BISOII DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENTS SCHOOLS 1&\ Providing a Quality ~Education Overseas uiAIL UI~IVtH~\ 1 , JF NEW YORK AT BUFFALL OCT 2 9 19~1 DOCUMENTS DEPOSITOR' LIBRARY 0433 Providing a Quality Education Overseas .. . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . ... CONTENTS 3 Foreword 4 Organization 5 Administration 8 Mission and Background 9 Advisory Committees and Councils 11 Accreditation 12 Teacher Recruitment 13 Educational Program 23 Supplementary Instructional Programs 31 Test Data 32 Graduation Requirements 32 Scholarships and Awards 33 Support Services II FOREWORD The world is their front yard for DoDDS students who may attend schools in countries around the globe Windows on the World Children residing overseas have unique opportunities not available to their stateside peers. Every day is an adventure and every day they see another historical event in the making. Even the ride to school gives them a passing view of life as they watch citizens of many nations living under different political systems. Student exchange programs with host nation schools build bridges of understanding with different cultures. Friendships made as children may lead to friendships among future leaders of nations , an ingredient vital to global peace. The lack of some of the comforts of the United States are more than offset by the opportunities to live in a foreign land and partake of the varied offerings of each country and its culture. Children develop self-confidence and an appreciation of what it means to be Americans as they participate in international activities with host nation schools and communities. They will grow and mature in an environment that promotes intercultural learning. II ORGANIZATION DOD DEPENDENTS SCHOOLS OFFICE OF I GENERAL SPECIAL ASS'T DEPENDENTS I COUNSEL & I (EXECUTIVE SVCS) SCHOOLS ....._ PUBLIC AFFAIRS (INT CONTROL) DIRECTOR & DEP DIR .___.....,.__... r--- ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR _ _._ -,---L___-r-----------, ~ -'-- EDUCATION LOGISTICS FISCAL MIS REGIONAL PERSONNEL DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIRECTORS DIVISION ATLANTIC MEDrTERRANEAN ~RMANY PACIFIC PANAMA REGION REGION l~GION REGION REG ION '"---...... II ADMINISTRATION The Office of Dependents Schools manages a worldwide educationa l system from a central headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. . .. . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . The DoDDS system is a field activity of the Department of Defense and is a component of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management and Personnel). From the central headquarters , the Office of Dependents Schools, in Alexand ria , Vi rginia, the director manages a unified system of 269 schools with 5 regional off ices and 19 district offices. The central headquarters and each regional office include operat ions of education, fiscal, logistics, management information systems, pe rso nnel, and exec utive se rvices. Regional directors manage the regional office staff and supervise superintendents who oversee dist ricts of approximately 7 to 20 schools administered by a local sc hool princ ip al. The Panama reg ional direc torfuncti ons as both a regional director and a dis tri ct superintendent managing the 12 schools located in Panama. DoDDS REGIONS ATLANTIC REGION ~----Belgium ~ Bermuda ----Canada Cuba -~\S Norway I \ MEDITERRANEAN REGION '\.. Bahrain Greece Italy Portugal Spain Turkey II Japan Korea Philippines For add itional information about DoDDS schoo ls, contact the regional offices. International telephone numbers follow each address. Atlantic (Eastcote, England) Director of Dependents Schools , Atlantic Block 2, Eastcote Department of Defense APO New York 09241-0005 44-81-868-2321 Germany (Wiesbaden, West Germany) Director of Dependents Schools, Germany Department of Defense APO New York 09634-0005 49-611-82-3014 Mediterranean (Torrejon Air Base, Spain) Director of Dependents Schools, Mediterranean Department of Defense APO New York 09283-5000 34-1-665-5375 Pacific (Okinawa , Japan) Director of Dependents Schools, Pacific Department of Defense FPO Seattle 98772-0005 81-988-76-3005 Panama (AI brook Air Station, Panama) Director of Dependents Schools , Panama Department of Defense APO Miami 34002-0005 507-86-3868 II MISSION AND BACKGROUND Dr. John L. Stremple (far right), DoDDS Director, joins other officials visiting schools to ensure a high quality educational program. . . . . . . . .. . . . .... . . ... . . . . . . . .. The mission of DoDOS is to provide a qual ity ed ucatio n from kindergarten through grade 12 for the eligible minor dependents of Department of Defense military and civi lian personnel on official overseas assignments. Dependents of other federally-connected employees may attend DoDDS schools on a space-available basis. Non-federally connected Americans living overseas may apply on a space-available tuition-paying basis. More than 155,000 students in 269 schools and one community co lleg e are se rved by approximately 10,000 teachers throughout 19 foreign countri es. Student population in each school ranges from 15 to more than 2,000. Schools may be located in small , remote communities or in large urban areas. Classrooms may be in pre-World War II buildings, or in newly constructed school complexes . While the surroundings are different , each school is held to the same high standards , uniform throughout the enti re system as establ ished by DoDDS policy. The sc hools are accredited, assuring parents that their children receive a high quality education comparable to that available in the United States . Programs are co ntinual ly evaluated and upgraded through quality leadersh ip at all level s, self-evaluati on , and community involvement . Manag ement imp rov emen t and staff development are emphasized . II ADVISORY The Dependents Education Act of 1978 established the Advisory Council on Dependents' Education (ACDE), a School Advisory Committee (SAC) for each school, and an Installation Advisory Committee (lAC) at military installations where there are two or more schools. The Dependents COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS Education Council (DEC) was established by DoD directive. SAC's are composed of locally elected parents, students , and professional school employees, and military members who advise the school principal about all local school related matters to include budget, execution, curriculum, policies, and support functions. Where there is only one school on an installation, the SAC serves in the dual role as the lAC. When two or more schools operate on a military installation , the lAC is composed of two representatives (one parent, one professional school employee) elected from each SAC. The school principal and installation commander are liaison members of the lAC without vote. Issues generally relate to facilities or logistical support provided by the military. Educational advisory councils The ACDE advises the Secretary of Defense and the DoDDS Director about issues essential to maintaining a quality meet regularly to review school educational system. The Council is composed of 12 policies and programs. members jointly appointed by the Secretary of Defense and ............................ Secretary of Education to include school administrators; members of education associations, institutions, or agencies; members of professional employee organizations or unions; military command representatives, parents, and a DoDOS student. The Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Education each have one representative plus their designated cochairpersons on the Council. The DoDDS Director serves as executive secretary of the Council. The DEC, an educational policy council composed of military representatives, was established to create a consulting relationship between the overseas military commanders and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management and Personnel (ASD (FM&P)) regarding facilities, logistics, and administrative support provided by the Military Services. The Council considers questions of policy and facilitates the exchange of information between the DoDDS Director and the Military Departments, and advises the ASD (FM&P) regarding matters pertaining to dependents schools. Membership consists of the ASD (FM&P), or designee, as chairperson; one representative from each of the Military Departments; and one representative from each overseas unified command .The DoDDS Director serves as the executive secretary. Ms. Millicent W. Woods, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Family Support, Education and Safety, with children in a school lunchroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ACCREDITATION The elementary and secondary schools are accredited Halloween is fun all over the world. by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), one of six accrediting associations in the United States. All high schools in the system are accredited. Junior high, middle schools and elementa ry schools with an enrollment of more than 150 students are accredited . Schools with smaller enrollments are certified by the NCA. The NCA annually reviews the status of educational programs and requires on-site team visits by stateside educational leaders every five years . These reviews emphasize teacher qualifications, educational programs, pupil-teacher ratios , school facilities, supplies and administrative services Each school staff conducts a self-study prior to an on-site evaluation team visit in which school staff, students, and the school community participate. The six-to-eight-member on-site visitation team includes two educators from NCA member states, and the balance from DoDDS . Joint annual meetings are held with NCA and DoDDS accreditation coordinators, and with on-site team evaluators to review and report on the accreditation status of each school. These reports and recommendations for improvement are sent to the director and all DoDDS levels, and are available to the public . m TEACHER RECRUITMENT ... . