ISS Expands Focus in the Asia Pacific and Middle East

2011 proved to be a very busy year for ISS, and it shows no signs of slowing down yet. With the increased emphasis on the role education plays in economic development, there is a growing interest amongst many countries to establish high quality education alternatives that meet both high international standards as well as the needs of local communities. To help meet that need, ISS is moving to bolster it’s presence in the two areas of the world experiencing the most growth in international education – Asia and the Middle East.

When Lila Leung (pronounced LEE-lah) was growing up in the public school system in the Dominican Republic after leaving Hong Kong at the age of 10, she never envisioned what massive changes were in store for her ‘heritage’ country’s education system. After studying education and business at prestigious universities in the U.S., she had the opportunity to move to China to work in international schools, where she watched the changes that began to shape the new China for the 21st century. Specifically, she saw ways that her professional and life experience could contribute significantly to the educational reform in the country. After supporting the launch and management of several international schools in China during the last 16 years, Lila was recently appointed as the new ISS Vice President of Development for the Asia Pacific Region.

“To really understand what’s happening in the region, you must understand how the economic, political, and social factors are all converging to rapidly accelerate the demand for quality education,” said Lila. “China requires nine years of compulsory education. The growing Chinese middle class in the world’s largest population is going to great lengths to ensure the best education for their children. In this environment ISS can play a unique role in partnering with local governments, communities and parents to create some of the first schools designed to prepare Chinese nationals through an international curriculum focused on 21st century thinking skills. This is something that was not possible just a few years ago. It is very exciting to be a team member working to create new learning communities where the students are the focus. I am proud to be part of the effort to bridge the technical skills of the Chinese students with the standards identified and associated with success in the global community.”

ISS has many years of experience in creating high quality schools that nurture the individual in a way that respects local values – producing thoughtful students who can communicate well and think critically as well as “crunch numbers.” The ISS Asia Pacific team has recently created a research based K-12 comprehensive curriculum, designed by the Regional Curriculum Director Barbara Parker, that incorporates Marzano’s best practice, Conley’s standards of success, and Schmoker’s simplicity, clarity and focus in instructions and assessment. The new curriculum adapts country specific elements, such as language, social studies, environment and ecology, into its integrated units to reflect the interconnectedness between the region and the world. The ISS-AP curriculum will be piloted in three new ISS schools opening in August 2012 in Malaysia and China, and will continue to be refined through active participation of the professional learning community amongst the schools. Next, the team plans on developing a common assessment system, and continuing its active but selective pursuit of other regional school projects.

In another equally exciting region, Erin Uritus recently joined ISS as Director of Communication and Middle East Development (based in Abu Dhabi, UAE) after 17 years in the areas of strategic communications, organization development, change management and international program management for US government agencies and Non-Profit organizations. Prior to joining ISS, Erin served as the Director of Change Management and Communications for the Abu Dhabi Government Restructuring Program. Joining global curriculum expert and ISS Consultant Bridget Doogan in Bahrain, the team is now focused on helping expand the ISS international school “footprint” in the region, as well as helping solve one of its most pressing regional challenges- Arabic language instruction.

At a time when English language instruction is rapidly becoming the priority around the world, there is a growing demand by parents and governments around the world to maintain their native languages. Parents whose children are attending English language schools are thrilled that their children are gaining the capacity to speak, think and learn in English to give them a chance to compete in a an increasingly interdependent world. However, they also worry about maintaining their heritage and native identity, and seeing their children unable to speak and write effectively in their native tongue confirms their concerns. Faced with this challenge in its own schools, International Schools Services (ISS) launched a ground-breaking effort to try and fundamentally alter that condition. Beginning at Riffa Views international School in 2008, ISS launched the World Language Initiative (WLI) to create exemplary language curriculum, instruction and educational resources for 21st century language learners in their native language.

“Never before has the Middle East seen such a convergence of will and ability to radically improve their education systems. However, for years, Arabic instruction has not necessarily been the beneficiary of modernization funds, or received the level of support and development it needs and deserves,” stated Bruce McWilliams, ISS Middle East Vice President. “This integrated program develops language using research based best practice, and is an entirely new approach to Arabic language instruction. Improving Arabic language instruction is vital to ensuring all Arab countries produce well-rounded students and the regional leaders of tomorrow.”

The WLI has already broken new ground by creating the first comprehensive package to facilitate quality instruction in Arabic. This includes standards and benchmarks, teacher training, new curriculum materials and a comprehensive set of learner packs for grades K-8, and a unique online, collaborative resource center that provides up-to-date training materials and support for the teaching of Arabic. These resources will form the basis for instruction of the skills and concepts that students need to acquire at each grade level. Currently, the initiative is focused on Arabic language instruction with plans to focus later on Mandarin Chinese and ELL instruction.

ISS welcomes Lila and Erin, and looks forward to an exciting year ahead in the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions.