Capabilities (skills and knowledge)—the abilities and understanding that immigrant students and families bring to the school community from their cultural experiences as well as the understandings that need to be developed to comprehend the school environment

Connections (networks)—the social influences, such as community organizations, churches, and support groups, immigrant students and families have and use as resources to guide them through the school environment

Confidence (self-worth)—a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities and qualities within the community and the school

Cognition (beliefs and values)—the process of examining beliefs and values and how those connect to the school community

Cultural competence—an awareness of one’s own cultural identity and views about difference as well as the ability to learn and build on the varying cultural and community norms of students and their families

English learner (EL)—a student whose primary language is not English and who is in the process of acquiring the English language

At times, the terms EL and limited English proficient (LEP) may be used interchangeably when referencing federal statute.

English language proficiency—the ability of a student to listen, speak, read, and write at a level that allows him or her to complete grade-level classwork in English

Immigrant—a student who is aged 3 through 21, was not born in any state, and has not been attending one or more schools in any one or more states for more than three full academic years (NCLB, 2002)

Local educational agency (LEA)—a public school district or open-enrollment charter school

LEA and school district are synonymous and may be used interchangeably.

Needs assessment —a systematic process for determining and addressing needs between current and future processes used to determine priorities and make adjustments or improvements as needed

Stakeholders —LEA/campus administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and community members

Supplant—take the place of or replace

Title III, Part A funding must be used to supplement programs and services offered with federal, state, and local funds, not supplant them.

Supplement —add to, enhance, or increase