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Educators are recruited from the United States and overseas; approximately two-thirds are hired overseas, one-t hird are hired in the United States. The hiring policy gives preference to fully qualified family members of DoD military and U.S . Government civilian personnel on official overseas assignments. The preference extends only to family members who live within commuting distance of the base to which the sponsor is officially assigned. Applicants to United States recruiting program must be available for worldwide placement. Applicants (inclu ding mil itary and civilian family members) planning to go overseas or who already live there may apply at the civilian personnel office of the U.S. military installation nearest their overseas residence . In the Republic of Panama, applications are filed with the DoDOS-Panama Personnel Division Office. For a copy of "Overseas Employment Opportunities for Educators" write to: Department of Defense Dependents Schools, Attention: Recruitment and Assignment Section, 2461 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22331-1100, or cal l commerc ial 703 325 -0885 ; AUTOVON 221-9885 . Educators from the United States are recruited for worldwide placement, while some teachers are recruited overseas. m EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Review of instructional materials and teaching methods ensures quality programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Seven-Year Development Plan is a blueprint for systematic curriculurr revitalization to achieve quality programming. Educational opportunities and experiences are continually improved by keeping basic disciplines current, improving teaching methods, and scheduling periodic assessments. Each basic skills area is reviewed every seven years by teachers, parents , administrators , and students . This community approach maintains the quality and appropriateness of the educational material in the schools. The support functions arrange timely procurement of instructional materials through this cyclic program planning, as well as coordinate budgeting and logistical activities to ensure timely arrival of te xtbooks in the right place , and in the numbers to provice each child with a personal copy of a newl y adopted book . Basic skills , special programs , and curriculum enhancement are described below. Following the descriptions is a sampling of student and teacher enrichment programs and events. p£!UOOIC TABI.t vr 11 ,.. ~--He m BASIC PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ . . . . . . . . .. Reading Reading is the key to proficiency in all areas of the educational curriculum, and an essential skill to continue learning beyond the formal school years. The reading program is supported with the best available personnel and materials . Basic reading textbooks and a wealth of support materials combine a variety of approaches to reading instruction . The reading program has a broad literature base , incor porates writing activities in each lesson , and encourages use of the library for extended enrichment reading . Four instructional areas get special attention that are developed with each student: decoding and phonics , comprehension and vocabulary, study skills, and language and literature. By varying the teaching approach, each stud ent's needs are met. Skill learning is balanced with reading classic literature, writing, and discussions, and is intended to develop both the skill and the love of reading. Recreational read ing is encouraged. • Metra-tutorial help from peers , parents , and volunteers • Sustained Silent Reading-time set aside by an entire school for reading only Children listen attentively in reading class. Ill Students check each other's math during informal competition in long divis ion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . Mathematics The mathematics program develops or increases the student's knowledge and use of mathematics for prob lem solving, and seeks to create and maintain a positive attitude toward mathematics. Interdisciplinary instruction is used to establish direction and priority in thinking skills, number awareness, estimation/mental math, computational skills, measurement, geometry, and data comprehension. The importance of life skills is continually emphasized. DoDDS is implementing the National Council ofTeacher of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics • Math Counts-a national junior high school mathematics competition • Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary Schools -a national competition for students in grades 3 to 6 • Presidential Awards for Excellence in the teaching of Mathematics -a national awards program for teachers at both elementary and secondary levels. Science All learners must acqu ire a realistic and functional understanding of science to fully participate in an increasing ly technological society. Scien ce education is offered from kindergarten through grade 12 and emphasizes facility with problem solving and thinking ski lls. Early learning enables youngsters to better understand their environment. Learning in the upper grades focuses on specific areas of science . Students explore the complex relationship between man 's technology and his social well-being . • Junior Scienc e and Humanities Symposium competitive basic researc h program for junior and senior high school students • Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching • Science, Technology and Society -laboratory program gaining national prominence , written by DoDDS personnel Science gains in importance in a technologically-advancing world. Military Service members add their expertise to the curriculum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Social Studies Students are immersed in social studies opportunities. Beginning with the stud y of the individual in kindergarten, the students' social perspectives are challenged by broadening their view of the world. History may have been made nearby, where studen ts have the unique