Air Force Bases

DoDDS - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENTS SCHOOLS

Teaching the children of America's military families worldwide

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY (DoDEA)

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is a civilian agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, dedicated to teaching the children of America's military families worldwide.

The DoDEA Director oversees all agency functions from headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. DoDEA schools are organized into three Areas, each of which is managed by an Area Director. Within each Area, schools are organized into Districts headed by Superintendents. Principals of individual schools report to their Superintendent, who in return reports to the Area Director.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENTS SCHOOLS-EUROPE

DoDDS-E is headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany, and is on the web at www.eu.dodea.edu. It presently operates 90 schools organized in five Districts located in 9 countries: Bahrain, Belgium, Germany, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. All DoDDS-E schools are fully accredited by U.S. accreditation agencies. Some 6,000 educators and support staff serve its approximately 37,500 students.

DoDDS-E serves the children of military service members and Department of Defense civilian employees throughout the European Command. Children of enlisted military personnel constitute roughly 80 percent of enrollment. Since military assignments often result in frequent moves, the transient rate for DoDEA schools is 35 percent. Children of contractors, NAF employees and others may be eligible for space available enrollment. Some categories are required to pay tuition, which ranged from $8,712 to $20,112 in the 2007-2008 school year. Details are on the Web at www.eu.dodea.edu/enroll.htm or available from school registrars.

ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS ENSURE EDUCATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

DoDEA monitors student progress through the use of standardized tests. All students in grades three through 11 take the Terra Nova Achievement Test, a norm-referenced test, each spring. Every year, at every grade level tested and in every subject area, DoDEA students score above the national average. DoDDS-E fourth and eighth grade students also take the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Òthe Nation's Report Card.Ó DoDDS-E student scores consistently rank at or near the top of the scale when compared with the scores of other participating states and jurisdictions.

DODDS-E INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM IS BROAD AND DEEP

Administration of plans and programs is managed by the Director, DoDDS-E, and by the five District Superintendents. The DoDDS-E instructional program provides a comprehensive prekindergarten through 12th-grade curriculum that is competitive with that of any school system in the United States. The curriculum includes Early Childhood and Special Education components. A wide range of rigorous courses is offered to enable students to excel academically. Older students benefit from curricular enhancements such as Advanced Placement and Professional Technical Studies classes. In-depth descriptions of DoDDS-E curricular and adjunct programs are on the web at www.eu.dodea.edu/ed/curricmenu2.htm#curricular.

Advanced technology is integrated into every content area beginning in the lower grades. Supplementary programs include foreign language, Talented and Gifted, host nation and compensatory education classes. DoDDS-E also runs an extensive distance-learning program that enables students in remote sites or small schools to take the most advanced courses.

In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, DoDDS-E provides appropriate public education to eligible students with disabilities. A full continuum of special education services is available. Families should consult with Exceptional Family Member Program representatives to learn about specific services available at each site.

DoDDS-E maintains a high school graduation rate of approximately 95%. In 2006, the 2,875 graduating seniors in DoDEA earned more than $38 million in scholarships, aid and grants. DoDDS Europe captured more than half of that with their seniors earning nearly $23 million.

SECURE SCHOOLS ARE BEDROCK OF STABLE COMMUNITIES

The safety and security of students are of continuous concern to DoDDS-E. Schools work very closely with local commands to ensure that contingency plans are always in place. Policies with regard to drugs, alcohol, safe schools, weapons, gangs, and anti-terrorism help administrators maintain safe learning environments and pursue the academic mission with a minimum of distractions.

DoDDS-E schools are an important element of stability in European Command communities. They help students and military families maintain a sense of normality during times of deployment and conflict. A strong family support network helps student cope and focus during difficult times.

An active School Advisory Committee process enables parents to influence school policies and operations. Clearly delineated procedures allow parents to resolve problems or issues using an established chain of command.

REGISTRATION, TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION

Families can begin the DoDDS-E registration process online. Details are on the web at www.eu.dodea.edu/schoolregister.htm. On arrival at school, required, hard-copy documents include: sponsor's travel orders or similar documents of eligibility; child's immunization record; birth certificate or passport of new kindergarteners or first-graders to verify the date of birth; and student records from schools previously attended.

For DoDDS-E graduates and students moving on to other school systems, record and transcript request procedures are detailed on the web at www.dodea.edu/transcript.