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Assistant Superintendent's Message
A favorite quote for me is from John Dewey: “Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself.” This always reminds me that life and education are what are simultaneously happening now.
One of the things that make Singapore American School a fun and interesting place is that each school year provides new opportunities for growth and learning for all of us, which is all part of life-long learning.
As a school, we are dedicated to provide engaging and meaningful learning opportunities, connected to U.S. and international standards and “best practices,” that appropriately challenge and support each and every child. When we refer to our school’s Strategic Focus, these interests align to Academic Rigor and to Extraordinary Care for the Welfare of Each Child.
In addition to the growth and learning opportunities for our students, all faculty and staff at SAS pursue continuous improvement. These efforts align to our Strategic Focus of Professional Excellence. Through various collaborative approaches among students, parents, and faculty/staff, we strive to make SAS a better place for everyone.
Our six-year curriculum cycle ensures that all subject areas at all grade levels are continually reviewed and upgraded for instructional approaches and for student resources. In addition to the regular cycle, there are frequently off-cycle improvements that provide important curricular adjustments. It is common practice to also involve external experts in these renewal processes to further ensure that the highest possible quality is consistently maintained.
For the 2007-2008 school year, areas of focus for curriculum renewal, upgrades, and support include:
- Ongoing elementary Literacy development in Primary and Intermediate Divisions
- Ongoing preschool through high school Chinese Language development
- Support for elementary Mathematics curriculum and student resources implementation
- Review and development in preschool through high school Science (2007-2009)
- Review and development in preschool through high school Health (2007-2009)
- Review and development in preschool through high school Physical Education (2007-2009)
In addition to these areas of curriculum development, a very significant opportunity for Singapore American School is the school-wide Self-Study that is now occurring to support our school’s accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Through this Self-Study all programs and operations of Singapore American School are being reviewed by faculty, staff, administrators, Board members, and representative parents, students, and community members. The result of this work will be a series of recommendations that our school will share with a Visiting Team in April, 2008, for their review and verification. An important component of the school’s recommendations will be a proposed five-year Strategic Plan to guide and focus the school’s efforts in specific and practical ways toward an even brighter future for students.
As each of us recognize the opportunities that we are given to make a significant difference in the lives of our students through these various collaborative ventures, hopefully there is an excitement for the possibilities that we can create together.
At the start of this school year, our Superintendent Dr. Brent Mutsch shared one of his favorite quotes from John H. Schaar, which I think provides an apt closing: “The future is not someplace we are going to but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found but made, and the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination.”
WASC Executive Summary
WASC School Improvement Self Study
WASC Report Commendations and Recommendations
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