opportunity of visiting the sites of these events. Frequent witnesses to social change and divergent national claims , students naturally reflect on their personal and cultural values. These experiences give a deeper understanding of their own coun try and its considerable attributes. • Model United Nations , Model United States Senate , Model North Atlantic Treaty Organization • United States Senate Youth • Close-up -Students see the United States Government in action in a multipartisan forum held in Washington , D.C . Language Arts Language in all of its aspects -listening , speaking , writing , and literature-is the core of the child 's education. Language expresses thought and is the most universally recognized form of communication . Mastery of oral and written communication skills promotes success academically, socially, and professionally. Language arts instruction is required at every grade from kindergarten to grade 12. • National Writing Project-aimed at teachers to improve writing in the nation 's schools • Speech and Drama festivals-student activities in applied language arts Arts and Humanities This program is an integrated study of history, literature, language, philosophy, visual arts , theatre , dance, and music. Critical thinking , creativity, and the rights and responsibilities of the individual in society are emphasized. The local environment is used as a source of instructional material . Visual arts and music curricula offer oppor tunities for all students , regardless of skill level , to participate in personally satisfying creative activities. DoDDS achieved a first in public schools with the publi cation of a teacher-developed activity-based approach in the teaching and learning of humanities. The secondary humanities curriculum was developed by the creative efforts of the DoDOS/Kennedy Center Summer Humanities Institute instructors and participants , reflecting a cross-section of teachers, disciplines , and experiences . • Annual Young at Arts Festival-England • Annual Honors Choral and Instrumental Music Festivals • Kennedy Center Teacher Fellowships-awards to talented teachers • Outstanding Administrator Awards in the Arts-for school support of arts • International Children's Art Exhibition USA represented by Mediterranean Region • Annual Med iterran ean Region art festival In a unique opportunity to experience the culture of another country, children participate in traditional Japan drumming called Taiko. Cross-country competitors sprint to the finish line. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Physical Education Physical Education uniquely contributes to children 's growth and development. The program helps each child become more self-directed , self-reliant , and fully functional as an individual. The program is founded on learning experiences which help each child develop skills in fundamental movGment patterns , games , sports , dance , gymnastics, and aquatics. The program also focuses on the kinds and levels of fitness and the means to attain , maintain , and measure fitne ss. This positive approach is integral to the pursuit of a lifetime of physical activity and preparation for an active , healthy adulthood Health The health curriculum seeks to motivate young people to build healthy lifestyles for today and for the future. The content is based on what young people need and want to know about persona l hygiene and social issue topics . • DARE-Drug Abuse Resistance Education • Presidential Phy sical Fitness Testing • Physical Fitness Awards • Teen Invol vement-national community service program for troubled teens • Physical Best-Physical Fitn ess Education and Assessment • Here 's Looking at You , 2000-Drug Education • AIDS Education • Teen Sexuality • Together/Life Skills-Drug Education Health curriculum includes dental hygiene. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Career/Vocational Education Career education includes basic skills acquisition and development of positive work attitudes and habits. One of the more exciting components at the middle/junior high school level is career exploration. By means of study trips, classroom speakers , electronic and print media, students explore the world of work from the variety of careers available to what contributes to job satisfaction. Specialized courses in home economics , technology and business education , prepare students for the more sophisticated job market awaiting their entrance to the world of work. Business education prepares students to use economic concepts essential to be a wise consumer and productive worker in the American business system . They are taught job-entry skills for success in business , as well as preparation for post secondary education in order to become fully functional in business activities. Vocational education is a well-equipped, technologically oriented applied skills program in which habits and attitudes learned in career education pay dividends in the real world of work. Students in cooperative work-study programs may be placed in part-time positions provided by the Military Services, thereby enhancing the rapport between schools and communities. • Future Business Leaders of America A variety of career options are available in career/ vocational education. m Computer training starts at an early age. ... . . . . . . .. . . . . . .... . . . . . . .... Educational Computing and Technology