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Student and Family Handbook 2007-08 2.0 Curriculum and Academic Policies 2.1 Accreditation Our school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States. The Association provides assistance to schools located in California, Hawaii, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, and the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Fiji, and East Asia. Purpose of Accreditation Accreditation in the United States was designed to encourage the standardization of secondary school programs, primarily to ensure for the benefit of colleges and universities that graduating students had mastered a particular body of knowledge. However, today the process developed by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), involves a dual purpose that continues the expectation that schools must be worthy of the trust placed in them to provide high quality learning opportunities, but with the added requirement that they clearly demonstrate that they are about the critical business of continual self-improvement. Benefits of Accreditation
2.2 Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs) Accreditation requires the school to develop Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs). These are collaboratively developed goals that represent the focus of our entire school community and are reflected in our curriculum. Our ESLRS state, that at the American International School, every student is prepared to be: A global citizen, who:
An effective communicator, who:
An empowered thinker, who:
A well-rounded individual, who:
2.3 Curriculum The American International School curriculum has three major characteristics:
2.4 Academic Policies 2.4.1 Attendance and Absences Families are expected to cooperate in assuring regular student attendance as absences negatively affect schoolwork. Regular attendance is critical for student success. Students across the school are expected to attend all of their classes. All appointments requiring students to attend should be arranged for after school hours or on school holidays. When returning to school after an absence, all students must provide a letter from parents, and if necessary an appropriate medical certificate specifying the days absent and the reason for the absence. All such documentation must be submitted to the student’s class or homeroom teacher or to the School Office before the student can recommence classes. Absences are recorded and classified in two ways. An Excused Absence is supported by an official document explaining the absence e.g. a medical certificate. An Unexcused Absence is recorded when a student’s absence is not supported by an official document (e.g. a note from parents) Any student accumulating ten (10) consecutive days of unexcused absence from school results in automatic cancellation of enrollment without the privilege of requesting pro-rated fees or reports. Any high school student accumulating (10) unexcused absences from any one course over the academic year will automatically fail the course. Any high school student accumulating (10) unexcused absences over the academic year will automatically fail the grade. If a student must be out of school due to a prolonged period of illness, arrangements may be made through the respective school principal, for teachers to provide appropriate schoolwork to be completed during the period of absence. Academic credit may or may not be awarded for work completed under these circumstances. This will be determined by the teacher and the respective school principal. Students who become ill during the school day must obtain permission to leave the classroom, report to the School Office, and may rest for a short time before returning to class. The number of periods missed for resting is counted as an absence. If a student needs to go home, a parent or guardian must collect the student from school. Students with letters from a parent or guardian excusing them from class for part of the school day must have this request approved by the respective school principal. To receive a Progress Report Card or Report Card, students must be enrolled and in attendance for a minimum of 30 school days prior to the issue of these reports. 2.4.2 Tardiness It is important for students to be punctual. It is distracting when students arrive late to a class and is also inconsiderate and disruptive to a healthy learning environment. Students arriving late to school must report to the School Office. A Class Admission slip will be given to the student. The School Office will subsequently note tardiness on the student records. Other than an excused absence, any student arriving to school after 10.00am will be recorded absent. Continued tardiness is detrimental to academic performance. Families of students who accumulate three tardy Class Admission slips in a month will be issued with a formal letter reminding them of the attendance requirements. Subsequent and continued tardiness will be subject to AIS Administrative review. Any high school student tardy to class by 15 minutes or more will be recorded as absent. 