Have you ever noticed how many acronyms we use? I mean, my kids are so adept at using all the texting short-hand and it has in many ways, become second nature to use the abbreviated form for so many things. We all know the basics (lol, btw, r, ru.…).

I have tried to make up my own just to seem cool, but my kids just laugh at me. I once tried to borrow TTFN which is “Ta Ta for Now,” from Tigger in Winnie the Pooh, but my eldest daughter was crying from laughing so hard at that feeble attempt that I have given up.

When it comes to school, there are so many acronyms and abbreviations that we use all the time. Unfortunately, I think many of us use them without thinking about whether or not those that we are talking to really understand what we are saying. With that in mind, I would like to give you a rundown/reminder of some of the acronyms we use at school.

Shorthand summary

ACS is a member of SCSBC, FISA and CSI. That is, Abbotsford Christian School is a member of the following organizations: the Society of Christian Schools in British Columbia, the Federation of Independent School Associations (in British Columbia), and Christian Schools International. We are also a member of CSC which stands for Christian Schools Canada.

We have students who have been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD and FAS (ARND as well as FASD). Often these students are on IEPs. Additionally, some students receive support from the CNIB, the FVCDC, or from an OT or PT. Translation: we have students who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (this includes students with Alcohol-Related Neurological Disorder and those with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder). Often these students are placed on Individual Education Plans. Some students receive support from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre, or from an Occupational Therapist or a Physical Therapist.

There’s more…

I am a member of NSTA, NCTM, AMLE, ASCD, CTABC, CPABC, our school’s LSS Team, MAT and LT. Professionally, this means, I am a member of the National Science Teachers Association, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Association of Middle Level Educators, the Christian Teachers Association of British Columbia, the Christian Principals Association of British Columbia, our school’s Learning Support Services Team, the Middle Admin Team and the Leadership Team. And we have a This Square Inch Team.

In athletics, our school is a member of BCSS, CESS, AMSSAA, BCCSSAA, FVSSAA, and other lesser known single sport associations. That is, our school is a member of British Columbia School Sports, Christian Elementary School Sports, the Abbotsford-Mission Secondary Schools Athletic Association, British Columbia Christian Secondary Schools Athletic Association, and the Fraser Valley Athletic Association.

Not quite done…

We use PBL, RTI, STEM and now DL in our classrooms. Our grade 7 students take the FSAs. Abbotsford Christian School uses elements of Project-Based Learning, Response to Intervention, Science Technology Engineering and Math education, and now Deeper Learning, in designing our curriculum and teaching methodology (note: DL can also be used for Distance Education which is typically coursework offered online). Our grade 7 students take the provincially mandated Foundational Skills Assessments every year.

I am sure that I have missed quite a number of other abbreviations that we use, but for now, there you have a short course in teacher-speak. I have promised my friends who are not in education to try my best to refrain from using teacher speak; honestly, I will try, and if you have any questions or want something explained, please do not hesitate to ask! 

In the meantime, TTFN!