Refers to a statistical data distribution pattern. Certain data, when graphed as a histogram (data on the horizontal axis, amount of data on the vertical axis), creates a bell-shaped curve known as a normal curve, or normal distribution. Normal distributions are symmetrical with one central peak at the mean (average)

The educational philosophy that purports that teachers who produce better student outcomes should be paid more.

The state department of education is usually presided over by the chief state school officer and ensures that all legislation and regulation created by the state are observed throughout the state. The state department of education is also primarily tasked with the accreditation of teacher education programs and the certification

The chief state school officer is directly responsible to the SBE or equivalent body. The title of this position varies among different states and may be referred to as the state superintendent or commissioner of education, serving the same function in some states. Either the governor or the SBE appoints

Is the central office of a school district. It is charge with being the engine that makes the entire district work. The number of district-level administrators varies, depending on the size of the district. The superintendent is located at the local school district office. Additional district-level administrators are usually organized

Is hypothesized by both René Descartes (1596–1650) and George Berkley (1685–1753). Modern idealists also believed in two worlds: a material world and a world of the mind. Modern idealists questioned existence, God, and perception, most famously in Descartes’ declaration: “I think, therefore I am.” Modern idealist educators consider their students

Is the educational philosophy that the importance of certain works transcends time. Perennial works are those considered as important and applicable today as they were when they were written, and are often referred to as great books. Common examples include Melville’s Moby Dick, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Dickens’s Great Expectations, and Dante’s

Is the educational philosophy of teaching basic skills. This philosophy advocates training the mind. Essentialist educators focus on transmitting a series of progressively difficult topics and promotion of students to the next level or grade. Subjects are focused on the historical context of the material world and culture, and move

Is a philosophy of education that analyzes institutions, organizations, and instruction regarding power relationships. According to proponents of critical theory, schools are controlled by the powerful, wealthy upper class that marginalizes the lower classes by using their control to maintain or reproduce their favored position on an issue. The supporters

Is an ideological and political movement first proposed by Karl Marx, a 19th-century philosopher. Marx held that the class system conflicted with the social, political, and educational realms. Logically and intelligently questioning the economic consequences of class hierarchy gives a better understanding of the world. Marxism calls for an education