Glossary

At-risk students face higher likelihood of academic failure, dropout, or disenrollment. Learn how schools identify and support at-risk students proactively.

CMOs operate multiple charter schools under shared leadership and systems. Learn how charter management organizations work and their challenges.

Charter networks operate multiple charter schools with shared vision and support. Learn how charter networks differ from standalone charters.

Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated schools with flexibility in curriculum and operations. Learn how charters work.

Chronic absenteeism means missing 10% or more of school days. Learn why absenteeism predicts dropout and how early intervention helps.

Disaggregated data breaks down information by student subgroups to reveal disparities. Learn why disaggregation supports equity and retention.

Disenrollment is when students leave a school before completing their program. Learn causes of disenrollment and prevention strategies.

Early warning systems identify students at risk of dropping out or leaving before it happens. Learn how schools use data to intervene proactively.

Independent schools are private schools governed by independent boards. Learn what makes independent schools different from other private schools.

Longitudinal data tracks the same students over time, revealing trends and patterns. Learn why longitudinal data supports retention strategies.

MTSS provides tiered interventions matching student needs—from universal supports to intensive interventions. Learn how MTSS frameworks work.

Private schools are independently funded schools that charge tuition. Learn about private school types, characteristics, and retention challenges.

Pulse surveys are brief, frequent check-ins that measure student experience in real-time. Learn why pulse surveys work better than annual surveys.

Re-enrollment is when current families commit to returning next year. Learn why re-enrollment processes impact retention rates.

School climate is the overall atmosphere and quality of life within a school. Learn how climate affects student achievement, retention, and wellbeing.

School climate surveys measure student and staff perceptions of safety, relationships, and learning environment. Learn what to ask and how often.

School culture encompasses the values, beliefs, and traditions that define "how we do things here." Learn how culture shapes student experience.

Sense of belonging is feeling accepted and valued in school community. Learn why belonging predicts engagement, achievement, and retention.

Social-emotional learning teaches students self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Learn why SEL supports academic success.

Student attrition is the rate at which students leave a school. Learn the main causes of attrition and how early detection prevents student loss.

Student belonging measures whether students feel accepted, valued, and connected at school. Learn why belonging predicts retention and academic success.

Student engagement measures students' involvement, interest, and effort in learning. Learn why engagement predicts achievement and retention.

Student perception surveys capture how students experience school climate, safety, relationships, and learning. Learn why student voice data matters.

Student retention measures how many students return year-over-year. Learn why retention drives revenue, community, and success for charter and private schools.

Student safety includes physical security and emotional safety from bullying and harassment. Learn why safety is foundational to school climate.

Student subgroups are categories used to analyze data by demographics or characteristics. Learn why subgroup analysis supports equity.

Student voice gives students meaningful input into decisions affecting their education. Learn why listening to students improves school climate and retention.

Student wellbeing encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Learn why wellbeing supports both academic success and retention.

Survey fatigue occurs when over-surveying leads to lower response rates and rushed answers. Learn how to get honest feedback without burnout.

Teacher attrition is the rate at which teachers leave schools or the profession. Learn why teacher turnover impacts student achievement and retention.