This has been a pivotal year for everyone associated with our schools in the Pacific. Without question we have made dramatic and definitive progress toward achieving the goals of the 2001-2006 DoDEA Community Strategic Plan (CSP). Now as we begin the fourth quarter, we can look back with pride on our accomplishments, reflect upon the significant strides we have made so far this year, and look ahead to the remaining weeks with confidence.

We have a number of success stories in the Pacific Area as a whole, and of course, in each of our schools and districts. In support of the Community Strategic plan Goal 1 Highest Student Achievement, we implemented READ 180, a reading support program, for struggling readers in grades 3 through 12.  Read 180 was developed to help struggling students break out of the reading failure cycle and turn their reading experience around. The program provides practice and application skills in multiple contexts as it supports and motivates students to become lifelong readers and learners.

Other examples include the pre-implementation training for teachers on the new DoDEA Science standards, adopted materials, and the inquiry process. Through the use of inquiry, students actively develop their understanding of science by combining scientific knowledge with reasoning and thinking skills.  These standards bring consistency to improve science education and outline what students need to know and understand to become scientifically literate.

Recently, inspection teams from the North Central Association (NCA) Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement conducted a comprehensive qualitative program review at eight of our schools. The purpose of the program review was to validate each school's School Improvement Plan (SIP) to ensure that the NCA standards are being met, and provide feed back to DoDDS, the command, and the community.

These standards address all aspects of the educational process, and address questions such as the following: Are students taught by qualified teachers? Are class sizes reasonable? Is the curriculum sound and rigorous? Are student support services and activities plentiful? Are schools safe and secure?    

Our schools passed with flying colors and received the highest of complements about our standards-based educational initiatives as well as our positive impact within the communities we serve. The teams noted that our schools in the Pacific continue to set the standard for the provision of a world - class education to our students.

As we begin the fourth quarter, let’s remember to stay focused on our goal of “highest student” achievement. Our work is important and we do make a difference in the lives of each of our students.  I thank you for your continued commitment and your professionalism to our students and our organization.  Your efforts make DoDEA schools a place to be proud of .

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