Words Matter
A plain-language glossary for the words that shape public life.
Political Systems & Ideologies
Government structures and political philosophies that shape how power is distributed, who makes decisions, and how authority is justified. These terms are often used loosely. This section pins down their actual meanings and explains how they function in practice.
Special Education
Provides individualized supports and instructional services for students with disabilities under federal law. It uses IEPs, accommodations, and specialized instruction to ensure access to grade-level learning.
Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is the idea that diverse cultural groups can coexist in a shared society while maintaining their identities. It emphasizes inclusion, representation, and equal participation across cultural differences.
Integration
The long-term process through which newcomers participate in and contribute to the social, economic, and civic life of a community. Integration involves mutual adaptation and is distinct from assimilation.