Curriculum and Instruction - SAS-WASC

••Empowered to interact with the world around them (consistent with theNSSE results);Ethical human beings who demonstration citizenship and generositythrough authentic community service and actions.The SEARCH Assets data was gathered in 2006, prior to the adoption and focus onthe EAGLES. Examples include a continually expanding and vibrant communityservice program that invites all students to participate) for more detail on communityservice at SAS, see the Support of Student Personal and Academic Growth sectionof this report). Continuing to track the data should give an indication of the progresstoward the integration of the school-wide learning results.Because our EAGLES are difficult to measure through quantitative means alone,in March 2008 the school conducted a Data in a Day exercise to gather baselinequalitative data about the progress we are making with imbedding the EAGLESin our day to day learning (See the Data in a Day Report in the Appendix). Teamsof parents, teachers and students on each campus observed a representative schoolday to create a snapshot of each of the EAGLES in action. Areas of strength theyobserved were the following:• Global-minded – in particular, “the SAS community engages responsiblyin the world’s problems.” Students and staff demonstrate a high level ofinvolvement in clubs and activities which demonstrate global-mindedness,e.g., Habitat for Humanity, Model United Nations, Bob the Builder, Rootsand Shoots, Art for Arts, community service programs. Class materials andlessons show an awareness of international environmental issues, history andfuture planning.• Literate – “The SAS community communicates articulately throughreading, writing, speaking, listening and artistic expression.” A sampling ofevidence observed includes extensive visual arts displays from all divisionsat both campuses, student podcasts and participation in forums, blogs andwikis at the school Moodle site, student publications: the Pudong Word andPuxi Voice, The Puxi middle school grade eight Great Debates and middleschool Shakespeare Cup as well as the Pudong rehearsals for the productionof Grease. Student projects and posters on visiting authors posted at bothelementary schools, and students in classes reading listening, discussing.Observers also found parents engaged in learning through discussions withDr. Michael Thompson on supporting their children in school.• Skilled Inquirers – “The SAS community strives for academic excellence.”Students and teachers have high expectations which are supported by excellentresources and a high standard of care. Evidence details the level of supportprovided through student volunteers, mentors, peer feedback, individualconferencing, teacher collaboration and after school help for SAS students.Areas that the Data in a Day observers identified for further investigation includedthe EAGLE, “ethical human beings.” At that time, observers reported limitedevidence illustrating understanding of the outside world and the issues affecting othercultures and communities. In the time since, all divisions have been very involvedwith SAS Responds, disaster relief for victims of both the Myanmar typhoon and theSichuan Province earthquake. Teachers, students, parents, and administration raisedUS$79, 633 in relief funds. The issues have been discussed in classes, in clubs, onemail, and in their families, powerfully demonstrating citizenship and generositythrough this community service activity.The second descriptor for “ethical human beings” is more difficult. Intervieweesraised the issue of theft to Data in a Day observers. Follow-up research found thattheft has been reported at all divisions and is an area of concern that the school needsto take a careful look at.86Shanghai American School Self Study Report