Forward

This document contains the strategic direction for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) for the years 2001-2006. DoDEA provides education to eligible Department of Defense (DoD) military and civilian dependents from preschool through grade 12 with two distinct programs, the DoD Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS) for dependents at locations within the continental United States where DoD operates schools, and the DoD Dependents Schools (DoDDS) for dependents outside the continental United States.

The DDESS system serves an estimated 36,400 students in 70 schools located in seven states, Guam, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The DoDDS system serves approximately 76,500 students in 154 schools in 13 countries. Courses of study in DoDEA schools parallel those found in public schools in the United States. This plan unifies the strategic direction for both DDESS and DoDDS, yet provides the flexibility to address unique issues and challenges each program and each community addresses.

The process used to develop this 5-year plan, along with the vision, mission, guiding principles, goals, outcomes, members, and glossary of terms, are contained in the following pages. The plan provides a road map for keeping DoDEA in the forefront in advancing the Department of Defense's agenda for education, and as a leader in the Nation for improving student performance and achievement.

Vision

Communities investing in success for ALL students!

Mission

The Department of Defense Education Activity provides, in military communities worldwide, exemplary educational programs that inspire and prepare all students for success in a global environment.

Guiding Principles

• Student achievement... a shared responsibility.
• Trust and respect for other's rights.
• Unlimited opportunities to reach high expectations.
• Dedication to lifelong learning.
• Equal access to a quality education based on standards.
• New and motivating challenges to inspire excellence.
• Total accountability with teamwork.
• Success for all...students first!