A Terms

Words in red should not be used. Alternatives are provided.

The terms below are preferred in material Cultivate Learning produces, except when a specific project or funder calls for different terms.

academic degrees

Capitalize the specific degree, but lowercase the degree field (e.g., Bachelor of Science in biology, Master of Education in early childhood development). Lowercase more general references to degrees (e.g., bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctorate.) Avoid the redundant doctorate degree.

academic degree abbreviations: AA, BA, EdD, EdM, MA, MS, PhD, PsyD.

We default to APA Style on this, but note that while APA style does not use periods, Associated Press and UW style calls for periods: A.A., B.A., Ed.D, Ph.D., etc.

academic titles

Typically avoid the prefix Dr. in reference to people who hold doctorates. When referring to a person’s degree or credentials, using the specific degree after the name is usually preferred. If a prefix is required, Prof. might be acceptable, but this should be rare. First verify the person’s academic rank because the associated abbreviations (e.g., Assoc. Prof., Ast. Prof.) become unwieldy as prefixes. Do not use both a prefix and suffix with a name. Examples:

• Gail Joseph, PhD, published new research on early childhood development. Joseph earned a Doctor of Philosophy in early childhood special education from the University of Washington.
• Janis Jones, EdM, discusses the practical impacts of trauma on children. John M. Jones earned a Master of Arts in education.

activity

Instead of learning activity.

ages

Use numerals for all ages, unless the number is the first word of the sentence. Refer to ages in years unless the child is under age 1 or if the context calls for a more specific unit 3-year-old child (not 36-month-old child); the child is 3 years old; 2- and 3-year-olds.

Omit the word years in constructions like children ages 3 to 5 and before age 2, but include the time elements weeks and months when referring to infants’ ages. By 10 to12 months of age, children are becoming native language specialists.

American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN)

Spell out on first reference, with AIAN in parenthesis. See also Racial and Ethnic Identity in the APA style guide.

anti-bias

Use with a hyphen, aligning with a long-time education industry practice.

antiracism, antiracist

Sometimes written with a hyphen. In our setting, do not use a hyphen, as this aligns with current spelling styles in education.

assignment

Lowercase; not homework.

audiobook

Preferred term for books that are recorded, regardless of the technology used to record it; e-book (lowercase e) also is acceptable if the book is electronic.