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.
Charter School
A publicly funded school that operates under a performance contract granting it more flexibility in exchange for meeting academic, financial, and governance expectations.
Curriculum Standards
State-defined expectations for what students should learn at each grade level. They guide curriculum, instruction, and assessments and ensure consistency across schools while leaving teaching methods to local educators.