OPA Lingo

At OPA-SV we model ourselves after Oxford University and use many of their terms within our school vocabulary. Here is some fun lingo to familiarize yourself with and that you will hear often:

Chancellor = Principal

Dean = Vice Principal

Professor = Teacher

Champion = Student

University [Parent] = Classroom [Parent]

Honour Hall = Multipurpose Room

Blackwell's = Student Store

Scholarships = Student PBIS award dollars

(Scholarships given by Professors for Champions to use at Blackwell's)

Scholar Academy = Special Education

Honour Society = Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

PBIS = Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support

Each classroom has a different University they represent. Students learn their mascot, fight song, and cheer.

In addition to OPA Lingo, below are other common acronyms used in education and communications from the school that are helpful to know:

General

• SSC – School Site Council
• LCAP – Local Control and Accountability Plan (California’s school improvement and funding plan)
• LEA – Local Educational Agency (a district or charter school that gets public funding)
• SELPA – Special Education Local Plan Area

Curriculum & Instruction

• ELA – English Language Arts
• ELD – English Language Development (for English learners)
• STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• MTSS – Multi-Tiered System of Supports (academic & behavioral interventions)
• PBIS – Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (behavioral support framework)
• RTI – Response to Intervention (academic support system)
• GATE – Gifted and Talented Education

Assessments & Testing

• CAASPP – California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (state testing)
• CAST – California Science Test
• ELPAC – English Language Proficiency Assessments for California

Special Programs & Services

• IEP – Individualized Education Program (for students receiving special education services)
• 504 Plan – Accommodation plan for students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• SPED – Special Education
• OT – Occupational Therapy
• SLP – Speech-Language Pathologist