As we wind down school year 2005-06, completing report cards, grading final exams, and packing up classrooms, it is important that we take the time to reflect on our accomplishments. 

This past year DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam embarked on new challenges and initiatives as well as maintained and expanded our current programs. Despite the many challenges teachers and administrators faced on a daily basis, I continued to be impressed with the level of professionalism and commitment that was evident in our classrooms.

The start of this school year was amazing and inspirational as we faced many challenges.  One of those challenges was the implementation of SMS during which we witnessed some rather substantial difficulties.  I realize that many staff members gave freely of their time, working long hours and weekends, keeping the goal of “highest student achievement” as their number one objective.  I wish to commend these personnel for their dedication, perseverance, and above all commitment to our students. 

Highlights that support our continued focus on increasing student achievement include:

Assessment of and Assessment for Learning:  DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam embraced a model for assessmentof and for learning as a way to focus on improving student achievement.  All teachers received a day of professional development before school started to set the stage for the seven strategies of assessment for learning and had additional curriculum-based training during the school year.  Plans are under way to expand the level of understanding and classroom application for SY 2006-07.

Pacific Literacy Project: Using data to make decisions about improving student achievement remains a focus.  During this school year Area staff made program review visits to 18 of 28 elementary schools to collect preliminary data regarding the level of implementation of the Pacific Literacy Project.  These visits along with student data, school level staff development reports, and a teacher survey, indicate that our schools are making good progress implementing a solid, balanced literacy framework. On-site visits and focus group discussions revealed that the student support provided by the Literacy Support Specialists and the staff development and resources provided by the Literacy Facilitators contributed to the overall success of the project.

Multiage Classrooms:  Multiage classrooms are alive and well in DoDDS Pacific Schools. This year 37 multiage classrooms were in 14 DoDDS Pacific Elementary Schools. Many schools have elected to implement this model to provide children and parents another option, while other schools have embraced the multiage philosophy as a way to maximize resources.

Secondary Science Implementation Training: All high school and middle school science teachers participated in training sessions that focused on assessment for learning.  Teachers discussed the attributes of assessment for learning and assessment of learning while expanding their knowledge and skills in creating formative assessments. In addition, they were deepening their understanding of how assessment for learning can improve student motivation and positively affect student achievement. 

Math Pre-Implementation Training: This school year was the pre-implementation year for mathematics. Training for secondary mathematics teachers was held in a central location for each district. For elementary schools, 32 teachers were selected to serve as a Math Cadre, with the specific responsibility of providing math pre-implementation training in their schools.  The content of math pre-implementation training focused on Math Best Practices, Algebraic Thinking, and Using Literature to Teach Mathematics.

Far East Student Activities:   Our students continue to have the unique opportunity to participate in once in a lifetime experiences in events sponsored through the Far East Student Activities Program.  The dream of competing for a Far East championship enhances local everyday programs, providing our students a goal, a reason to stay competitive, and a way of staying on par with their stateside counterparts.

NCA Visits:  During the month of February six schools were visited by NCA teams. These teams are made up of two stateside chairpersons as well as DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam teachers and administrators who serve as augmenters.  Through our partnership with NCA, our schools have the opportunity to be visited by both DoDEA and stateside educators who offer insight, validate our strengths, and suggest improvements.

The end result shows that in each of the major initiatives identified in the Community Strategic Plan we continued to achieve significant milestones.  These milestones range from hiring a diverse work force, to professional training, to ensuring our parents that their children receive a world class education.

Finally, as we began this new school year, the pain and sadness of the human tragedy caused by Hurricane Katrina rippled across the entire world.  It was followed by other natural disasters in Pakistan and Indonesia.  Not only are we in mourning for the people who have lost their lives, but we are also touched by the pleas for assistance from the survivors in these devastated areas.  Still today thousands remain homeless, relying on relief aid for food and shelter. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families struggling to recover.  Let us never forget how fragile life is and how fortunate we are to have friends and colleagues which make us all part of a great team.

I wish everyone the very best as you embark on your well-deserved summer break.  For those of you in transition, I would like to extend my best wishes.  For those of you returning to DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam next school year, I look forward to working with you.  Together, we will ensure that the communities we serve will have exceptional schools and successful students.

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