CPD Scotland
Glossary
This glossary explains terms used in CPD - Continuing Professional Development. It is not intended to be exhaustive in educational terms, nor does it include an explanation of every word used in the case study extracts. Instead, it seeks to clarify meanings in order to remove potential barriers to understanding and help the reader to appreciate the messages intended more fully.
Keyword search
| National Assessments 5-14 | Assessment materials designed to support the 5-14 curriculum. Developed in collaboration with AifL - Assessment is for Learning, these are intended as one element of a range of evidence to be used by teachers in Scottish schools to confirm their judgements about pupils' levels of attainment in English language (reading and writing) and mathematics. These assessments have replaced the former National Tests. |
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| National Priorities in Education | The 2000 Act identifies Scottish Ministers' five national priorities in education: Achievement and Attainment; Framework for Learning; Inclusion and Equality; Values and Citizenship; and Learning for Life. Local education authorities and schools set out their own targets and objectives around the broad headings. Achievement and Attainment is focused principally on the core skills of literacy and numeracy and in examination results. A Framework for Learning surrounds both teachers and pupils, with the aim of enhancing the school and learning environment. There are also commitments to Inclusion and Equality, encompassing issues such as disability and special educational needs, and to Gaelic and other minority languages. Attention is also paid to Values and Citizenship, and to the promotion of a culture of lifelong learning, ambition and creativity. |
| National Tests | In mathematics and in the reading and writing outcomes of the English language curriculum, these were part of the overall assessment strategy introduced in 1991. They have now been superseded by National Assessments 5-14. |
| NC (National Certificate) | The non-advanced post-school vocational certificate awarded by SQA. |
| NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) | Refers to young people between 16 and 19 years old who are not in Employment, Education or Training. |
| NPs (National Priorities in Education) | The National Priorities in Education, as approved by the Scottish Parliament in December 2000, are defined under the following headings: Achievement and Attainment; Framework for Learning; Inclusion and Equality; Values and Citizenship; Learning for Life. |
| NQ (National Qualifications) | A single unified system of National Qualifications replacing the separate systems of academic and vocational qualifications which operated in Scotland until 1999. This system, which is managed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), ensures that learners receive recognised awards for their achievements. National Qualifications are available at five levels: Access, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher. |
| NQCS (National Qualifications Curriculum Support series) | A series of publications published by Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) that supports National Qualifications. |
| NQT | Newly qualified teacher following a successful one year probationary period in school. |