Each subject taught at AES is reviewed by DoDDS every six years in accordance with its Curriculum Development Plan. This plan provides for the review and revision of curriculum standards, instructional materials and training for teachers to ensure that our instruction is based on the best educational practice supported by current research and that we are using high quality textbooks. All teachers with the exception of the Host Nation teacher are American citizens. They are fully qualified educators who must meet rigorous standards for certification
Language in all of its aspects – listening, speaking, writing and reading is the core of education. Language expresses thought and is the universal form of communication. Mastery of oral and written communication skills promotes success academically, socially and professionally. Reading is essential to performance in all areas of the curriculum and for continued learning throughout one’s life.
The language arts/reading program at AES provides systematic instruction that includes the study of literature, spelling, phonics, decoding, comprehension, vocabulary and composition. What students read is the model for what they write. What students read and write is the basis for all grammar, usage, mechanics and spelling instruction. What is learned in one area supports and contributes to learning in the other. Lessons include many experiences with literature along with intentional and sequential instruction in skills, especially phonics and spelling. The DoDEA integrated reading/language arts program gives students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the classroom of today and the workplace of tomorrow.
An authentic understanding of science is necessary for individuals to function in an increasingly technological society. An understanding of science allows everyone to share in the richness and excitement of nature and to use scientific knowledge and skills to make personal decisions and participate in discussions of scientific issues affecting society.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE-
The ESL teacher provides support to children who may have learned another language before or at the same time as learning English. Sometimes these students speak English at school and another language at home. Special training is provided to eligible students to enable them to become proficient speakers and writers of standard English and to enable them to perform successfully in all areas of the curriculum. Some students receive support in the classroom and others are involved in intense individual and small group instruction.
THE GIFTED EDUCATION PROGRAM-
Students found eligible for gifted education services have demonstrated areas of unusual strength. Services are provided because the identified students have a documented need for changes in their instructional program so that they will learn new things at school every day. Differentiation of instruction provides academic challenges and social-emotional support to assure the continue growth and development of identified students.
DoDEA schools determine the most effective ways to meet the needs of students identified for gifted education service options, schools consider their current educational resources and make choices based upon the anticipated needs of their gifted learners. No matter which choices for service delivery are made, each school has in place several different ways eligible students may receive support. Each school’s Gifted Review Committee considers individual strengths in matching students to services because each student has a unique profile of strengths. Some students require more intensive services than others.
Gifted Education in DoDEA schools is guided by program standards that designate the level of performance all DoDEA school programs should achieve. DoDEA Gifted Education Standards guide school personnel in making decision that support the continuous growth and development of gifted learners.
ART-
A comprehensive program of instruction in art to include art history and art appreciation is available to all students. Children explore varied techniques in drawing and sculpture to nurture their creativity and express their ideas and feelings.
THE INFORMATION CENTER-
The hub of AES is the Information Center which houses a collection of thousands of fiction and non-fiction books for use by students, parents and teachers. Also in the Information Center is a variety of magazines and videos. Computers with Internet access are available for research and e-mail. An independent reading program, Accelerated Reader, is available to all students K-6. Throughout the year, the Information Center sponsors several celebrations to promote leisure reading. The unifying concepts of collaboration, leadership and technology guide the Information Specialist in creating a student-centered program of resource/project based learning that transcends all academic disciplines.
Students at AES have access to computers and the Internet as well as other technology such as the digital camera, Alpha-Smart keyboard and the like, as directed by their teacher. Use of such equipment is solely for the purpose of research and skill development and is carefully supervised by the teacher. Students who misuse this equipment or who do not follow rules as prescribed by DoDDS and the teacher will be disciplined.
Social Studies integrates information and experiences in history, government, geography, economics, psychology, sociology, anthropology and contemporary issues and cultures. Emphasis is on the responsibilities of good citizenship in a democratic society, reflection on one’s own cultural background and values, and broadening students’ social perspective and view of the world.
MATHEMATICS-
The DoDEA mathematics program is based on criteria developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council on Education and the Economy Performance Standards:
Number and Operations Mathematical Skills and Tools
Geometry and Measurement Mathematical Communication
Statistics and Probability Putting Mathematics to work
Problem Solving Mathematical Reasoning
Emphasis is on understanding the processes used to solve problems, explaining mathematical ideas and connecting concepts within mathematics and across disciplines. THE GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM- DoDDS provides a comprehensive competency-based guidance program K-12 adapted from the Missouri Model designed by Norman Gysbers and Marion Starr. This developmental counseling program addresses the needs of all students in the areas of knowledge of self and others, educational and vocational development and career planning and exploration. The counselor provides a balanced program of direct and indirect services to all students. The counselor is also available to work with parents when requested. COMPENSATORY EDUCATION LITERACY COACH- This program provides services to eligible students in Grades 2 and 3 working below age and grade level expectations in reading. The goal of the program is to enable underachieving students to accelerate their learning and achieve at the same level as their peers. The Literacy Coach, who teaches compensatory education, and classroom teacher work together in the classroom to create an individualized program based on ongoing assessment of students’ strengths and learning style. READING RECOVERY- This early intervention program is for children who are in need of extra support with reading and writing instruction after one year in school. The program involves a daily one-to-one lesson with a specially trained teacher for a period of between 12-20 weeks. At the end of that time, most children have accelerated their learning and have caught up with their classmates. Reading Recovery supplements good classroom instruction. HOST NATION- Host Nation classes introduce students to the language and culture of Germany. Students learn basic vocabulary and grammar, history, traditions and other interesting information to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of living in a foreign country. MUSIC- The music program emphasizes appreciation of a variety of musical forms and the development of performance skills. A developmental sequence of instruction introduces students to basic concepts of music such as note and instrument identification, rhythm, pattern, style and form. The study of music enhances skills in mathematics and social studies and allows children creative expression.
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