2.4.3 Extra-Curricular Activities Participation in extracurricular activities is an additional responsibility that students assume. These activities do not exempt students from regular school responsibilities. Students must attend all classes on the same day that they expect to participate in an after-school or evening activity such as a concert, sporting event, dance, etc. Additionally students participating in after-school and evening activities are expected to be at school the next day. 2.4.4 Promotion and Retention Steady academic progress throughout the year is expected. Promotion is dependent on achieving competency and passing all necessary subject areas. High School High school students are promoted on a subject-by-subject basis, not on a grade level basis. All high school students must complete a full year of study and earn the minimum number of credits necessary in order to be promoted to the next year level. In line with the academic prerequisites stipulated by respective departments, certain subjects must be passed before students can go on to the next level. For this reason, students may be promoted by grade but may be retained in a previous level of a particular course. Students who do not pass a required subject must repeat that subject. Students who do not pass an elective subject may not need to repeat that elective. Please refer to the AIS High School Graduation Requirements Middle School and Elementary School Under normal circumstances, middle school and elementary school students are promoted on a grade level basis, if they successfully complete a full academic year. However, certain provisos exist: Where sufficient academic progress has not been made for any student completing the elementary program in Grade 5 and seeking entry to the middle school program for Grade 6, the student may be requested to complete an additional entrance test and interview before acceptance is approved. Where sufficient academic progress has not been made, students completing the middle school program in Grade 8 and seeking entry to the high school program for Grade 9 may be requested to complete an additional entrance test and interview before acceptance is approved. Middle School students are expected to successfully complete respective English and Mathematics courses for promotion to high school. A student who fails two or more core subjects (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies) may need to repeat the grade level in the next academic year. Should a student require two consecutive grade level retentions, continued re-enrollment will be at the discretion of the AIS Administration Team. 2.4.5 Homework Academic success depends on work performed both at school and at home. Homework for AIS students should include reflective and thought-provoking study time as well as written work. Homework is an important part of the learning process and is assigned to reinforce or extend classroom instruction and to foster independent study. Homework enables students to practice skills and to prepare students for future work. At AIS the purposes of homework are threefold: Practice (reinforcement), Preparation, and Extension. Meaningful homework should include a variety of such activities on a regular basis. Homework should always be:
Homework should never:
At AIS, the suggested total daily homework time for students is:
All students must purchase an AIS Homework Diary to organize their homework assignments. Teachers may also use this diary for brief messages to parents about student progress and behavior. Homework diaries should be signed by a parent or guardian on a daily basis. Students should work independently to complete all homework assignments, unless otherwise announced by the teacher. 2.4.6 Assessment and Grading Assessment The purpose of assessment is to measure the performance of our students and the progress they are making. This supports us as teachers in identifying problems students may have so that appropriate feedback can be given. Assessment should be:
Quizzes and tests are both formative and summative and are administered throughout the academic year to indicate what needs review and if mastery has been reached. Formal examinations are administered at the end of each semester in high school and middle school (Grade 8). 2.4.7 Reporting and Grading Procedures Progress Reports Midway through each semester, parents are provided with a Progress Report. Parents are required to meet with teachers to receive the first Progress Reports. Families will be contacted at other times if student academic performance warrants it. Report Cards (Early Childhood to Grade 5) Students are graded on the basis of individual progress in the various subject areas. No percentage grades are given. Early Childhood Program students are continually assessed and the curriculum is adapted to individual student needs. The record at the end of each semester shows development and achievement up to that time, in terms of what each student has attempted, is beginning to master, and has achieved. Grade 1 Junior to Grade 5 students receive grades on two elements:
Report Cards (Grade 6 to Grade 12) Grades and percentages are given at the end of Fall Semester (Mid-Year Report) and Spring Semester (Final Report) according to the school calendar. Semester grades are part of a student’s permanent record. Each subject teacher issues a grade and percentage for each student. Interim and final grades are determined by a variety of means such as tests, homework, class projects, research, oral reports, presentations, and examinations. Letter grades are calculated automatically by the report card system. Students are assessed in two elements: Effort (as above) and Achievement. Grades are awarded as letter grades, percentages, and grade point averages.
