Faculty Handbook

2009-2010

Developing a Mindful Heart

Qingdao No. 1 InternationalSchoolof

ShandongProvince

The QISS Faculty Handbook is a work in progress. The school administration would be most grateful to receive your comments, corrections, or suggestions.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

  • List of Faculty and Staff7
  • Mission 10
  • Theme 10
  • Purpose 10
  • Philosophy of Education______10
  • How We Assess: Essential Strategies______10
  • Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLRs) ______11
  • Overview and History______12
  • Community Profile 13
  • School timetables 14
  • WASC Accreditation 15

OPERATIONS

  • Emergency Medical Procedures 17
  • Bus Protocols 17
  • Fire Drills 19
  • School Evacuation 19

PERSONNEL

  • Teaching Standards 21
  • Teacher Supervision and Evaluation 21
  • Supervisor Walk-throughs______21
  • Effective Whiteboard Use______22
  • Teacher Plan Book______22
  • Teacher Portfolios______22
  • Online Learning______23
  • Meetings and In-School Communication 23
  • Working Hours______25
  • After-School Activities 25
  • Faculty Dress Code 25
  • Student Supervision 25
  • Field Trips 25
  • Sick Students 25
  • Faculty Sick Days 25
  • Personal Days26
  • Policy Regarding Leave: Excused and Unexcused Absence 26
  • Video Usage 26
  • Resource Orders 26
  • Textbook Checkout 26
  • Classroom Supplies 27
  • Foreign Expert Certificate 27
  • Concerns/Suggestions 27
  • Conflict Resolution 27
  • Computer Use Guidelines 28
  • Printing (Outsourced) 29
  • Letters to Parents 29

STUDENTS

  • Code of Conduct 31
  • Mailing Student Records 33
  • Student Language Proficiency Requirements for Admission 33
  • English As the Common Language is Encouraged at QISS 34
  • Parent Responsibilities for Proper Living Conditions 34
  • Supplemental Education 34
  • Student Attendance 35
  • AdmissionsPolicy 36
  • Student Behavior 38
  • Discipline Consequences at a Glance 39
  • Levels of Consequences 39
  • Cell Phones/ Electronic Devices 40
  • Chewing Gum 40
  • Student Dress Code 40
  • Public Displays of Affection 41
  • Academic Honesty 41
  • Student Binders 41
  • Daily Planners 42
  • Homework 42
  • Standards of Acceptable Work 42
  • Lockers 42
  • Cafeteria Rules 43
  • Transportation 43
  • Health Care 44
  • Student Store 44
  • Lost and Found 45
  • Theft of Valuables 45

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Philosophy of Education 47

ESLR’s and Developing a Mindful Heart ______48

  • Content______49
  • What is Understanding?______49

How we Teach 50

  • We Teach for Retention 51
  • How We Assess: Essential Strategies 52
  • Evidence of Learning is Collected in Four Major Ways 53

How we Assess

  • 6+1 Traits of Writing 54

Report Cards, Progress Reports, and Grades 54

Report Card Comments ______54

Electronic Grade Book on FOCUS______54

  • Grading Scale 55
  • Homework Guidelines 55
  • Position on High-Stakes Testing 55
  • Key Assignments: Assessing for Understanding 57
  • Key Assignments Requirements______57
  • Portfolio-based Assessment 58

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

  • Official Language and Translation 61
  • Parent/Teacher Communication and Conferences 61
  • Parent Advisory Committee 62
  • Parent/Teacher Communication and Conflict Resolution 62
  • QISS Publications 63
  • School wide Special Events 63

QISS Approved Forms______66

APPENDICES

Faculty Supervision and Evaluation criteria

Forms for Students

  • Trip Homework Form
  • Student Letter of Recommendation Request
  • Middle and High School Year-End Check-Out Form
  • High School Student Check-Out Form
  • LowerSchool Student Check-Out Form
  • Middle School Student Check-Out Form

Forms for Teachers

  • Field Trip Checklist
  • Field Trip Follow-up Form
  • Field Trip Permission Form
  • Field Trip Request Form
  • FOCUS Change Form
  • Accident Report
  • Application for Professional Growth Funds
  • Faculty Check-Out Form
  • Printing Request Form
  • Supply Requirement Form
  • UpperSchool Progress Report Form

