08/30/04

Each new school year provides us with opportunities to improve student achievement, and SY 04-05 will be no exception. This year, I am pleased to announce that DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam students, parents, and educators will be introduced to several initiatives designed to move us closer to achieving the goals of the DoDEA Community Strategic Plan.

In keeping with the DoDEA theme for the year, "Math Matters," DoDDS- Pacific/DDESS-Guam will continue to provide instructional support for secondary math students in Algebra I and Geometry lab classes. A third lab for students enrolled in upper level math classes will be implemented in high schools. We have also planned a series of professional development activities in math for elementary teachers to help build the power of our elementary math program. The program will focus on enhancing mathematical thinking, infusing algebraic processes, and helping teachers build a strong mathematics foundation for all students. Additionally, at their annual conference this year, administrators will focus on ways to lead their schools toward higher math achievement.

Our K-12 science curriculum will receive significant attention as we enter pre-implementation of science standards as part of the DoDEA curriculum renewal cycle. Training in best practices will assist teachers to effectively integrate adopted materials, including extensive supplemental resources, with the new DoDEA standards. Our sixth graders will engage in a study of rainforests and the wetlands through the multi-media Jason Project curriculum. Middle school students and students at several high schools will have the good fortune to participate in a unique, integrated science program in which they remotely control the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) via the internet; and students, working alongside (at a distance) scientists from NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory will be able to gather, record, and analyze real data.

Improving literacy skills for students in Grades K-12 will remain in the forefront this school year. The DoDDS Pacific Literacy Project incorporates a three-tiered approach to reading and writing improvement that will provide elementary students with a strong literature-based core curriculum and scientifically based interventions for struggling readers. Secondary teachers will continue to receive support in enhancing their skills in teaching reading in content areas, and students enrolled in the secondary reading and English Language Arts labs will continue to benefit from the instructional expertise and increased supplies and equipment these classes offer.

To ensure accomplishment of Goal 1 of the Community Strategic Plan, Highest Student Achievement, we continue to improve programs as well as curriculum delivery. Mirroring the High School Initiative to enhance learning opportunities for all 9 th -12 th grade students, DoDEA plans to initiate a comprehensive review of middle and elementary schools during SY 04-05. The intent is to analyze student performance, determine program needs, and develop instructional initiatives that will promote enhanced learning opportunities for all students.

As we enter this new school year, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam educators should take great pride in all we have accomplished to date. We can also take great pride in our proactive role in creating challenging learning environments for all students. The bar is set very high, but with diligent planning, on-going assessment of student learning, and targeted instruction, we will meet the challenge of higher achievement.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam