Common Terms

AYP

Adequate Yearly Progress. Awarded to schools based on a number criteria such as PSSA scores, attendendance, and graduation rates. Schools that fail to reach AYP face penalties and consequences ranging from arranged oversight, to school choice, and even the risk of privatization.

NESPA

Neshaminy Educational Support Professional Association. The union that represents the support staff at Neshaminy schools.

NFT

Neshaminy Federation of Teachers - Local 1417. The teacher's union that represents approximately 660 certified employees of the Neshaminy school district. Part of the Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers, and the American Federation of Teachers.

NSB

Neshaminy School Board. Comprised of officials elected by district residents. View board member information.

NSD

Neshaminy School District

PSSA

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. Essentially a set of standardized tests designed to evaluate the performance of a school district by analyzing students' test scores. It is a large part of the AYP formula and is even more critical to charter schools than public districts.

WTC

Work to contract. A ploy by teachers to perform only the duties specified in their contracts. It is a union tactic designed to display how much extra they do and to help sway public opinion.