Computer technology is integrated into kindergarten through g rade 12 through classroom applications. Initial interaction with computers emphasizes positive attitudes through frequent and engaging contact. More sophisticated uses of the computer may occur in other educational programs. Students may select computer science courses at the secondary level where learning computer programming languages and advanced operations are standard curriculum components . • Computer Programming Contests • 4,000 new computers introduced into the schools since 1988. SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS Educational programs are offered which focus on special populations or supplement the basal program. These programs (or services in some instances) make the total educational experience comprehensive and student-oriented The supplementary programs include: Foreign Languages Living in countries where other languages are spoken, students are motivated and encouraged to learn a foreign language which is immediately relevant and in some instances necessary. Students are encouraged through study trips , visits , and exhanges with local schools , athletic competitions , and guest speakers , to communicate in another language. The study and use of a variety of languages broadens a student's perspective and understanding of humanity both locally and g loba lly. As the world moves toward interdependence, students are able to function and compete in the international community. Listening to the sounds of another language requires concentration. Children learn the culture and traditions of the host nation . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . .. . . Intercultural (Host Nation) Intercultural instruction consists of classroom orientation , school or class exchanges , language experiences, home visits , and study tr ips (visiting museums , monuments , restaurants, art galleries, and historical sites) , which provide rich and varied experiences for elementary school youngsters. Guest artists , craftsmen , and government representatives are a sampling of host nation personalities who visit classes to present the special customs and traditions of their culture. Through these experiences , children develop unusual insights, understanding , and language skills that prepare them for life in a mult icultural setting. Gifted youngsters are encouraged to reach their potential through extended studies. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . ... . . . . ... . . . . Talented and Gifted Education Within diverse cultural groups are students with high potential whose continued development requires special attention. This attention can be in the form of extending interest in an area of cu rrent study. This program identifies above average students who generally combine the characteristics of above average ability, task commitment, and creativity. Specialists guide students by introducing them to areas not usually covered in the regular curriculum (Type I) ; learning how-to skills (Type II); and completing a research or independent study (Type Ill) . Approximately 12 ,000 youngsters are eligible for schoolwide enrichment programs , or about nine percent of enrollment. Broadening the identification of talented youth is expected to increase the number of students in the talent pool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compensatory Education Compensatory education provides supplementary instruction in mathematics, reading , and language arts. Students working be low expected achievement levels are assisted by supplementing and reinforcing classroom instruction . Working cooperatively w ith parents and staff members , the compensatory education teacher plans activities such as in-class assistance , small group instruction , and individual tutoring. Students work toward the achievement level of their classmates in order to return to the classroom with confidence. Special Education DoDDS is in compliance with Public Law 94-142, "Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, " providing a free appropriate publ ic education to all handicapped students entitled to enrollment. With the exception of residential placements, a full continuum of special education services is available in each of the overseas regions . The program serves eligible handicapped children from the age of 5 until graduation , or if necessary through age 21. In some locations , services are offered to preschool age handicapped students ages three to five . Parents are encouraged to take an active role in the development of their child's special education program. In a worldwide system with many small schools , it is not possible to p rovide a full range of special education serv ices in every school. DoDDS and the Military Services cooperate by pinpointing assignments-matching the military mission , the service member's work specialty, and the needs of the ch ild to a location meeting all three variables. DoDDS and the military medical departments , which are responsible for medically related services, concen trate resources to p rovide quality programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For information on the screening process for overseas assignments. Service members should contact their local Exceptional Family Member Program office . For information on the special education program, they may call a DoDDS special