United Nations International School SP 2008

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

STRATEGIC PLAN

2008-2013

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission of UNIS and Parameter Statements page 3 Timeline 5 Action Plans

• Accreditation 5-Year Review 6 • Accreditation 10-year Self-Study 8

• Faculty 10 • Finance 11 • Information and Communication Technology 12 • Internationalism 14 • Modern Language Teaching 1 16 • Modern Language Teaching 2 17 • Peace and Conflict Resolution 19 • Relationships with NYC and US 21 • Support of International Families 23 • Student Travel 25 • Sustainability 27 • UN Affiliation 29

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Mission of UNIS

The United Nations International School provides an international education that emphasizes academic excellence within a caring community for kindergarten through twelfth grade students from families of the United Nations, as well as from other families seeking a similar education for their children. The School promotes the appreciation of the diversity of persons and cultures, provides an optimal environment for learning and teaching, and offers a global curriculum that inspires in its students the spirit and ideals of the United Nations Charter.

Strategic Planning

Parameter Statements

• United Nations International School is a K-12 school under the auspices of the United Nations.

• UNIS is committed to a comprehensive international curriculum that prepares

students for the I.B. program and entry to universities and colleges around the world.

• UNIS is committed to an educational program that promotes the spirit and

principles of the United Nations.

• UNIS is committed to an international student body.

• UNIS is committed to an exemplary international staff.

• UNIS is governed by By-laws adopted on 10 May 2001 and Board of Trustees

policies.

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STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

ACTION PLANS

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TIME PERIOD ACTION PLAN

STRATEGIC PLAN TIMELINE

PURPOSE ASSIGNMENT

Year 2008-2009 Technology (ICT) Place UNIS in forefront of technology use Director of Technology, Dominique Lap; HOD Academic Computing, Kamran Bayegan Faculty Attract and support outstanding faculty and staff Assistant Executive Director, George Dymond Modern Language Teaching 1 Improve quality of program through teaching Head of Dept, Frank Bruno; Assistant Executive Director, George Dymond Accreditation 5-Year Review Evaluate Accreditation recommendations Director of Curriculum, Maggie Lacsny-Jones Finance Finance Strategic Plan Director of Business Operations, Stephen Roache Year 2009-2010 Internationalism Ensure curricula are international Queens Principal, Judith Honor Sustainability Incorporate principles into mission Dean of Students, Marc Magnus-Sharpe Support of International Families Increase efforts to acclimatize new families Director of Admissions, Amelia Rattew; High School Counselor, Kenya Washington Modern Language Teaching 2 Improve language proficiency Head of Dept, Frank Bruno; Board Member, Patricia Velasco Year 2010-2011 Relationships with NYC and US Engage with NYC and US culture and history MS Principal, Tony Brown UN Affiliation Intensify relationship with UN Tut Principal, Radha Rajan Year 2011-2012 Student Travel Increase travel options Dean of Students, Marc Magnus-Sharpe Peace and Conflict Resolution Work to create a peaceful world JS Principal, Deborah Karmozyn Year 2012-2013 Accreditation 10-year Self-Study Prepare for 10-year accreditation visit Director of Curriculum, Maggie Lacsny-Jones

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Action Plan – Accreditation 5-Year Review Plan Number: 1

Introduction: The accreditation process of CIS (Council of International Schools) is a highly effective means of initiating and

maintaining school improvement and adherence to publicly stated standards. The purpose of this process is to provide an opportunity to improve the quality of education offered at the school through a process of self-examination followed by an evaluation by an objective external appraisal, which will attest to the quality of the evaluated school. The school is evaluated against two benchmarks: the school’s own philosophy and objectives and the CIS Standards for Accreditation (from CIS Preliminary / Preparatory Visit Handbook).

Goal: Through the CIS reaccreditation process UNIS will continue to improve its programs and strengthen its position as a leader in international education.

Strategies: Complete the tasks necessary to prepare for the CIS team visit in April 2009. The accreditation process and its results will advance the strategic goals and improve the quality of the UNIS program.

Action Plan Purposes:

To ensure that UNIS is well prepared to go through the accreditation process and achieve full reaccreditation, and to support further work in related areas to be addressed in the strategic plan.

