs have had educational opportunities to develop age-appropriate first-language literacy skills.
English language learners (ELL). Students in provincially funded English-language schools whose first language is a language other than English or a variety of English that is significantly different from that used for instruction in Ontario schools, and who require focused educational supports to assist them in attaining proficiency in English. These students may have been born in Canada or may be recently arrived from other countries.
English literacy development (ELD) programs. Programs for students whose first language is
a language other than English or a variety of English significantly different from that used for instruction in Ontario schools. Students in these programs may be from countries in which their access to education has been limited, or they may have had limited opportunities to develop language
and literacy skills in any language. Schooling in their countries of origin may have been inconsistent, disrupted, or even completely unavailable throughout the years that these children would otherwise have been in school. As a result, they arrive in Ontario schools with significant gaps in their education.
equity. A condition or state of fair, inclusive, and respectful treatment of all people. Equity does not mean that people are treated the same without regard for individual differences.
evaluation. The process of judging the quality of student learning on the basis of established criteria and assigning a value to represent that quality. Evaluation is based on assessments of learning that provide data on student achievement at strategic times throughout the grade/subject/course, often at the end of a period of learning.
First Nation. A term used to refer to any of the distinct cultural groups of Aboriginal peoples. The term came into common usage in the 1970s to replace the world “Indian” and is now used instead of the word “band” in the names of Aboriginal communities.
formative assessment. Assessment that takes place during instruction in order to provide direction for improvement for individual students and for adjustment to instructional programs for individual students and for a whole class. The information gathered is used for the specific purpose of helping students improve while they are still gaining knowledge and practising skills.
gradual release of responsibility. A high-yield instructional strategy that involves scaffolding instruction and providing appropriate amounts of support to students based on their needs. For example, the teacher first models a new strategy, then explicitly teaches and works with students. After that, the teacher coaches students as they attempt to complete tasks on their own. Finally, students work independently, with feedback from the teacher.
GLOSSARY