On September 11 and 18, 2014, the American School of Valencia parents attended the traditional Parents’ Nights where the annual academic goals are presented. Both meetings were led by Dr. Kristy Beam, Principal, and Ms. Elena Corchs, Vice Principal, who highlighted new enhancements such as the Standards Based Reporting System and the programs Go Math! and Word Study Training.
“All our activities are focused on one goal: Prepare globally-conscious, life-long learners in an innovative, collaborative and caring environment”, Dr. Kristy Beam stated when she introduced the new curricular features. “Any changes we make are aligned with the school mission and strengthens our commitment with the students”, she added.
A major change in the ASV curriculum is the implementation of the Common Core Standards. Assuming the standards American School of Valencia is completing a three-year process which is providing a new Math program called Go Math! and a new standard based reporting system. “The new grading scale ranges from 4 to 1 and shows in a more effective way how the student reaches the specific skills described in the Common Core for each age and subject”, Vice Principal Elena Corchs explained. “Our new report cards will be much more specific about each child as well as very helpful for families and teachers”. In addition, the ASV faculty will have external assessments completing their continuous student evaluation.
Improving literacy is another annual goal and Elementary students will be supported on reaching their corresponding reading level according to the US Standards. “We are using a new vocabulary program called Word Study Training”, Dr. Beam described. She is confident in starting the second edition of the Parent Reading Volunteer Program where teachers and families collaborate in preparing guided reading sessions both in English and Spanish.
After the general meeting parents attended the specific grade sessions with tutors and Spanish teachers. Later they were invited to visit the remodeled Dining Hall and the new ASV Visions café, the two major renovations on our campus during the Summer. A specific Parents’ Night for families with children in PK2 and Kinder was also scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2014.