education coordinator commercially at 703 325-7810 or AUTOVON 221-7810. The mailing address is: DoDDS , Education Division, 2461 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22331-1100. Muffins are on the menu in this developmental class. Pupil Personnel Services Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) provide a variety of guidance and counseling se rvices. Students, school staff members, and parents are assisted in personal, social , and career/occupational areas. Students are helped to gain competence in problem solving , studying for and taking tests , becoming good school and community citizens , planning their educational program, career awareness and the world of work, effective interpersonal communication , recognizing the contributions of others, and developing a positive self-concept. PPS professionals assist schools and communities in the areas of drug awareness , child abuse reporting procedures, pa renting classes , and teenagers at risk programs, among others . The PPS team includes guidance counselors, psycho logists, and educationa l prescriptionists , all of whom have a master 's degree or doctorate in their respective area of expertise, as well as nurses and dorm counselors . • Guidance Information System/College Aid Sources for Higher Education • Interactive computer-based system of information about colleges and careers • Competency-based guidance Which college to choose? Representatives from various universities and colleges visit schools to help students make the right decision. Kindergarten is the place to learn new skills under a guiding hand. .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early Childhood Education Kindergarten is unique in its educational importance because it is where children develop feelings about learning and themselves as learners . Successful learning experiences at this level foste r the development of positive self-concepts, attitudes , and skills that are the foundation for learning within the school environment. The program is based on sound principles of child growth and development. It provides a caring , stimula tin g, and secure environment to facilitate and enrich the social , physical, aesthetic , and intellectual growth of children . Young children learn through concrete experiences in their own time and at their own pace .The p rocess through which children are guided to learn is as important as the program con tent. Communication and cooperation between home and school are essential to ensure that c hildren 's experiences are positive and successful. Program Initiatives DoDDS parti c ipates in a number of nationa lly prominent awards and recognition programs for teachers, students , and administ rators. • Adopt-A-School • Smithsonian Intern • Special Olympics • Very Special Arts Festival • National Disti ng uished Principals • National Achievement Scholarship for Outstanding Negro Students • National Meri t Scholarship • Harvard Principals Center Institute • Kennedy Ce nter Summer Fellows • School Rec ognition • National Honor Society • Artist-in-Residence • United States Senate Youth • Institute for Development of Educational Activities, Inc . Fel lows • National Association of Elementary School Principals institutes and conferences • Nat ional Association of Secondary Schoo ls Principals institutes and conferences • National Teac her of the Year TEST DATA U.S. Marines talk about options for a military career. Students are assessed annually in the basic skills of reading , language arts, and mathematics. Student performance compares favorably to the national norm sample; in most instances their scores exceed the national average by five or more percentile points . Students in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 are administered a standardized test battery published by CTB/McGraw Hill , the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills, (CTBS) Form 4. The CTBS is comprised of basic skills and content area subtests. All students are administered the basic skills subtests; in addition, 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students are administered the science and social studies subtests. DoDDS student performance on these tests exceeds the national averages by 5 to 26 percentile points. In college entrance examinations (Scholastic Achievement Test published by the College Board of the Educational Testing Service and the American College Testing program), DoDDS students have almost always exceeded the national norm over the past 15 years. ED GRADUATION EQUIREMENTS SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . A minimum of 20 credits are required to graduate. Of the 20 c redits required , 15 must be in : language arts , 4 units ; social studie s, 3 units ; mathematics and science , 2 units each; career education , aesthetics , and physical education , 1 unit each; health education and computer education , one-half unit each. Students may graduate when they meet the requirements , usually scheduled over a four-year period. DoDDS accepts the off icial grades and courses of transfer students. Courses inter rupted by a transfer may be completed by correspondence if the course is not in the DoDDS program class schedu le . Students who enroll during their senior year may graduate by meeting the requirements of their previous schools , if, through no fault of their own , they cannot meet