Browse the glossary using this index

Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL

P

Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)

A statewide alternate assessment designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Specifically, it is intended for those unable to participate meaningfully in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment even with accommodations. 


Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)

The state agency responsible for overseeing the academic preparation of children and adults by providing a thorough and efficient system of education.


Pennsylvania Information Management System (PIMS)

The statewide, longitudinal data system that manages, analyzes, disaggregates, and uses individual student data for each student served by Pennsylvania’s Pre-K through grade 12 public education system.


Pennsylvania Secure Identification (PAsecureID)

PAsecureID is a unique, permanent, anonymous state-wide student ID assigned to all students upon their first entry into the Commonwealth public school system.  A single, unique PAsecureID remains with an individual student throughout their educational career within Pennsylvania.


Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)

Annual standards-based, criterion-referenced assessment used to measure a student's attainment of the academic standards while also determining the degree to which school programs enable students to attain proficiency of the standards. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 3 through 8 is assessed in reading and math. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 5 and 8 is assessed in writing. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 4 and 8 is assessed in science. 


Pennsylvania Technology Inventory Survey (PATI Survey)

The information technology survey that each intermediate unit and Local Education Agency (LEA) must submit to PIMS.


Pennsylvania Value Added Assessment System (PVAAS)

A statistical analysis of Pennsylvania state assessment data, and provides Pennsylvania LEAs with growth data to add to achievement data. It provides educators with information to ensure they are meeting the academic needs of groups of students, as well as individual students. 


PIMS Domains

The organizational structure of the PIMS manual. PIMS Domains include: Child Accounting, Course and Grades, Discipline, District, Enrollment, Groups and Programs, Location, Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities, Survey, Staff, Student, Career and Technical Education, Special Education.


Private Residential Rehabilitation Institution (PRRI)

A facility, other than one operated by a public agency, which as of December 31, 1977, offers educational services as a part of a total rehabilitative program provided for legally committed juveniles.


Professional Personnel Identification Number (PPID)

A 7-digit individual secure unique identifier for all certified educators.  A secure alternative to the use of Social Security Numbers for reporting and retrieving Act 48 continuing professional education credits and hours.