AIS Prepares for CIS Accreditation By Dal Sohi, Head of Curriculum and Professional Development Over the next 18 months, AIS will be undertaking a self-study as part of the Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation process. Although we are currently accredited by CIS, we are required to undergo the entire process every 10 years. CIS recognizes that schools change tremendously over the course of a decade and it is essential to reflect on areas of strength and areas in need of improvement. For parents new to our school, CIS should not be confused with the International Baccalaureate (IB) as they are two separate bodies. CIS is a non-profit organization comprising more than 500 schools and 400 colleges/ universities around the world. It has experience with K-12 education in more than 100 countries with a focus on helping member schools to achieve and deliver high standards in international education. For more information about the Council of International Schools, you can visit www.cois.org. The Accreditation process at AIS began in August with our submission of a preliminary report to CIS. John Heard, a CIS accreditation officer, visited our school and met with teachers, parents, students, administrators, and Board representatives. Mr. Heard also reviewed a variety of school documents, which we had submitted as evidence of our progress in the following areas: A. B. C. D. E. F. G.
German Student Seeks Host Family Fourteen-year-old student would like to spend a few months at AIS during the 2009/10 school year as a guest student and live with an American family. He is currently at a grammar school close to Munich and has been studying English for four years, and French for three years. He comes from a family with three children and is an active ice hockey player. His parents are quite aware that some reimbursement may be necessary. Please contact cbox@aischool.org for more information.
Philosophy and Objectives Curriculum Governance and Management Staff Student Support Services Resources Student & Community Life
The school has established a Steering Committee to oversee the Accreditation process and to guide the various committees. The members of the Steering Committee are Dal Sohi (Chair), Linda Doulkhani, Simone Becker, Chris Thomas, Robert Shaw-Smith, Kathryn Turman, and Patrick Hurworth. During the next 18 months, we will embark on a Self-Study, which will evaluate our effectiveness in the seven areas mentioned above. Teachers, parents, students, Board Trustees, and other members of the school community will be involved where appropriate. Ultimately, our success in the Accreditation process depends on the participation and support of all stakeholders at the school. We hope that this process will support our process of continuous improvement and as we continue to be a world leader in international education.
AIS to Host German Rap Concert AIS will be hosting a German rap concert and workshop for all students who are learning German in Atlanta and surrounding areas on November 17. For more information, please contact jmartinez@aischool.org
Atlanta International School Newsletter / September 2008 • Globetrotter
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