Action Tasks 1 Present the overall CIS accreditation process to the UNIS faculty.

2 Form a self-study steering committee, with membership open to the UNIS community as per recommendations from the CIS

handbook.

3 Organize and work with the UNIS community to complete the self-study report necessary for the team visit.

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4 Submit the completed self-study report to CIS.

5 Coordinate the official CIS team visit.

6 Review the CIS reaccreditation report.

7 Present to the Board of Trustees any recommendations made by the CIS Visiting Team.

8 Implement and monitor all recommendations made by CIS.

Assigned To: Director of Curriculum, Maggie Lacsny-Jones Timeline: Year 2008-2009 Board approved:

Action Plan – Accreditation 10-year Self-Study Plan Number: 2

Introduction: The accreditation process of CIS (Council of International Schools) is a highly effective means of initiating and

maintaining school improvement and adherence to publicly stated standards. The purpose of this process is to provide an opportunity to improve the quality of education offered at the school through a process of self-examination followed by an evaluation by an objective external appraisal, which will attest to the quality of the evaluated school. The school is evaluated against two benchmarks: the school’s own philosophy and objectives and the CIS Standards for Accreditation (from CIS Preliminary / Preparatory Visit Handbook).

Goal: Through the CIS reaccreditation process UNIS will continue to improve its programs and strengthen its position as a leader in international education.

Strategies: Complete the tasks necessary to prepare for the CIS team visit in the spring of 2014. The accreditation process and its results will advance the strategic goals and improve the quality of the UNIS program.


To ensure that UNIS is well prepared to go through the accreditation process and achieve full reaccreditation, and to support further work in related areas to be addressed in the strategic plan.

Action Tasks 1 Present the overall CIS accreditation process to the UNIS faculty.

2 Prepare and submit the CIS “Request for Prior Information” document.

3 Plan the preparatory visit and include members from all parts of the UNIS community.

4 Review the reply from CIS on the results of the preparatory visit.

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5 Form a self-study steering committee, with membership open to the UNIS community as per recommendations from the CIS handbook.

6 Schedule in-house training time with the faculty. 7 Organize and work with the UNIS community to complete the self-study reports necessary for the team visit.

8 Submit completed self-study reports to CIS.

9 Coordinate the official CIS team visit.

10 Review the CIS reaccreditation report.

11 Present to the Board of Trustees any recommendations made by the CIS Visiting Team.

12 Implement and monitor all recommendations made by CIS.

Assigned To: Director of Curriculum, Maggie Lacsny-Jones Timeline: Year 2012-2013 Board approved:

Action Plan – Faculty

Plan Number: 3 Introduction: UNIS will attract and support an outstanding faculty and staff committed to, and capable of, fulfilling the UNIS

mission. Goal:

UNIS must continue to attract, support, and retain a diverse and talented faculty and staff of experienced, international, and internationally minded individuals who value quality and excellence in teaching and learning.

Strategies:

Find ways to support UNIS faculty and staff by seeking solutions related to the challenges of living in New York City.


To continue to attract an experienced, international faculty by providing a stimulating educational work environment and competitive salary and benefits package for UNIS faculty.

Action Tasks 1 Review current compensation data available from other like international schools and comparable NYC independent schools. 2 Address the critical issue of relocation in the greater NYC area for faculty and staff and review what other international

schools provide for relocation services. 3 Consider hiring an (internal) employee to be responsible for managing relocation of incoming faculty. 4 Review the support structure for the UNIS relocation process, including the orientation program and the administrative

structure to support issues related to relocation. 5 Continue to explore ways to strengthen the link between appraisal and professional development.

Assigned To: Assistant Executive Director, George Dymond Timeline: Year 2008-2009 Board approved:

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Action Plan – Finance

Plan Number: 4 Introduction: The Strategic Plan defines, among other things: the most critical UNIS issues to be addressed over a five-year period

(2007-2012), the desired condition of UNIS at the end of the five-year period, the ways UNIS will protect itself from certain strategic vulnerabilities, and the requirements for the school's success. The school must work to ensure that the Strategic Plan is financially feasible and the financial resources will be in place to support its timely completion.

Goal:

UNIS will take the necessary steps to provide the financial support for the 2008-2013 Strategic Plan of the SPC.

