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International Secondary School
Japan
The ISS Mission
International Secondary School provides personalized, middle and high
school education to a diverse student group. Students develop
intellectually, physically and socially in a positive and caring small
classroom environment. Students learn through accredited courses and ESL
programs delivered in English
The ISS Vision
International Secondary School will continue to maintain a niche within
the international education environment of Tokyo. Over the next three
years ISS will endeavor to achieve objectives that will see the school
provide improved learning options and outcomes for students. In creating
change, the focus will always remain on how specific student needs are
catered for. We know that change is necessary as we continue to strive
toward meeting the diverse and changing needs of students within the
international community in Tokyo.
ISS Programs
Why are our programs different?
Our school programs allow students to work in a supportive and caring
small classroom environment. An emphasis on explicit instruction,
organized programs, and well-planned lessons, enable teachers to
individualize and interact one-on-one with students.
“Individualization is the ultimate goal of class-size reduction…and
academic success”.
(Pg 77. Educational Leadership Volume 61 No 1, September 2003)
High School/Middle School Academic Program
Before students begin their academic program at ISS, a personalized
education plan is developed in consultation with the student, his or her
parents and the ISS Academic Advisor. This process ensures that the
student is able to fulfil graduation requirements and choose subjects of
interest. Our academic program is enjoyable, challenging and rigorous as
students work closely with their teachers and engage in meaningful
learning experiences. Students can also undertake SAT preparation
courses for high school credit and are guided through the
college/university application process.
ESL Program
Our ESL Program is designed for students who wish to gain an education
in an English setting, but may not have the skills needed to undertake a
full academic program. ESL students experience a structured learning
environment where they can develop in the areas of functions, listening,
speaking and vocabulary. All students have a minimum of 225 minutes per
week of ESL and are integrated into high school credit courses. ESL
students receive support and can undertake preparation courses to sit
standardized tests like TOEFL, IELTS and ITED. ESL students receive the
guidance needed to successfully move towards a full academic program.
Special Education
Before students with special needs begin an academic program, it is
recommended that the student/parents provide a written
evaluation/assessment. Following this, an Individual Education Plan
(IEP) will be developed in consultation with the student, his or her
parents and the school counsellor and Special Education Coordinator. The
IEP will provide subject teachers with background information about the
student and strategies to be used in the classroom. Our small class
sizes (no more than six students), experienced staff, personalized
instruction and curriculum development ensures that the needs of
students are addressed. Students with literacy and numeracy
difficulties, ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia and other cognitive or social
development “snags”, benefit from our special education program.
Extra Curricular Program
Our Extra Curricular Program focuses on the interests of our students.
The program runs weekly where students can participate in club
activities like art, photography, and chess. Sporting activities include
soccer, baseball, basketball, cycling, athletics, golf, swimming and
rugby. Students can also join teams to compete against other schools in
Tokyo
2003 /2004 Program
September: Volleyball, Cross-country
October: Soccer, Athletics
November: Photography, Art
December – March: Basketball, Art/Photography
March – April: Badminton, Art/Photography
Accreditation
Accreditation is achieved through the distance-learning programs
students enroll in. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Independent Study
High School (UNL/ISHS) is fully accredited by the Nebraska Department of
Education and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation
and School Improvement (NCACASI). North Dakota Independent Study (NDIS)
is accredited through the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
and NCACASI. The Brigham Young University Independent Study (BYU/IS) is
fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
(NASC), and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional
Accreditation (CITA).
The ISS History
International Secondary School founders recognized that the
"international learning experience" is neither easy nor satisfying for
all students. They observed that the international experience for some
students actually created or magnified learning difficulties. These
difficulties can be different for each student but often become major
obstacles to their academic progress.Traditional mainstream schools in
Tokyo offer excellent, high quality academic programs but may not
address the special needs of students. Class size and the pacing of
curriculum delivery are largely fixed.
International Secondary School believed there was a real need to provide
a learning alternative for students who did not have their requirements
met in traditional international schools. Every student was put on
personalized academic program. The school was structured around
providing individual (class sizes from one to six students) learning
support in an individually paced learning program. The program was
delivered by a team of passionate, qualified teaching professionals who
cared about and were closely involved with the development of every
student. The school created a positive and supportive environment to
develop the whole student by:
•Building self-confidence
•Developing independent thinking
•Fostering self-empowerment
•Fostering the development of mutual respect and understanding
•Fostering responsible citizenship including community service
International Secondary School prides itself on having created a
positive and stimulating learning environment for its students. A
committed teaching staff, low staff-to-student ratios, and an active
academic advisor program ensures that teachers become actively involved
in all aspects of their students' learning. Indeed, the school regards
itself as a community that embraces its students through personal and
special attention, taking into account the individual needs of all
students.
Regular excursions and after school sporting events further strengthen
the sense of community within the school. Most importantly, in all of
its academic and extra-curricular activities, International Secondary
School aims to foster the ideals of self-empowerment, mutual respect,
responsible citizenship and independent thinking within its' students.
International Secondary School
4-17-26 Mita
Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-0073
Japan
Phone +81 3 5730-1331
Fax +81 3 5730-1332
Email
iss@isstokyo.com
Website:
http://www.isstokyo.com |
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International Secondary School
4-17-26 Mita
Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-0073
Japan
Phone +81 3 5730-1331
Fax +81 3 5730-1332
Email
iss@isstokyo.com
Website:
http://www.isstokyo.com
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