Director's Message 4/8/03

     In previous messages I have discussed the goals set forth in the DoDEA Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and the manner in which we address those goals in DoDDS Pacific schools. This week I want to highlight Goal 1, Highest Student Achievement, in particular Outcome B, Opportunities to Learn and Citizenship. In Outcome B, the CSP establishes the expectation that a variety of courses designed to support struggling students and create “safety nets” to ensure success will be implemented in all DoDDS Pacific schools. In this message I want to highlight the manner in which DoDDS Pacific has met the challenge to implement courses and programs that provide “appropriate interventions and/or modifications to ensure continuous learning and productive citizenship.”

     The increased staffing provided to DoDDS Pacific secondary schools by the 2001 High Schools of Excellence Program Objective Memorandum (POM), has resulted in the implementation of academic support classes for Algebra I and reading. These support classes provide students with instructional strategies and materials to establish pathways to success. Support class teachers are provided specialized training in research based instructional methods and they closely monitor student progress to ensure success. Additionally, specialized computer assisted instructional materials have been purchased. Teachers in the Algebra I support class have access to Geometer’s Sketch Pad, and we have recently acquired the rights to a new program called Cognitive Tutor. The reading support program is using the highly acclaimed Scholastic Read 180 program to support the development of essential literacy skills. Support classes for geometry and English/language arts will be implemented SY 2003-04. AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination), a nationally recognized intervention program, is well established throughout DoDDS Pacific middle and high schools. Although there are currently 624 students enrolled in AVID in DoDDS Pacific, the program has identified increased enrollment and full accreditation for all programs as goals for School Year 2003-04. AVID and the support classes encourage students through proven instructional techniques and open the door to more rigorous course work.

     Support programs at our elementary schools are varied and include language arts and reading specialists for students in grades 1-6, and compensatory education programs for students performing below the 50%ile in math and reading, as measured by the CTBS TerraNova or other standardized norm-referenced tests. Reading Recovery, a program that targets first grade students struggling with process skills in learning to read, is available in the Okinawa District. At individual schools throughout the Area there are other programs being used. These programs provide broad support for students, increase professional expertise, and model developmentally appropriate instructional practices. This powerful set of programs, coupled with full day kindergarten and reduced class sizes, provides an unparalleled support structure for DoDDS Pacific students.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific