The Natrona County school board has come to a consensus on several terms members have struggled to define.

At Wednesday's work session, trustees agreed upon definitions for "open enrollment," "neighborhood schools" and "centralized" and "decentralized" enrollment.

The terms are part of the board's continuing discussion around choice, achievement and enrollment issues in Natrona County.

Board members stressed that defining the terms does not mean a change in board policy regarding choice or enrollment. The definitions are just a way to put board members and the community on the same page.

"We need a basis," chairwoman Shannon Jackett said. "We just need that solid foundation so when I say 'schools of choice' Elizabeth [Horsch] knows what I'm talking about."

Trustees went back and forth when it came to defining "schools of choice" and "neighborhood schools."

Here are the definitions board members agreed upon at the work session:

* Decentralized enrollment: a year-round process controlled and administered at the school level used to register a student into that school.

* Centralized enrollment: a year-round process administered at the district level used to register students into schools.

* Open enrollment: allows parents and students to choose to attend any of the public schools in the district where space is available.

* Neighborhood school: a school determined to be the closest from the residence in which a family resides.

* Articulation: the ongoing process of developing a consistent set of appropriate knowledge and skills so students do not experience gaps or unnecessary overlaps in their learning and have the necessary opportunities to learn that which is expected. As a result, students make seamless transitions from grade to grade and building to building.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.