DoDDS graduation requirements. Students may be considered for early graduation if they clearly demonstrate a scholastic aptitude or vocational readiness , or if health or family concerns would be best served . Application for early graduation must have parental approval , be in writing , and include a definite and comprehensive plan for completing requirements. Almost $14 million have been awarded annually to students in scholarships from States and colleges and by appointments to ROTC and the military academies. Some awards are in special areas such as music , art , and vocational education. Of the more than 5,000 graduates in the class of 1989, 61 percent expressed the intent to pursue higher education . Guidance counselors advise students of the requirements and availability of scholarships , or direct them to the individual institutions for specialized information. SUPPORT SERVICES .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Support services are integral to the smooth functioning of the entire schoo l system. These key services ensu re that teachers are hired , books and other pertinent material s are available for individual classroom use , and bills are paid. The se business activities are routine for most school systems In DoDDS the y involve supplies to be delivered over long distances, foreign currencies and dollar value fluctuation , varying legal requirements, com municat ion constraints , and secu rity needs. Fiscal An accounting system was implemented in 1988 to captu re and monitor costs. An automated budget sys tem is being developed for regions and headquarters to formulate , justify, and execute a budget of approximately one billion dollars per year. The budget system will be integrated with the DoDDS accounting system and Air Force personnel system. Formulae are used to distribute funds to the regions and are being deve loped for allocating discretiona ry funds at school level. A standa rd approach to fund distribution will result in more equitable allocation of resources. Boys an d g irls p ush a supersized ball in a friendly contest. Bus transportation safety is emphasized. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . Logistics Logistics operations include managing and overseeing facilities; materiel management and services; transportation ; safety; school lunch program ; security; coordinating student transportation ; and the lnterservice Support Agreements Program. A number of logistics functions are automated to ensure efficient delivery of services for a system of increasingly complex activities . Basic transportation policy is adjusted to meet regulatory requirements of each host nation to provide safe transportation of students to and from schools. From Fiscal Years 1981 -90 , 151 new schools or additions to existing schools were planned to ensure up-to-date facilities. Periodic renovation and modernization projects provide the best , safest, and most functional school facilities at the lowest feasible cost. Management Information System The Management Information System (MIS) supports al uses of information technology by schools and administrative offices. Local area networks are developed and implemented in schools and offices throughout the system. These systems are connected by the Defense Data Network. MIS supports hardware maintenance for an extensive array of computer-based education projects in all curricula areas. MIS manages school administrative support systems and programs and is a leader in decentralized data automation. Computer basics may lead to a management information systems career. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . Personnel In addition to a Personnel Division staff responsible for administering a worldwide personnel program, a Personnel Support Center is operated in Alexandria, Virginia , where highly qualified professional educators are recruited to staff the schools. Once hired , educators are required to maintain their teaching qualifications by taking at least six semester hours of graduate or undergraduate level course work in their specialties or prospective specialties within a six-year period. Approx imately 500 teachers from the United States are selected annually for worldwide placement. The hiring preference is for spouses of military and federal civilian personnel assigned overseas, thereby creating a pool of qualified educators who can be employed in full-time teaching positions or as substitute teachers. Teachers often give individual attention to students. Sharing the DoDDS ____experiences gives a ___: sense of belonging that lasts a lifetime . Executive Services Executive Services personnel provide administrative services , correspondence control , mail distribution , equipment maintenance , and communications support. The DoDDS record s management program which includes assisting individuals and military recruiters obtain or reconstruct school transcripts is also a function of Executive Services. *U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1991 -300-366/50082 I Ill~IIi~iiiWUI~iill~~~~llliil~i)WIIIII 3 9072 01847158 5 This publication was prepared by the DoDDS Public Affairs Office. Comments concerning the material presented may be directed to Ms. Marilyn Witcher, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Defense Dependents Schools, 2461 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22331-1100