a key term in educational research which relates to the extent to which the findings are soundly based and well-grounded in the evidence; empirical validity is the extent to which the methods employed actually test and examine what is purported to be tested (see ecological validity; reliability).

a term used, particularly in relation to the performance of schools, for a measurable impact on pupil attainment which is more than that statistically expected. In other words, it appears that the school has improved its learners' levels of attainment more than that of other schools. However, without very detailed knowledge of the nature of school composition - the socioeconomic background of learners - and their out-of-school experiences, it is by no means easy to attribute causes for such phenomena.

principled preferences; standards; judgement of what things are good, valuable, important (in life).

a factor or condition that is subject to change, especially one that is allowed to change in an educational research study to test a hypothesis.

in statistics, the square of the standard deviation.

the ability to understand and use words and concepts logically. It is a key aspect of intelligence testing (see intelligence quotient).

the capacity of being verified, checked as accurate, true, or authentic. It is a key principle of logical positivism which held that a statement was only meaningful if it could be empirically verified (checked) or if it was tautological (see falsifiable)

the process or fact of being established as authentic, accurate, or true.

an approach to school management which organises procedures and processes up through pupil year groups rather than across them. Thus, a teacher of pastoral care in a vertical arrangement would deal with sets of learners from all age groups rather than one age group (see horizontal).

a group of people who primarily interact by communication media rather than face-to-face.

an interactive computer software system designed to support teaching and learning. It is usually accessed through the Internet and provides a collection of different tools for those involved.

an approach to moral theory that stresses the key role of character as opposed to rules and consequences. It dates back to Aristotle who held that the acquisition of virtue is the proper goal of human conduct, the overall aim being to achieve a meaningful life.

an oral examination, most commonly associated with degrees at doctoral level. It is often shortened to viva.

relating or pertaining to a vocation or occupation. Vocational aspects of the curriculum are those with a particular application to the world of work.

in England, a school in which a charity, religious, or faith group has a particular governing role in addition to that of the local authority.