D 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.

data collector

In general, job titles are lowercase. Check with individual project funders, as some request these be capitalized.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Not DHHS.

disc

Refers only to a DVD or CD.

disk

Refers to computer hard disk.

doctorate

Avoid the redundant doctorate degree.

domain

Lowercase (see also Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework).

drop-down

Use the hyphen. Preferably use as an adjective (e.g., drop-down menu) but use as a noun is also acceptable.

drop off

Do not hyphenate when using as a verb. The term should be hyphenated when used as an adjective (e.g., the drop-off line at school).

dual language learner (DLL) (plural: DLLs)

Spell out on first reference. Capitalize as the proper name of curriculum or training. Depending on the product, children who are dual language learners might be preferred. Consider whether multilingual learners is more appropriate to reflect children learning more than two languages.