At KIS, communication and understanding are highly valued. We appreciate your interest in our school and we are committed to providing the best understanding of who we are, what we strive to do and how we hope to achieve our goals. Please take some time to find the answers to some common and frequently asked questions.

• What kind of accreditation does KIS have?
• KIS was authorized, in April 2011, by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Primary Years Program (IB PYP).
• KIS is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and continues to progress, as planned, toward full accreditation status

• What curriculum does KIS use?
• KIS implements the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, beginning in preschool and running up through grade 5.
• Fall of 2010, KIS introduced our Middle School program, designed to continue with an inquiry-based program for grade 6-7.

• What kind of textbooks does KIS provide for students?
• KIS does not issue textbooks to each student because the IB PYP philosophy believes that students learn best through authentic inquiry. While there is certainly a place in the curriculum for textbooks and workbooks, KIS uses a wide range of resources that best cater to our students’ individual needs and learning styles.
• The IB PYP also recognizes that it is not knowledge alone that makes a learner successful, but the skills and attitudes they develop along the way.

• What resources does KIS own and use?
• Everyday Math
• First Step (Language Arts)
• Library with a full-time librarian
• www.enchantedlearning
• www.brainpop.com
• www.brainpopjr.com
• www.brainpopesl.com
• www.brainpop.com/educators
• www.prometheanplanet.com
• www.learning.prometheanplanet.com
• techrepublic.com
• www.raza-z.com
• www.readinga-z.com
• www.vocabularya-z.com
• www.reading-tutors.com
• www.writinga-z.com
• www.sciencea-z.com
• www.toondoo.com
• www.bbc.co.uk/schools
• www.scholastic.com/premium

• How will my child be tested at KIS?
• Students at KIS are assessed in a variety of ways, including test, exams, projects, oral presentations, and written reports.
• At KIS, we believe that assessment is the continuation of the learning process. It is not assessment OF learning, but it is assessment FOR learning. The point is that our KIS students are able to apply their learning to the world around them.
• The IB views assessment as needing to be authentic, essential, rich, engaging, and feasible—it should incorporate students in the process of evaluating their learning.     
        
• “Formative” assessment is interwoven into the daily lessons and learning—this ongoing process of “checking in” between teachers and students, helps both teachers and students find out what they already know, in order to plan for the next stage of learning. “Formative” assessment and teaching are directly linked; effective learning cannot take place without one or the other.
• “Summative” assessment takes place at the end of the teaching and learning process—this is the time that students have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and application of what has been
  learned.
• Assessment in IB PYP is “criterion referenced.” This means students are scored against standards, not against each other (or at the teacher’s whim). Teachers will give the students a rubric on larger assignments that explains to the students what is expected of them. The rubric states what the criteria are for t\in the assignment (in a paper, for instance) and what the score will be for addressing or not addressing each point in that criteria. The rubric allows students to “buy into” their grades and take ownership of their effort and learning.

• What is a RUBRIC?
• A rubric defines what are the standards or requirements that need to be accomplished in order to achieve the overall target or goal. Here is a way to think about it that one of our former KIS teachers used in his classroom. Let’s say you are planning to go out and purchase a pair of jeans, but before you do, you site down to come up with some criteria for the pair of jeans you hope to purchase. Some of the criteria may include cost, style, color, and brand. With this exercise, KIS students understand that we are using criteria every day to make judgments—in essence, this is a rubric.

• What is the homework load like? How much homework will my child have?
• KIS does not believe in just loading on a lot of homework. This is a big misconception that many people have of the IB program. Keeping in mind that each child is different, the homework assigned is not overwhelming AND kids still have time for a variety of after school activities. Long-term and large projects are given ample time and warning to complete.

• How can I help my child with his/her homework?
• Follow up daily with your child to see what homework they have. Help reinforce at home the program requirements that your child fills out their School Diary each and every day, in every subject, and then use this to check for assignments each evening at home. Help your student schedule time so they don’t feel overwhelmed. Realize that you will probably help them with (not do) some of their larger projects. Example: Many parents will make a trip with their child to the Central Museum for history or cultural projects or help them create display boards for presentations. Most parents will find pleasure or pride in helping their child grow in this way, as they work together to do larger projects.

• How can I as a parent get involved at KIS?
• Volunteer in your child’s classroom, the library, the computer lab, at lunch, etc.
• Provide communication between yourself and school that is regular, 2-way, and meaningful.
• Participate as a full partner in decision that impact your child and family.
• Portfolios are a part of documenting student growth and reflections over the course of the students’ elementary career. Ask your child to see his/her portfolio often when visiting KIS.
• You are always welcome at KIS! We need your support and assistance to make our school the great place that it is!
• Participate in our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).