As DoDEA celebrates its 60th anniversary, we are also implementing a revised Community Strategic Plan (CSP). The 2006-2011 DoDEA Community Strategic Plan serves as the cornerstone for our educational and support operations in DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam. The CSP ensures that we achieve DoDEA's important mission, to "provide in military communities worldwide, exemplary educational programs that inspire and prepare all students for success in a global environment."

The plan serves as a road map to ensure that DoDEA remains a leader in advancing the Department of Defense’s educational agenda for improving student performance. Work on developing the plan began last year and implementation of all initiatives is currently underway. Each initiative is designed to ensure that DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam achieves the goals of the CSP by 2011. Goal 1, Highest Student Achievement, is the keystone of the plan because it touches the very heart of what we stand for…providing each student with a world class education. It will ensure that all students demonstrate mastery of rigorous subject matter as determined through a variety of performance-based assessments. As a result of Goal 1, we are committed to a standards-based curriculum that challenges students and provides effective support structures to prepare them for continuous learning and productive citizenship. In the schools, we accomplish this through the school improvement process.

Goals 2, 3, and 4 are crucial to our achievement of Goal 1.  Goal 2, Performance-Driven Management Systems, focuses on how we efficiently allocate resources, maintain or improve our facilities and equipment, and provide a safe and secure environment for students and staff. Goal 3, Motivated, High Performing, Diverse Work Force, addresses our personnel management practices and staff development opportunities for administrators, educators, and support personnel. Initiatives related to this goal focus on teacher recruitment, mentoring programs, continuous professional growth, and recognition of personnel to retain a highly diverse, motivated, and committed work force. Goal 4, Promoting Student Development through Partnerships and Communication, centers on developing and maintaining partnerships and establishing two-way communication within school communities. This goal stresses the involvement of all stakeholders in activities that improve the delivery of educational programs to enhance student development.

The DoDEA Community Strategic plan serves as the foundation for our organization by providing a clear vision for our schools and our students. As we head into the new school year, we will regularly inform staff, parents, and community leaders about the implementation of the Community Strategic Plan as it specifically relates to our endeavors in DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam.    

I look forward to the work that lies ahead and challenge each of you to continue to work together to ensure that our efforts support the goal of "highest student achievement." Administrators, teachers, parents, and military commands thank you for your on-going support and commitment to our schools and most importantly to the students who walk through our doors every day in search of new challenges and opportunities for learning. Let the school year begin!           

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