Strategies:

Prepare financial models, plans, and action items that prioritize, fund, and support the new work of the SPC.


To provide the financial support for the successful completion of the plans and action items in the approved initiatives of the SPC.

Action Tasks 1 Create a proposed timeline for work, which identifies and prioritizes the initiatives that need funding under the Strategic Plan. 2 Examine the financial feasibility of the planned initiatives. Develop alternative financial plans, in conjunction with the

Finance Committee, as needed. 3 Develop a budget for each action plan. 4 Review the alternatives and the financial feasibility of the Strategic Plan with the Development Committee and assess the

feasibility of raising funds through the Annual Fund or Capital Fund. 5 Recommend a financial plan for the new Strategic Plan.

Assigned To: Director of Business Operations, Stephen Roache Timeline: 2008-2009 Board approved:

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Action Plan – Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

Plan Number: 5 Introduction: UNIS has a long-standing commitment to the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in

teaching and learning. Computers and other technology tools are in constant and creative use throughout the school. UNIS aims to prepare its students to be active participants in the ever changing technological world and to become lifelong learners. ICT is an integral part of school life, and technology is central to the functioning of UNIS, supporting its organizational, educational, and communication needs.

Goal:

UNIS will prepare a roadmap for the school with the view of positioning it in the forefront of technology use and supporting its educational and organizational needs.

Strategies:

Reassess the place of ICT in the school in the future and determine the personnel, budget, and material resources necessary to support it.


To review and update the ICT plan for the school in support of teaching and learning.

Action Tasks 1 Ensure the systematic teaching of Information and Communication Technology skills and concepts in all subject areas.

a. Develop a process by which technology will be taught through the subject areas. b. Conduct a needs assessment and identify the technology areas in which faculty development is necessary. c. Develop strategies for implementation of the above.

2 Devise the means to ensure that all students graduating from UNIS have reached the level of ICT competency they will need

to be prepared for college and beyond.

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a. Identify the technological skills necessary for any UNIS graduate. b. Propose appropriate assessment methods and remedial courses at proper junctures to meet the needs of new students.

Propose new and challenging short courses to facilitate further exploration of technology by students. Propose additional preparatory courses for students who plan to take the IB computer science courses.

3 Identify the human and material resources necessary to support the expansion and integration of ICT courses and teaching.

4 Plan an upgrade of ICT facilities, infrastructure, and security measures to support teaching, learning, and administrative work in the school.

a. Propose support and security strategies for expanded use of online resources. b. Formulate a document retention and archiving policy that covers the storing, retrieving, archiving, and expunging

of computer files, documents, video, photos, and sound recordings of the school. c. Formulate an equipment and software renewal policy that will ensure that all hardware and software (including,

but not limited to: computers, laptops, printers, ActivBoards, projectors, servers, UPSs, switches) stay current. d. Continue to explore new and emerging technologies.

5 Update the ICT Strategic Plan as needed, but at least every three years.

Funding: Action plan items 3 and 4 will result in plans that will likely require increases in funding. The extent of the financial impact will partly depend on the proposals and suggestions made as a consequence of items 1 and 2.

Assigned To: Director of Technology, Dominique Lap; HOD Academic Computing, Kamran Bayegan Timeline: Year 2008-2009 Board approved:

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Action Plan – Internationalism

Plan Number: 6 Introduction: UNIS represents the idea of a global community through its richly diverse student body and staff. The community is

enriched by the various countries, cultures, religions, and languages represented here. We wish to celebrate this cultural diversity, share our festivals, and showcase the arts. We want internationalism to be at the very heart of our curriculum and our co-curricular programs.

Goal:

UNIS will draw on the riches of the community to foster the knowledge, understanding, and love of the different peoples, places, and creations of our world. Our curriculum should reflect in its design the international nature and mission of the school.

Strategies:

Strengthen the international components of the K-12 curriculum. Find new ways to reflect our cultural diversity, particularly through shared art, music, dance, and drama, in co-curricular programs. Use technology as a tool to support these initiatives.


To establish the place of internationalism at the core of teaching and learning in the school.

Action Tasks 1

Develop a teaching and learning policy that encourages our students to become lifelong learners while embracing cultural diversity.

