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     In my continuing endeavor to summarize DoDDS Pacific efforts to successfully implement the goals of the DoDEA Community Strategic Plan (CSP), I want to highlight Goal 4 A: Network of Partnerships Promoting Achievement. The first outcome provides that, All levels of the organization will develop, promote, and maintain a network of meaningful partnerships and alliances to enhance social, emotional, and academic growth, and to maximize resources. I am proud of the strong parental and military partnerships we have established within our schools, district, and area offices, and want to take a moment to highlight some of them.

     During SY 01-02, schools, districts and my office participated in the DoDEA Partnership Audit, a self-evaluative process that helped us identify promising and productive partnerships. This resulted in a comprehensive listing of exemplary partnerships instituted within the Pacific that contributed to student learning. Examples include student mentoring and tutoring programs, parental involvement in school improvement, and collaboratively planned events such as career exploration days. To review the results of the audit for DoDEA and DoDDS Pacific, you may request a copy of the CD-rom diskette from your principal.

     The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and DoDDS Pacific have established a strong partnership. MCEC is a private educational non-profit organization committed to developing systems and processes to resolve transition issues for military, school-age dependents. DoDDS Pacific has worked closely with MCEC to implement best practices within our schools, network with stateside counterparts, and participate in summer professional development opportunities of the MCEC Transition Counselor Institute. Our goal is to ensure that all secondary counselors receive professional development focused on student and family transition issues.

     DoDDS Pacific also has an ongoing alliance with the College Board. One of our best practices is to have representatives, selected by the College Board, visit Pacific schools throughout the year to assist students and families with the college application and admission process, testing, financial aid, and adjusting to college life.

     DoDDS Pacific has a long standing partnership that includes the Tsukuba City (Japan) government, a local Japanese university, and our military service organizations. This partnership allows us to provide an exceptional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium annually. Each year our partners provide funding, facilities, informational tours, speakers, judges, and international exchange opportunities for participating students and teachers.

     We all know that a DoDDS Pacific education is something special for our young people, in part because of the many wonderful opportunities they have to develop their skills and knowledge under the guidance of able and caring teachers, and the opportunity to explore life in another culture. Partnerships such as these help us ensure that we maximize all resources available in support of high student achievement, and that we offer DoD dependents the very best education in the world!

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific