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Learning the Language of the School Site
Just as finding allies makes entry into a foreign culture easier, so does speaking the language. Think again about a visit to a foreign country and the advantages of speaking the native language. Beyond the practical aspects of being able to ask directions and how much things cost, there are many subtler benefits. When you speak the language you can bypass services specifically for tourists, for example, and gain access to better prices, more authentic goods, and a more "local" experience. As a national service tutor or mentor, too, learning some of the lingo will deepen and improve the effectiveness of your experience. Below is a brief discussion of two of the most common types of school-related jargon—school slang and professional terminology—and tips for deciphering some of the jargon you encounter.
School slang. What is a spirit break? Blog time? The blue room? Fast track? Zero hour? A flower block? In addition to policies and procedures, most schools develop their own language for managing the school day. Often these terms are intended to personalize the location and/or create some fun. Students may create their own slang for the school's established language to create even more confusion.
Professional terminology. What is Title 1? NCLB? An intervention? Phonemic awareness? IEP? AYP? All professions establish a shorthand for talking about their work; in education, these terms can describe characteristics of learners, instructional strategies, legislative initiatives, and more. Often these terms are tossed about in acronym-form, and explanations and definitions can be long and complex.
Be strategic when seeking answers to professional questions. In a new environment, you don't want to draw too much attention to what you don't know, and many definitions will become apparent over time. However, if the school staff uses an unfamiliar term when providing you with directions, ask immediately, and request a follow-up resource to find out more: Can you explain a little bit more about the NRP? Is there a good discussion about this I can read?
Keep track of professional terms you don't immediately need to understand in a notebook, and consider a range of options as you seek to learn more about the professional environment. You can ask professionals you know who are not at the school, peers who have more experience tutoring than yourself, or your most trusted ally at the school, as that person becomes apparent. And don't forget about the Internet and library; it's amazing what a little research on your own will turn up.
Keep a notebook. If you enter a school and hear a lot of confusing terminology, it can be helpful to keep a notebook, just as you might encourage your tutee to keep a notebook of new vocabulary he learns. Whenever you hear a term you don't understand, write it down in your book. In fact, you can share this project with your tutee, and model an excellent strategy for building vocabulary.
Add the meanings of the words on your list as you figure them out. Your tutee might be an excellent resource for some of the meanings, especially slang expressions; for others, such as education-specific acronyms, ask an appropriate staff member.
 Phase 3: Integration Strategies: Reinforcement and Internalization
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