2 Develop an instrument to review the role of internationalism in the curriculum.

3 Expand the art, gym, and music programs to include all regions and cultures in the K-12 curriculum.

4 Review the curriculum to determine how and when contemporary issues are addressed.

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5 Define the qualities needed for global citizenship and identify areas in the curriculum where we foster these in our

students.

6 Involve representatives of the various constituencies of the school community in a review of the ways UNIS celebrates world festivals and the arts of different cultures.

7 Ensure that the arts of the different regions of the world, both large and small, are reflected in events at UNIS from time to

time.

8 Share and expand the ways in which technology is used to support internationalism in the curriculum through: Webcast conferences with other schools; links with UNESCO; links to world newspapers, radio stations, and television stations; use of UN Websites; use of Moodle and blogs; podcast lectures; videoconferences; mini-simulation exercises in different subject areas with other schools; projects that provide technology for lesser developed regions that result in a shared learning experience for all.

9 Become more involved in conferences such as EDUCA, seek opportunities to present case studies developed at UNIS, and evaluate Microsoft’s Classroom of the Future.

10 Form a group of students and teachers keen on using technology to brainstorm additional ways to use technology to foster cross-community and cross-cultural understanding.

11 Initiate discussions with other schools to explore the ideas of an international grid for learning.

Funding: Web camera equipment, software, etc.; $20,000 Assigned To: Queens Principal, Judith Honor Timeline: 2009-2010 Board approved:

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Action Plan – Modern Language Teaching #1

Plan Number: 7 Introduction: UNIS strives to develop in its students the ability to participate in and contribute to an international environment. In

order to achieve this goal, UNIS students need to develop proficiency in two separate modern languages, besides their mother tongue.

Goal:

UNIS will improve the quality of modern language teaching by continuing to select internationally minded teachers who have the ability to work successfully with international students.

Strategies:

Review and evaluate the modern language teacher selection process in the light of UNIS’ needs.


To maintain a strong modern language department, which makes it possible for students to develop proficiency in two modern languages in addition to their mother tongue.

Action Tasks 1 Form a committee to review the modern language program and the administrative support for the program.

2 Review the selection process and expected qualifications of modern language teachers, particularly government sponsored

teachers.

3 Investigate the possibility that UNIS might be a part of the government sponsored teacher selection process. Assigned To: Head of Dept, Frank Bruno; Assistant Executive Director, George Dymond Timeline: 2008-2009 Board approved:

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Action Plan – Modern Language Teaching #2

Plan Number: 8 Introduction: UNIS strives to develop in its students the ability to participate in and contribute to an international environment. In

order to achieve this goal, UNIS students need to develop proficiency in two separate modern languages, besides their mother tongue.

Goal:

UNIS will improve the quality of modern language teaching at the school through the development of a comprehensive program dedicated to building language proficiency.

Strategies:

Review the current foreign language program (curriculum and methodologies) to ensure proficient language development as well as an understanding and appreciation of culture.


To provide a strong modern language program, which makes it possible for students to develop proficiency in two modern languages in addition to their mother tongue.

Action Tasks 1 Review foreign language programs taught at all levels (beginner, standard, and high levels).

2 Review and evaluate the role of addressing culture as part of the language teaching goals.

3 Consider implementing foreign language teaching through the medium of other subject areas, for example, science modules

taught in French and Spanish.

4 Ensure that all language programs have the same quality and rigor.

5 Consider whether library books/library resources should be available in all taught foreign languages.

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6 Ensure that specific language guidelines created by UNIS reflect language growth at all levels.

7 Consider the role and development of foreign language labs.

8 Develop a more consistent culture of displaying student work and making the subjects more visible to the community.

9 Encourage more productive interaction between classroom and foreign language teachers.

Assigned To: Head of Dept, Frank Bruno; Board Member, Patricia Velasco Timeline: 2009-2010 Board approved:

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Action Plan – Peace and Conflict Resolution

Plan Number: 9 Introduction: With its diverse student body and staff committed to the UN goals, UNIS should serve as a model for the peaceful

resolution of conflict.

Goal:

UNIS will involve all members of the community to work to create a more peaceful environment by respecting differences, showing empathy for others, and resolving conflicts peacefully.

Strategies:

Share and find ways, throughout the various levels of the school, to resolve conflicts when they arise in order to promote a more peaceful and supportive environment.


