Glossary of Terms
We have put together a glossary of terms to help you understand some important words commonly used in our school community.
“Enrolled”
Being enrolled means your child is actively taking part in the educational program offered by RCOA. As an enrolled student, your child will have dedicated teachers who will guide them, provide instruction, and assess their progress. Being enrolled ensures that your child can earn academic credit for the courses they complete.
“School of Record “or “SOR”
In British Columbia, the term ‘school of record’ refers to the school that serves as your child’s main educational community. If your child takes courses from multiple schools, the determination of the school of record is made collaboratively between the schools involved. Usually, this designation is given to the school where your child completes most of their courses during the school year. The school of record is responsible for keeping and managing your child’s files and records, ensuring that all important information is properly recorded and maintained.
“Cross enrolled “or “XE”
Being a cross enrolled student in BC schools means that your child is enrolled in multiple schools at the same time. This allows them to take courses or participate in programs that may not be offered at their primary school. Cross enrolment gives students the flexibility to explore different educational opportunities and broaden their learning experiences. Even though they have a school with which they are officially enrolled, cross enrolled students can also attend classes or join activities at other schools. This allows them to access a wider range of educational offerings. The schools work together to ensure a smooth and coordinated learning experience for cross enrolled students.
“Online Learning” or “OL”
Online learning refers to a learning program where your children learn fully or mostly from home instead of in a regular school building, sharing learning with a teacher via an online learning platform. Programs are individualized, and while parts of the program may be completed online, there is no specific amount.
“Home Learning Support Teacher” or “HLST”
An HLST is a BC Certified teacher who works together with you, the parent, to guide and evaluate the home learning education plan for your child.
“Registered homeschooler” or “RegHs”
As a parent, you are required under section 12 to provide your child with an educational program and must register your child on or before September 30 each year. If you choose homeschooling, your child will participate in a parent-directed home learning program under section 13 of the Independent School Act in British Columbia. This program does not lead to the attainment of a British Columbia graduation certificate.
“Learning Support” or “LS”
If your child requires additional support to meet the grade level expectations set by the BC Ministry of Education & Childcare (ECC), they will receive personalized learning support. This support is designed to meet their specific needs and may include individualized instruction, specialized resources, accommodations, or modifications. Your child will benefit from learning support if they fall under specific categories including K (children with an intellectual disability), P (children with a physical disability), Q (children who are deaf or hard of hearing), and R (children with a behavioural or emotional disorder). Furthermore, if your child has not had a category assigned to them but has been identified with needs by RCOA’s or any other school’s LS department based on their academic history, they may also receive learning support. The ultimate goal is to ensure that your child has access to the necessary tools and resources, enabling them to succeed academically and reach their full potential.
“Special Education” or “SE”
Special Education (SE) refers to specialized programming that provides support to children with additional educational intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, neurological, or behavioral needs. If your child has significant documented needs, they may receive a Ministry designation based on the BC Ministry of Education & Childcare. The Ministry designations categorize students into specific areas of need, including the following:
- Level 1: Physically Dependent (A) & Deafblind (B)
- Level 2: Moderate to Profound Intellectual Disability (C), Physical Disability or Chronic Health Impairment (D), Visual Impairment (E), Deaf or Hard of Hearing (F), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (G)
- Level 3: Intensive Behaviour Interventions or Serious Mental Illness (H)
These designations ensure that your child receives targeted support and resources tailored to their individual learning requirements within the BC education system. The goal of Special Education is to create an inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically and holistically.
“Elementary School” or “ES”
RCOA elementary school is the early stage of formal education for your child, encompassing grades kindergarten through 7. Your child acquires fundamental knowledge, skills, and socialization through core subjects such as language arts (reading, writing, and communication skills), mathematics, science, and social studies, in addition to physical education, arts, career education, and applied skills, design, & technology.
“High School” or “HS”
RCOA high school refers to the secondary level of education, encompassing grades 8 to 12, and it is a critical stage in your child’s academic journey. During this time, they further develop their knowledge and skills in various subjects, preparing them for their future endeavors. In high school, your child will delve deeper into core subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies. Additionally, they have the option to choose from a wide range of elective courses based on their personal interests and career aspirations.
