| V. What still remains to be done in terms
of building and/or facilities constructions/renovations to which prospective donors may direct
their tax-deductible donations?
Ans.: According to the Principal's Report
dated October 31, 2005 the following remains to be done in the school's
pursuit of excellence in preparing its students for college and
adulthood:
On Curriculum and Instructions:
- Textbooks in Science, Social
Studies, Filipino.
- Supplemental Resources: CD rooms,
used library books, magazine subscriptions.
- Screens for the Overhead
Projectors, and replacement of non-fictional OHPs.
- Cassette Boom Boxes for PE.
- Proper Sports Equipment.
- Physics Lab equipment, and
additional Chemistry & Bio equipment.
- A properly equipped Audio Visual
Room with a Mulit-Media Projector and screen.
On Building and Plant:
- Additional Classrooms (for future
expansion).
- Renovation of the Art Room and
Canteen (including an outdoor eating area).
- A Movement Room for Martial Arts
and Dance.
- A Weight Room for Physical
Fitness.
- At least two additional toilets.
- A Gymnasium/Community Center
with Shower Rooms. [A
fund-campaign for this project is already on-going - see Sports
Complex Project]
- A Sound System for Outdoor
Activities.
- Fencing, Grounds Lighting, and
Security Alarms.
- A second Computer Lab.
- Painting and Beautification of
the Entire School, including a facade.
- Properly licensed software:
Frontpage, Pagemaker, Micosoft Office, Outlook.
On Administration:
- Software for School
Administration and Finances
On School Finances:
- Trust Fund or Endowment Fund.
Finally the central issue of establishing a trust fund or endowment
fund must be addressed to bridge the gap between the true cost of
education and subsidized tuition fees.
[A Fund Campaign is already ongoing
to help address this issue - see
Endowment Fund Project]
VI. SMSS seems to be doing well in building
and facilities related rehabilitations. However, building and facilities
improvements by themselves can not transform a school and become the
best in its level of education. More important are improvements in the
school's curriculum. What
steps has SMSS taken towards improving its curriculum?
Ans: SMSS has patterned its curriculum
with that of the International School of Manila where the current SMSS
principal was formerly an assistant principal. Testing, tutoring and
remedial classes are currently being utilized extensively to help SMSS
students adjust to the new curriculum.
The thrust of the new curriculum in
the first two years of the high school curriculum is geared towards
helping its students achieve the following basic skills:
- Proficiency in language (written
and spoken communication).
- Proficiency in mathematical
operations and applications.
- Proficiency in science
(experimentation, discovery, scientific analysis, and synthesis).
- Proficiency in both
independent research and collaborative learning.
For the 3rd and 4th years of study,
the new SMSS curriculum introduces advance programs to better
prepare its graduates for tertiary education. These include offering
courses like advance placement biology, chemistry and physics,
pre-calculus, advance literature in English, and advanced courses in
economics, history, and introductions to political science, psychology,
philosophy, cultural anthropology and other social sciences.
In the 4th year of study, SMSS also
implements a counseling program for its students that encompasses career
counseling, personal counseling, and preparation for college admissions.
The details of SMSS's new curriculum can
be found in SMSS's 5-Year
Development Plan.
Related reports can be accessed at the
Schools website: http://smssagada.org
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