To review the programs on conflict resolution for students and staff and develop healthy avenues to deal with differences.

Action Tasks 1 Review the counseling curriculum within the school to determine if programs are effectively dealing with conflict and if there

is a need for additional programs or resources.

2 Find additional ways to work as a team to achieve shared goals and focus on world issues such as ecology, poverty, and human rights, to reinforce the concept of a responsible and responsive global community.

3 Develop staff workshops that encourage cross-curricular and cross-grade level interactions as a means of bringing the school together, understanding similar challenges, and addressing shared difficulties.

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Funding: Stipends, software: $2,000

Assigned To: JS Principal, Deborah Karmozyn Timeline: 2011-2012 Board approved:

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Action Plan – Relationships with New York City and US

Plan Number: 10 Introduction: New York City and the United States of America offer cultural, theatrical, and social events for every age group and

interest. The school should present additional opportunities for students, parents, and staff to take advantage of host country and city offerings as a community.

Goal:

UNIS will strengthen its relationship with New York City and the United States by engaging positively with their cultural, historical, theatrical, and social organizations and exploring possible exchanges and partnerships with such institutions.

Strategies:

Establish partnerships with cultural, historical, and theatrical institutions around New York City and throughout the United States.


To find ways to expand and strengthen the relationships between the UNIS community and New York City and the United States.

Action Tasks 1 Establish a committee to focus on the role of the host country and UNIS and to organize regular outings outside the school

day to venues of interest in the city or its environs.

2 Identify parents, alumni, and staff who have connections with appropriate American organizations, both within and outside of New York City, to build partnerships, explore travel opportunities, and develop ongoing relationships.

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3 Consider giving each new family a one-year subscription to a New York City magazine, such as Time Out New York, which lists all cultural events within the five boroughs.

Assigned To: MS Principal, Tony Brown Timeline: 2010-2011 Board approved:

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Action Plan – Support of International Families

Plan Number: 11 Introduction: UNIS provides information and orientation for families new to UNIS before and upon their arrival at the school. We

wish to expand our orientation program for new families, and especially international families, to support their move to UNIS and the unique cultural setting of New York City.

Goal:

UNIS will increase its resources to help acclimate new students and families to the school, find more ways to build lasting connections and networks amongst current and new UNIS families, and use our knowledge of Third Culture Kids/Families to support their overall adjustment to the school and the culture of New York City.

Strategies:

Find ways to foster interconnectedness among the community throughout UNIS by providing greater levels of support for new and continuing students and their families, focusing on sharing cultures and religions, and increasing socio-political awareness.


To review and expand our welcoming committee and related group activities and strategies to support new members of the UNIS community.

Action Tasks 1 Identify the needs of international students entering UNIS and develop new student orientation programs to support them at

all grades.

2 Work through the Parents Association to expand current practices to welcome new families to UNIS and ensure their successful transition to both the school and the city.

3 Expand programs for international students and parents to support their enculturation into the UNIS community while simultaneously encouraging the sharing and celebrating of their own cultural heritage.

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4 Plan ways for the UNIS admissions office to work more closely with student support services, the Parents Association, and the administration to identify and meet the needs of new students and parents at the school.

5 Develop a Website link to provide information on available orientation and community programs for international families living and working in New York City.

Funding: Publications, software, speakers; $5000

Assigned To: Director of Admissions, Amelia Rattew; High School Counselor, Kenya Washington Timeline: 2009-2010 Board approved:

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Action Plan – Student Travel

Plan Number: 12 Introduction: UNIS offers opportunities for student travel locally and abroad. We want to improve and expand such opportunities

to help foster a deeper knowledge of other places, cultures, and languages among our students.

Goal:

UNIS will work to increase the travel options for our students and foster a sense of internationalism within our student body.

Strategies:

Establish contact with other international schools and countries with UN agencies as a way of increasing cultural and linguistic exchange.


To expand travel opportunities for students with the purpose of broadening their understanding of other cultures.

Action Tasks 1 Capitalize on those initiatives that have already proven successful, specifically the Japan, Mexico, and Quebec trips, to

encourage student travel for practice of the languages taught and represented in UNIS.