2008-2009 FACULTY AND STAFF

LowerSchool Faculty
Position / Name / Additional Responsibilities
Pre Kindergarten / Cynthia Fernandes
Kindergarten / Joshua Doyle
Grade 1 / Sami Hendrickson
Grade 2 / Ping DianaTeng
Grade 3 / Verena Theimel / German Classes
Grade 4 / Sharon Ammerman / Elementary Focus Group Leader, Guided Reading Coordinator
Grade 5 / Alexis Yachechak / Science Fair, Festival of Words
Middle and High School Faculty
Language Arts, Social Studies / Dean Leonard / Grade 6 HR
Language Arts, Social Studies, / Keith Snider / G8 HR; Student Government; Student Life Coordinator
Philosophy and Math / Mychilo Cline
Science / Bill Dunwoody / Grade 10 HR
Language Arts / Tamara Studniski / Grade 11 HR
Math and Science / Laura Neagos / Grade 7 HR
Social Studies / Scott Garbus / Grade 12 HR; MUN
Math / Bill Stubbs / Student Store
Language Arts / Joe Shulist / Grade 9 HR
Math, Science and ESL / Scott Craig
Specialists
Art / Allen Miles / Art Magazine and Calendar
Chinese / Jenny Fang / Lower School Art Teacher
Chinese / Cynthia Xin
Chinese / Maggie Liu
Chinese / Willow Yang / Chinese Program Coordinator
Chinese / Jessy Yin
ESL / Liesbeth Beullens / ESL Coordinator
ESL / Yulia Sumarokova

Specialists Continued

Information Technology / Brad Arnold / IT Coordinator and Computer Teacher
Information Technology / Mal Arnold / Library; Newsletter Editor
Music / Peter Thorpe / Winter Program Coordinator
Music / Kelly Du / Lower School Music
PE / Dominic Adie / Athletic Director; Fire and Safety Marshal
PE / Lisa Woo / Girls Coach
Administration
Director / Jeffery Fischmann
UpperSchool Principal / Peter Burnside / WASC Self Study Coordinator; Course Scheduling
LowerSchool Principal / Alberto Gutierrez / PYP Coordinator;Publications and Events Coordinator
Counselor and Director of Admissions / David Addicott / AP Coordinator
QISS Main Office and Support Staff
Office Manager / Kathy Fischmann
Grace Kim / Korean Translation
Nancy Li / Visas (on Maternity Leave)
Cady Lu / Attendance and Buses
Alice Xu / Publications Assistant
Julia Zhu / Student Records
Debbie Yang / Bookroom and Library
Sam Sun / Computer Technician
Mary Ma / Upper School Principal’s Assistant; Website Maintenance
Chris Zhang / Supply and Facility Manager
Jessie Xu / Office Assistant
Government Office
Executive Director / Li Zhi-Liang / Principal and Liaison with the Qingdao Education Bureau
Assistant Executive Director / Yan Hong Quan / Facilities Manager and Liaison with No. 2 Middle School
Office Director / Sun Pei Zhen (Judy)
Accountant / Ji Mei (Mary)
Cashier / Xu Ting Ting (Tina) / Teacher Reimbursements
Teaching Assistants
Jack Chen / Grade 3 and 5 Assistant
Joline Jia / Art Assistant
Jessy Li / ESL Assistant;
ESL Substitute Teacher
Joy Liu / Grade 2
Lulu Zhang / Kindergarten Assistant
Oprah Qu / Grade 1 Assistant
Carrie Huang / Pre-K Assistant

MISSION AND PURPOSE

Mission Statement: Provide a challenging academic program that develops the core character traits of vitality, courage, sensitivity, intelligence and compassion.

Theme: Developing a Mindful Heart

School Purpose: The purpose of QISS is to provide a western-style college-preparatory education in a culturally diverse setting to the children of the expatriate community residing in Qingdao. Students work toward a US diploma in preparation for admission to schools and universities throughout the world.

Philosophy of Education

  1. The primary goal of curriculum is to develop and deepen student understanding; depth of learning is more important than “coverage”.
  2. Students need to make meaning of their learning and actively construct knowledge rather than passively accumulate knowledge.
  3. Learning and assessment should be relevant and occur in rich authentic situations or simulations of the real world.
  4. Teaching should be individualized to assist each child in attaining high standards.
  5. As part of their education, students need to develop strong social and emotional skills and character traits in order to become personally effective and to make a positive difference in the world.

I.How We Assess: Essential Strategies

  1. We use authentic summative assessments and performance tasks (Key Assignments) to integrate learning and assessment and to assess for deep understanding.
  2. We use a Backward Design Planning Process
  3. Identify Learning Goals
  4. Create Performance Assessments
  5. Design Learning Activities
  6. We show criteria and models in advance.
  7. We use diagnostic and formative assessments to improve teaching and learning.
  8. We allow students to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and understanding in various ways.
  9. We provide feedback early and often.
  10. We include student self-assessment, goal setting, and reflection in student portfolios.
  11. We allow new evidence of achievement to replace old evidence.

Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLRs)

QISS students will be:

  1. Passionate/Active human beings who:
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude, enthusiasm and active participation.
  • Set and pursue personal goals with vitality and persistence.
  • Seek intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
  1. Courageous individuals who:
  2. Act on their principles with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for others.
  3. Take risks to explore new possibilities and are willing to defend their beliefs.
  1. Sensitivecommunicators who:
  2. Understand and express ideas and information in multiple languages.
  3. Understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories and are open minded about the perspectives, values and traditions of others.
  4. Work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
  5. Develop basic competency in Mandarin and an appreciation of Chinese culture.
  6. Express and appreciate beauty.
  1. Intelligent life-long learners who:
  2. Apply thinking skills critically and creatively.
  3. Inquire and research effectively.
  4. Acquire deep knowledge and understanding across a range of disciplines.
  5. Reflect on their own learning and experience to assess and understand their strengths and limitations.
  1. Compassionate global citizens who:
  2. Show empathytoward the needs and feelings of others.
  3. Have a personal commitment to service.
  4. Take action to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to the environment.

OVERVIEW AND HISTORY

Qingdao No.1 International School of Shandong Province, known commonly as QISS, was founded by Mayor Xia on August 5, 2007. The school opened its doors on August 16, 2007 to students in grades PreK-12. Approximately 215 students from over 20 nationalities are currently enrolled. The school’s official registered name indicates the importance the Qingdao Municipal Government assigns to QISS and its vision to develop it into a premier, western-style international school that will enhance the city’s overall investment climate.

Although newly founded, QISS has its roots under a former entity that was established in August 1998. Over ninety percent of the faculty and administration, including the headmaster of the former school, were the founding members of QISS. Most of the original students who first enrolled at QISS came from the former school. The school’s mission statement remains the same as before and the English-language based, college preparatory, secular educational program remains on the same developmental path as before. The school’s accreditation status with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) was transferred to QISS from the former entity. The school is registered on WASC’s website directory of accredited schools under the name of Qingdao No.1 International School Shandong (QISS).

The purpose of the school is to meet the educational needs of children of the expatriate community who are residing in Qingdao to enable them to gain acceptance to the finest schools and universities throughout the world. Although QISS is wholly owned by the Chinese government, the government has pledged not to interfere in the management of the western-style international educational program. The Qingdao Education Bureau has assured the expatriate community that QISS will enjoy conditions that will allow it to develop into one of the best international schools in China and throughout the world.

QISS is temporarily being housed on the campus of the No. 2 Middle School in the Laoshan District of Qingdao. A 109 mu parcel of prime land has been selected for anew campus that is located about two kilometers from its current site. Completion of the new campus is anticipated before the end of 2009. The school’s master plan will enable it to one day enroll up to 2,000 students in grades preK-12.

COMMUNITY PROFILE: DEMOGRAPHICS
Region / Percent
South Korea / 56
European Union / 20
N. America / 12
other Asian / 6
China (local) / 5
NZ/Australia / 1
Cent/S. America / 0.5

Diversity of Students

QISS students represent more than 20 countries, with most coming from the Republic of Korea (56%), North America (12%), and the EU 20%). While local Chinese are not permitted to enroll, some exceptions have been made. Our admissions policy gives priority to non-Korean students in order to maximize the international flavor of the school.

Distribution of Nationalities

In grades PreK-1, the student population is diverse; there is no majority ethnicity. In grades 2-5 the percentage of Korean students jumps to 65%. The average for grades 6-12 is 67%.

Native Speakers of English

Native English speakers 9% now,equally split between upper and lower schools. None in pre-K, 5, 7 or 12. K and 6th have 3 each, the rest have 1 or 2 only.

Student turnover

Turnover: 36-38% school-wide for the past 12 mo. 73 students have withdrawn (78% of these were Korean, compared to 56% of school population). About 25% of withdrawals were to move to another school, including several who have moved to US, Australia, or Scotland to go to school in English speaking countries.

On average, around 25-30% of the students leave each year. Only one third of students in grades 1-5 have been enrolled for 2 years or more. In grades 6-12, only 29% of students have been enrolled 3 years or more. Last year Korean students were about half as likely to withdraw as non-Koreans. Last year 30% of those leaving were Korean, although 56% of all students were Korean. Generally students leave when their parents’ work contract is changed to another location. However, about one-third of secondary students who left last year did so to transfer to another school. These included students seeking a British or IB program as well as programs more suited to the needs of students wanting to return to Korea for university.

