Accountability

Requirement that workers accept the consequences of their actions and report those actions to their immediate supervisor.
UCB

Achievement gap

Persistent differences in achievement among different types of learners as indicated by scores on standardized tests, teacher grades and other data. The gaps most frequently referred to are those between rural and urban, female and male, majority and minority language learners.
CCL

Action research

Action research involves identifying a question or problem and then collecting and analyzing relevant data. It is called action research because participants are studying an aspect of their own work and they intend to use the results themselves.
CCL

Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey

A large-scale, international comparative assessment designed to identify and measure a range of skills linked to the social and economic characteristics of individuals across (or within) nations. The survey provides information on the skills and attitudes of adults aged 16 to 65 in a number of different areas, including: prose and document literacy, numeracy and analytical reasoning and problem solving.
CCL

Analytic System

Manufacturing system that breaks down raw materials into components to extract other products.
UCB

Apprenticeship

A time when a new worker works alongside a master technician to learn the appropriate skills and procedures.
UCB

Arbitration

The process of resolving all disputes, not only grievances, through an outside, impartial third party.
UCB

Assembly Process

Production process that puts together components.
UCB

At-risk students

Learners who have a higher than average probability of dropping out or failing school. Broad categories usually include inner-city, low-income and homeless children; those not fluent in English or French; and special-needs learners with emotional or behavioural difficulties.
CCL

Audit

An audit involves an independent review and examination of records or financial accounts to check their accuracy. Audits are also used to ensure compliance with established policy and operational procedures, and to recommend any necessary changes.

Authentic learning

Learning related to real-life situations – the kinds of problems faced by learners, consumers or professionals. Authentic learning situations require teamwork, problem-solving skills and the ability to organize and prioritize tasks needed to complete the project.
CCL