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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. The three Areas are the
Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Europe (DoDDS-E), the
Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Pacific (DoDDS-P), and the
Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary
Schools (DDESS) inside the United States. 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
http://www.eu.dodea.edu. It presently operates 99 schools
organized in five Districts located in nine countries: Bahrain, Belgium,
Germany, 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
41,000 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
enrollment. Some categories are required to pay tuition, which ranged
from $8,268 to $18,972 in the 2006-2007 school year. Details are on the
Web at
http://www.eu.dodea.edu/enroll.htm
or available from school registrars.
DoDDS-E aims for greater school funding than that found in the United
States and a better Pupil-To-Teacher staffing ratio. Per pupil
expenditures are in excess of $12,000; staffing ratios are approximately
23:1 with targets of 18:1 in grades one through three.
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, "the Nation's
Report Card." 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 pre-kindergarten 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
http://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 2005, the 3,395 graduating seniors in DODEA earned more than $33
million in scholarships, aid and grants. DoDDS Europe captured more than
half of that with their seniors earning nearly $18 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 students cope and focus during difficult
times.
An active School Advisory Committee process enables parents to
understand and influence school policies and operations. Clearly
delineated procedures allow parents to resolve problems or issues using
an established chain of command.
REGISTRATION, TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION
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
http://www.dodea.edu/transcript.
COMMITTED TO THE EDUCATION OF AMERICA'S MILITARY CHILDREN
DoDDS-E embraces and promotes the DoDEA vision of "Communities
investing in success for ALL students." DoDDS-E teachers and
administrators are committed to providing exemplary educational programs
that inspire and prepare students for success in a global environment
through enforcing standards and accountability to promote student
achievement; trust and respect for the rights of others; unlimited
opportunities to reach and exceed high expectations, and dedication to
lifelong learning. DoDDS-E wants every soldier, sailor, airman, marine,
DoD civilian, and contractor to be confident that they made the right
choice in bringing their families to Europe.
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