CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — All elementary Department of Defense Dependents Schools on Okinawa will be closed for two days while teachers are being trained in a new science curriculum, according to a DODDS Okinawa District news release.
The schools are receiving new materials and textbooks. The new material also is being integrated into middle and high schools but those schools will remain open while teachers are trained, according to the release.
The new textbooks and materials are from several publishers including Glencoe, McGraw-Hill, Holt and Prentice Hall.
The training is to instruct and inform teachers on Department of Defense Education Activity science standards, new curriculum materials, inquiry-based instruction and recently purchased technology, the release stated.
Secondary teachers will train in middle and high school groups, using school laboratories, with teachers co-teaching various science topics.
Teachers from pre-kindergarten through sixth grades will receive training for standards- based instruction and assessment.
In addition to the new textbooks, the release stated, all schools also have received funds to buy library books related to the science standards and books for each school’s professional resource library.
Sixth-grade teachers also will be involved in the JASON Project, an online study of disappearing wetlands.
They will be provided materials and professional development that includes online courses in science content and scientific processes.
The Okinawa District stated the changes are part of continuing curriculum review and professional development toward helping DODEA students achieve at the highest level possible.
Closing schedule
The schedule for the elementary school closingss:
¶ Amelia Earhart Intermediate and Bob Hope Primary, Jan. 21 and May 3.
¶ Bechtel Elementary, March 24 (first closure day was Dec. 1).
¶ E.C. Killin Elementary, Jan. 13 and Feb. 16.
¶ Kinser Elementary, Jan. 11 and March 25.
¶ Kadena Elementary, Feb. 17 (first closure day was Dec. 2).
¶ Stearley Heights Elementary, Jan. 11 and May 5.
¶ Zukeran Elementary, Jan. 19 and Feb. 15.
