Glossary of education terms (S)
Sabbatical: A period of paid leave granted to a teacher or professor for study or research. The purpose of a sabbatical is to provide the individual with an opportunity to refresh their knowledge, skills, and perspective, which can then be brought back to the classroom or institution. Sabbaticals typically range from one semester to a full academic year. Eligibility requirements and application processes vary by institution.
Scaffolding: An instructional technique where a teacher provides support to a student in the learning process, which is then gradually removed as the student becomes more proficient. The support can take many forms, such as modeling a skill, providing prompts, or breaking down a task into smaller steps. The goal of scaffolding is to enable students to successfully complete tasks that would otherwise be too challenging for them.
Schema: (Plural: Schemata or Schemas) A mental framework or concept that helps individuals organize and interpret information. In education, understanding how students develop and use schemas is crucial for effective teaching. Teachers can help students build new schemas or modify existing ones by connecting new information to what they already know.
School Choice: A system that allows parents to choose which school their children attend, often with public funds following the student to the school of their choice. This can include charter schools, magnet schools, private schools (through vouchers or tax credits), or open enrollment policies allowing students to attend public schools outside their assigned district. Proponents argue that school choice promotes competition and improves educational outcomes, while critics raise concerns about equity and the potential for segregation.
School Climate: The quality and character of school life, encompassing the norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning practices, and organizational structures within a school. A positive school climate is characterized by safety, respect, support, and engagement, which are believed to contribute to student well-being and academic success.
Scope and Sequence: A curriculum document that outlines what topics will be taught (the scope) and in what order they will be taught (the sequence) throughout a course or grade level. A well-defined scope and sequence ensures that learning objectives are met in a logical and progressive manner.
Self-Efficacy: An individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. In education, self-efficacy plays a significant role in student motivation, engagement, and academic performance. Students with high self-efficacy are more likely to persist through challenges and believe they can master new material. Teachers can foster self-efficacy by providing opportunities for success, offering constructive feedback, and promoting a growth mindset.
Small Group Instruction: An instructional method where teachers work with a small group of students (typically 3-6) to provide targeted support and instruction. This allows for more individualized attention and opportunities for interaction compared to whole-class instruction. Small group instruction can be used to address specific learning needs, reinforce concepts, or provide enrichment activities.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The process of developing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. SEL is increasingly recognized as an essential component of education, as it helps students develop the skills they need to succeed in school, work, and life. SEL programs often focus on teaching students how to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make ethical choices.
Special Education: Specialized instruction and related services designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Special education is mandated by law in many countries, including the United States under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Services can include adapted curriculum, assistive technology, individualized support, and modifications to the learning environment.
Standardized Test: A test administered and scored in a consistent, or "standard," manner. Standardized tests are often used to assess student achievement, compare performance across schools or districts, and make decisions about placement or promotion. They can be norm-referenced (comparing students to each other) or criterion-referenced (measuring students against a set of standards).
Standards-Based Education: An educational approach that emphasizes clear learning standards that define what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Curriculum, instruction, and assessment are aligned to these standards. The focus is on ensuring that all students meet the standards, rather than simply covering a set amount of material.
STEM Education: An approach to teaching and learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM education emphasizes hands-on activities, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. The goal is to prepare students for careers in STEM fields and to foster innovation and technological literacy.