G: Glossary of Acronyms

APRAnnual Performance Report
The APR allows the programs to see how well they are meeting state expectations for
preparing teachers and school administrators and to determine where improvement is needed.
CAEPCouncil for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
CAEP advances excellent educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.
DESE Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the administrative arm of the State Board of Education. It is primarily a service agency that works with educators, legislators, government agencies, community leaders and citizens to maintain a strong public education system.
EPP Education Preparation Program
A teacher preparation program is designed to prepare both undergraduate and graduate students to become licensed teachers.
ELLEnglish Language Learners
ELL refers to students who are not currently proficient as English speakers and
are in the process of developing their English language skills. ELL students are
referred to as such in both ESL specific classes and regular content area classes into
which they are integrated. Truman offers ELL K-12 add-on certification.
ESOL English for Speakers of Other Languages
The purpose of the ESOL program is to assist limited English proficient students to develop proficiency in the English language, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, sufficient to perform effectively at the currently assigned grade level.
GPA Grade Point Average
All candidates for certification must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale, which was eliminated as a requirement by DESE in Spring 2021. Professional education coursework and content area coursework must also be completed
with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
GTRA Graduate Teacher/Research Assistantship
The GTRA positions allow graduate students to augment their studies by working with faculty and administrators in professional experiences. The assistantship includes a cash stipend and a fee waiver of up to nine credit hours per academic semester.
MAE Master of Arts in Education
The MAE is a professional teaching degree at Truman State University with initial certification. A pre-MAE designation is given to Truman undergraduate students who have indicated they want to pursue the MAE.
MEESMissouri Educator Evaluation System
The Missouri Standards-Based Performance Assessments is designed to demonstrate
performance in content, coursework, and field experiences during the candidates' internship(s).
MoCA Missouri Content Assessment
The content area assessments are exit assessments that must be completed by the candidate in all areas of certification. The exit assessment must measure the content necessary for teachers, counselors, librarians, principals and superintendents. The exit assessments must be aligned with state and national standards for school and/or district leaders.
MoSPE Missouri Standards for the Preparation of Educators
The Missouri Teacher Standards convey the expectations of performance for professional teachers in Missouri. The nine standards are based on teaching theory indicating that effective teachers are caring, reflective practitioners and life-long learners who continuously acquire new knowledge and skills and are constantly seeking to improve their teaching practice to provide high academic achievement for all students.
OSEDA Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis (University of Missouri –
Columbia)
OSEDA collaborates with partners in the analysis of social and economic data in ways that contribute to improvements in the well-being of people, enterprises and communities. One of its priority issues is improving the quality of public education.
PDP Professional Development Plan
The PDP plan fosters the development of teaching practices to increase student achievement.
STAMPStandards-based Measurement of Proficiency
STAMP is a web-based test that assesses foreign language proficiency.
STEM Science, Technology, Engineer, and Mathematics
STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables
the next generation of innovators. Truman State University offers initial certification
grades 9-12 in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
SWOTStrengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
SWOT analysis is a strategic planning technique used to help a person or organization identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to business competition or project planning.