Terms you should know:

1. ACT – American College Testing
   An alternative to the SAT (this test measures what the student has actually learned, whereas the SAT is more about capability and comprehension – reasoning, verbal abilities, etc.).
2. AYP – Adequate Yearly Progress (Reports)
   Online reports that keep parents and educators informed about the progress being made in public schools.
3. ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages
   For students whose first language is not English.
4. FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
   A standard form you and your child will need to fill out to apply for financial aid. You’ll need to have your taxes done to complete this form, so file early the year your child is in 11th grade.
5. NCLB – No Child Left Behind
   NCLB is the most recent authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which is the principal federal law affecting K-12 educators. It requires that all children be assessed each year in order to show adequate yearly progress in reading and mathematics.
6. PSAT – Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test
   Preliminary assessment test that all students take in 10th grade, even if they’re not considering college (for college students, the PSAT is important – it’s considered a qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships).
7. SAT – Scholastic Assessment Test
   Standardized test that’s a major factor in college admissions (taken junior and senior year).