“I’ll meet you at the QT to pick up your book on PBL. We want to discuss it at the PLC along the with some information from KSDE on the latest KCCRS.”

According to Wikipedia, “An acronym is a word or name formed as an abbreviation from the initial components of a phrase or a word, usually individual letters and sometimes syllables. There are no universal standards for the multiple names for such abbreviations or for their orthographic styling.” The history of acronyms began in the 20^th century following World War II. The word was coined in 1943. Many believe that it was developed due to the military use of using initials to form new words or quick referrals to objects. An example might be REMs. This stands for ready to eat meals that the soldiers carried with them.

Today’s culture is full of acronyms especially in the sense of texting. Texting and Twitter have developed their own forms of acronyms such as LOL or laugh out loud. Education is abundant with acronyms. As a new teacher, back in the olden days, I remember trying to be so impressive at the Thanksgiving table explaining the multiple acronyms I had learned as a first year teacher. But today, it’s a way of life not only professionally, but culturally. I have had numerous opportunities to ask when I’m not sure what an acronym means, but I don’t always as that may show ignorance. That’s a hard issue to admit. I’ve also caught myself talking with others regarding education using acronyms. I need to be more mindful of my audience.

Please, please as a parent or just a concerned citizen, please ask an educator what they are talking about if they begin using abbreviated jargon. We’re both good at it, and insensitive when using it around people outside of the education realm. We should all have the courage to ask what an acronym means when we’re not sure.

Here are a few educational acronyms help you get started:

IEP Individualized Education Plan

KAP Kansas Assessment Program

ECDC Early Childhood Development Center

SIT Student Intervention Team

ELL English Language Learner

IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

LEA Local Education Agency

The sentence from the beginning:

“I’ll meet you at the Quick Trip to pick up your book on Project Based Learning. We want to discuss it at the Professional Learning Community along the with some information from the Kansas Department of Education on the latest Kansas Common Core and Career Ready Standards.”

Don’t let acronyms from any profession or social media intimidate you. Do you have to courage to ask about what it means? Don’t forget that you can also Google it!