2 Establish contact with other international schools to expand our student exchange programs.

3 Establish contact with UN institutions around the world where UNIS students can do volunteer service while pursuing specific UN goals.

4 Expand travel opportunities related to other school initiatives such as the environmental education program.

5 Explore the possibility of additional student participation in specific international events such as choral festivals, sports

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competitions, etc.

6 Encourage UNIS graduates and their parents to consider a gap year abroad for UNIS alumni/ae before they enter college.

Funding: Exploratory visits, stipends; $10,000 Assigned To: Dean of Students, Marc Magnus-Sharpe Timeline: 2011-2012 Board approved:

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Action Plan – Sustainability

Plan Number: 13 Introduction: UNIS has made a commitment to support sustainability in the short and long term within the school and in

partnership with other schools.

Goal:

UNIS will prepare our students to sustain our social, physical, and ethical world and protect the local environment both inside and outside the school.

Strategies:

Develop a plan for the school to act responsibly toward our climate and increase awareness of and collaboration around issues for sustainable development through our curriculum and extracurricular activities.


To build a sustainability framework for the school.

Action Tasks 1 Develop a plan for the institution to act responsibly toward our climate.

a. Establish and publish a working definition of and principles for sustainability for the school. b. Form a working group from members of the UNIS community to meet and formulate a charter with specific goals and principles for achieving sustainability.

2 Ensure that sustainability of resources, furnishings, and facilities is part of the UNIS purchasing and acquisitions plan and the ICT criteria.

3 Reflect sustainability achievements and issues through the UNIS portal and other communications.

4 Create a student-based green map project to report on and benchmark the school’s sustainability efforts via the Green Schools

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Green Map initiative.

5 Publish an annual UNIS Sustainability Review to document and report on programs and developments.

6 Investigate ways in which other schools are implementing sustainability programs.

7 Participate in and support relevant external sustainability programs and initiatives.

8 Include activities for sustainable development in our curriculum and extracurricular activities.

9 Provide professional development for faculty and administration in the areas of awareness, skill development, curriculum assessment and development, and leadership development.

10 Consider using a modified version of the Chronos for Schools program developed for the Department for Education and Skills in the U.K.

11 Consider implementing a “Build to E3” program in the curriculum for all three UNIS schools.

12 Use technology to support curriculum development and design: Moodle, a sustainability e-learning tool, videos, blogs, Websites.

13 Identify and make use of United Nations resources.

14 Review existing community service and after school programs and ensure opportunities for participation in activities for sustainability.

15 Invite speakers from the broad UNIS community to inform and educate both in the classroom and for our faculty. Assigned To: Dean of Students, Marc Magnus-Sharpe Timeline: 2009-2010 Board approved:

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Action Plan – UN Affiliation

Plan Number: 14 Introduction: UNIS is unique because of its affiliation with the United Nations. In striving to uphold a key component of the

UNIS mission, the school promotes a culture and curriculum that support the spirit and ideals of the UN.

Goal:

UNIS will intensify its existing relationship with the UN, its Missions, and its other affiliated organizations through a deeper understanding of the UN’s work and through a higher level of connectedness and exchange.

Strategies:

Find ways to provide opportunities for teachers, students, and the wider community to deepen our understanding of the UN.


To review the curriculum, as it relates to the UN, to bring more information about the UN to students and faculty.

Action Tasks 1 Identify strengths and areas in need of improvement in the existing curriculum materials on the UN and allocate time to

improve and expand this curriculum.

2 Identify UN affiliated community members who are willing to share their knowledge of the UN with students, speak at faculty house meetings about UN current events, and present a series of evening presentations about the UN for interested faculty and UNIS families.

3 Find ways for new and continuing faculty and support staff to become more familiar with the work of the UN. Work with the UN to ensure that UNIS faculty may take full advantage of existing UN workshops and initiatives.

4 Work closely with the UNIS director of student activities and the special representative of the UN Secretary General for UNIS

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to identify existing volunteer initiatives for high school students with the UN and its affiliates and to develop programs to broaden the range of activities offered.

5 Explore the possibility of a “gap year” for graduating students with the UN.

Funding: $5,000 approximately

Assigned To: Tut House Principal, Radha Rajan Timeline: 2010-2011 Board approved:

United Nations International School SP 2008

Documents

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