An ‘Incomplete’ (‘I’) is issued when required work is not completed. This becomes a permanent ‘unsuccessful’ (‘U’) if the work is not made up within two weeks following the end of the grading period. Special permission for an extension may be requested from the AIS Administrative Team upon the respective principals’ recommendation. Comments may be provided to clarify the achievement or effort grades. All students must be in attendance a minimum of 30 school days prior to the end of the semester in order to take semester final exams and to receive semester grades. Any high school student accumulating (10) unexcused absences from any one course over the academic year will automatically fail the course and will not receive a grade or credit. Any high school student absent or late for school on the day of a scheduled test will require an official document to explain the absence. In the event that this is not produced, the student will receive a zero grade. 2.4.8 Academic Distinction Achieving high academic performance over time and over a variety of disciplines is an important determinant of success. A common measurement for academic performance is the Grade Point Average (GPA). AIS determines and recognizes high academic achieving students (Grade 6–Grade 12) at the end of each academic semester based on GPA scores. Honor Roll awards are given to students who earn the equivalent of a “B” (GPA 3.0) through to “B+” (GPA 3.49) Principal’s Honor Roll awards are given to students who earn the equivalent of a “B+” (GPA 3.50) through to “A” (GPA 4.0) Individual awards are also given periodically to recognize excellence in academic work, service, attendance, and specific skills or talents as demonstrated in extracurricular activities. 2.4.9 Summer School Credits High school and middle school students may make up course credits in a summer school. The course must be from an accredited institution with proof of grade. Each course must be a minimum of 70 hours in order to receive a make up credit. The final decision for acceptance of make up credits rests with the Administrative Team upon the respective principal’s recommendation. It should be noted that it is often difficult to find a summer school in Hong Kong to make up course credits. Alternative arrangements for doing coursework during the summer should be approved by the Administrative Team before registering for a course. AIS reserves the right to administer a student examination in order give credit for any course work and to determine placement in a subject. Students may wish to accelerate their schooling during the summer with a course they have never taken before. The course for acceleration must be approved by the AIS Administration before registering. The course must provide a minimum of 140-hours from an appropriate accredited institution. Students must provide a course description, verification of the institution’s accreditation, and verification of their successful completion of the particular course. A 70-hour course is not sufficient for accelerated credit if the course was not undertaken previously. 2.4.10 Course Changes High School students wishing to change from one course to another during the school year may do so only within the first 10 days of instruction and with the written approval of each of the following:
2.4.11 Academic Integrity Students at AIS are expected to consistently do their personal best in completing their schoolwork, both in school and at home. Cheating is a serious issue as it represents a breech of trust between students and teachers. Subsequently, any students caught cheating should expect serious consequences for their actions. Cheating includes:
2.4.12 Computer/Internet - Acceptable Use Policy The American International School (AIS) continues to embrace the exciting opportunities to expand learning access through the use of our computer network and Internet access for students and staff. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence at AIS by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. However, with this opportunity comes the responsibility for appropriate use:
Unacceptable Use This includes, but is not limited to the following:
If a student identifies a security problem on the Internet/computer network, he/she should not demonstrate the problem to others but notify a system administrator Students are not to use floppy disks or USB sticks without the permission and supervision of their teacher Accessing the Internet American International School will provide the following precautions to protect students from illegal, obscene, offensive and inaccurate material:
Security and Safety Students should not give out personal information, which includes their address, telephone number; parents work address or telephone number or the name and location of the school without teacher or parent permission Use of the Internet without a clearly defined educational objective, understood by both student and teacher, is not allowed. Therefore, network and online games and engaging in personal online discussions or chats is prohibited Students should not seek out or view sites containing objectionable material that are inconsistent with the educational goals of American International School. We realize it is possible to stumble upon said material. However, students are expected to behave in a responsible manner and leave the site immediately and notify their teacher of the problem. Internet activities that use excessive network resources in ways that prevent others from accessing the network are not allowed Web page publishing of any material with abusive, harassing, threatening, or objectionable language is forbidden 2.5 Typhoon & Rainstorm Procedures Student safety is an AIS priority. When Hong Kong experiences severe weather conditions, the school adheres to official public announcements from the Hong Kong Observatory. These are broadcast by 6:15 a.m. on both radio and television. The Education and Manpower Bureau procedures for rainstorms and typhoons are reprinted below: Rainstorms When the AMBER Signal is in force
When the RED or BLACK Signal is in force Before schools start:
When some students have already set out for school:
When schools are in session:
Typhoons When the “1” Signal is in force, school is open as usual When the “3” Signal is in force, Early Childhood and Grade 1Jr students are not in session When the “8, 9, or 10” Signal is in force
To avoid unnecessary congestion of telephone lines, families should not telephone AIS to request a decision. Official announcements will be made on radio and TV. Families are reminded to listen to these announcements carefully. Using the information provided, parents and guardians families are expected to take every precaution to ensure their children remain safe. In circumstances other than declared rainstorms or typhoons, student tardiness or absence due to inclement weather conditions requires a parental letter of explanation.
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