ADIS Curriculum
ADIS curriculum was strategically designed to teach 21st century learning expectations. Aligned with the US Common Core (California) State Standards, ADIS curriculum contains essential questions, skills, instructional activities, and assessments including assignments that assess students’ achievement of the 21st century learning outcomes.
ADIS curriculum emphasizes depth of understanding through inquiry, problem-solving, and higher thinking skills. Cross-disciplinary learning is evident and the school promotes authentic learning where the students are encouraged to apply their learning outside the classroom. The curriculum supports informed and ethical use of technology.
In addition to the key subjects which include English, language skills, arts, mathematics, economics, science, geography, history, government and civic, we promote the following twenty first century skills and competencies and integrate them into our curriculum:
21st Century Themes
Learning and Innovation Skills
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Life and Career Skills
Teaching and Learning at ADIS
Academic coordinators, Heads of Department and departmental structures are in place to ensure that the written curriculum is implemented through student-centered teaching and engaged learning strategies. Each week, teachers participate in collaborative planning; therein, teachers align curriculum, create common lesson plans, reflect on best practices, and update common assessments used across grade level.
Curriculum coordination is achieved through effective strategic planning and team management. Several structures ensure the clear articulation of curriculum, including a curriculum review cycle, common planning, robust professional development opportunities, weekly HOD meetings and a monthly meeting of the Leadership Team to discuss curricular issues, needs, and initiatives. Vertical articulation is clear as HODs and academic coordinators oversee the curriculum from KG to Grade 12.
The school regularly uses both teacher input and research to inform decisions when considering the curriculum changes and adoption. These goals will be accomplished through activities specially created for individual learner needs.
Assessment
“Assessment can affect pupils’ motivation to learn. It plays a crucial role in improving learning and raising standards.” (Stiggins, 2008). Assessment is an integral part of our teaching and learning, developing accuracy, consistency and comparability.
Curriculum coordination is achieved through effective strategic planning and team management. Several structures ensure the clear articulation of curriculum, including a curriculum review cycle, common planning, robust professional development opportunities, weekly HOD meetings and a monthly meeting of the Leadership Team to discuss curricular issues, needs, and initiatives. Vertical articulation is clear as HODs and academic coordinators oversee the curriculum from KG to Grade 12.
The school regularly uses both teacher input and research to inform decisions when considering the curriculum changes and adoption. These goals will be accomplished through activities specially created for individual learner needs.
Assessment at ADIS aims to:
International Standards
At ADIS, we provide students and parents with well balanced external and internal assessments aligned with CCSS and International Standards. Students at ADIS are required to take MAP (Measure of Academic Progress), 3 times per year from Gr. 3 to Gr. 9. MAP is a computerized adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child’s academic growth. Taking MAP is obligatory for all American Curriculum Schools across UAE.
Guidance Counseling and University Selection
Though the entire K-12 program is designed to prepare students for the rigors of a competitive university education, Grades 9-12 are specifically structured to meet the course and credit requirements of accredited US universities or international universities of similar standards.
To support our students to prepare for the transition from high school to university, we provide a Guidance program that uses a team approach with staff who are immediately accessible to our students.
Due to the determination and discipline of our students, and the rigorous demands of our academic core courses aligned with the US Common Core State Standards, (that includes preparing our students for the S.A.T. and TOEFL iBT international standardized exams), all of our graduates who applied for a university education received admission to at least one university of their choice, while several students were accepted at more than one university.