Participation in non-QISS Schooling

77% of all students and 95% of Korean students in grades 2-12 attend extra classes after school or on weekends. The percentage of students spending 7 or more hours a week in these lessons or doing extra academic work is 55% in the upper school and 25% in grades 4-5. (2008-2009 data)

2009-2010 TIMETABLES

LowerSchool (PreK-Grade 5)

Period / Time / Minutes
1 / 8:30-9:30 / 60
2 / 9:30-10:30 / 60
Break / 10:30-10:45 / 15
3 / 10:45-11:30 / 45
4 (Lunch) / 11:30-12:20 / 50
5 / 12:20-1:05 / 45
6 / 1:05-1:50 / 45
7 / 1:50-2:35 / 45
Break / 2:35-2:45 / 10
8 / 2:45-3:25 / 40
Homeroom / 3:25-3:30 / 5

UpperSchool (Grades 6-12)

There is a bell schedule for Upper School Classes

Period / Time / Minutes
Homeroom / 8:30-8:40 / 10
1 / 8:45-9:30 / 45
2 / 9:35-10:20 / 45
Break / 10:20-10:35 / 15
3 / 10:35-11:20 / 45
4 / 11:25-12:10 / 45
5 (Lunch) / 12:10-12:55 / 45
6 / 1:00-1:45 / 45
7 / 1:50-2:35 / 45
8 / 2:40-3:25 / 45

Students should be seated and ready to learn when the bell rings.

WASC ACCREDITATION—FOCUS ON LEARNING

QISS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) through the 2010-2011 school year. Accreditation involves an ongoing cycle of inquiry, analysis, and continuous improvement carried out by the school faculty. As part of accreditation, we are required to maintain a 5-year action plan and report annual progress on the WASC visiting committee’s critical areas for follow up. Self-study reports and visiting committee reports can be found on the QISS website. QISS had a WASC visit in spring of 2009 to follow up on our new governance structure and will have a full accreditation renewal visit in 2011.

OPERATIONS

Emergency Medical Procedure

QingdaoMunicipalHospital
International Clinic
No. 5 Donghai Road
8593-7690
8593-7678 / Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance 120
Fire 119
Police 110
Traffic Accident 122
Directory Assistance 114

If a student or staff member is injured, take the following steps:

  1. Report the accident to the office.
  2. Take the student or staff member to the hospital unless the incident is very minor and can be treated in the classroom or the office.
  3. In the case of a student, if the injury is more than a very minor one (i.e. a small scrape or bruise, etc.), the office should immediately call the student’s parents. In the case of a local staff member, the office or a colleague should call someone in their immediate family.
  4. If the student needs to go to the hospital, the office—or teacher if on a field trip—should call the International Clinic at the QingdaoMunicipalHospital 8593-7690 and report the following:
  5. “We are QISS. We have an injured student.” Give student’s name. If necessary, order an ambulance. If not, we will use school transportation. Remember to stay calm.
  6. Explain what happened to the student. Describe the student’s present condition. Be sure to have the student’s medical file in front of you. Be sure and report the relevant medical conditions and the restrictions, if any, that the parents have stipulated on their student’s medical form.
  7. If the student is being sent to the hospital, a representative of the office should accompany the child. If necessary, the student’s teacher should go as well and the office will appoint someone to watch that teacher’s class. Be sure to take the student’s medical file.
  8. The child’s teacher and the adult witness should fill out the “Accident Report Form” that same day—or at the latest within 24 hours of the accident—and turn that report into the office to be placed in the student’s file.

QISS BUS PROTOCOLS

Buses: Upon morning arrival, school buses will continue to drop off students at the north entrance. Buses will only allow students to exit in front of the north door entrance, and only after any bus in front has departed.

In the afternoon, buses will be stationed outside the north entrance. No bus will depart until all students have boarded every bus.

Bus Drivers: Drivers are to remain in their busses as students are boarding. There will be no smoking during student boarding time.

Bus Monitors: Bus monitors will ensure that all students are properly seated and seatbelts are fastened. Students that do not comply will be reported to their respective principals. It is the duty of the bus monitors to ensure proper student behavior at all times. Students who fail to comply with the bus monitor’s directives should be reported to their respective principals and disciplinary actions will be taken.

Safety Monitors: A safety monitor will be stationed at the front and back of the bus convoy as students board buses at the end of the school day. Safety monitors will not allow any motor vehicle (car or motorcycle) to enter the bus boarding area until all students have boarded and buses have departed.

Teachers: Teachers should discuss with their students the importance of complying with bus safety rules. Since bus time is a highly critical point for ensuring safety, teachers should review bus protocols with their students consistently throughout the year.

Teachers should also encourage students to board buses promptly at school dismissal time. Teachers should make every effort to release students on time so that bus departures are not detained.

Students: Students will be expected to follow bus safety procedures consistently throughout the school year.