Contents Elementary School 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Elementary Academic Program Preschool 3 and 4 Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Special Subject Areas
High School
Middle School 12 13 14 16 17
Grade 5 Grade 6 Special Subject Areas Grade 7 Grade 8
18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 29 29 31
High School Academic Program Diploma Course Credit eLearning Bible English ESL English Mathematics Modern Languages Physical Education Science Social Studies Information Technology Visual and Performing Arts Electives
English as a Second Language (ESL) 32 English as a Second Language (ESL)
Dalat International School
Programs Of Instruction 2010 - 2011
School Management Team 2010 • Director
: Karl Steinkamp
• High School Principal
: Brian Brewster
• Middle School Principal
: Wayne Sawatzky
• Elementary School Principal : Heather Fischer • Residence Supervisors
: Brian and Valerie Weidemann
• Spiritual Life Director
: Richard Gwaltney
• Director of Development
: Larry Chinn
• Head Counselor
: Jacki Steinkamp
• Facilities Coordinator
: John Fisher
• Admissions Coordinator
: Lydia Roberts
• CFO/National Staff Director : Joel Chong
For a more complete list of staff, please visit the school website www.dalat.org Tanjung Bunga, 11200 Penang, Malaysia Phone: (60-4) 899-2105, Fax: (60-4) 890-2141, E-mail: info@dalat.org, Website: www.dalat.org Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Association of Christian Schools International Member of the East Asia Regional Conference Overseas Schools
Elementary Shool Academic Program Based on the belief that children have a natural potential for learning, the curriculum is designed to provide students with skills, concepts, enrichment, and opportunities for self-expression. Instruction in academic areas and special subjects is designed to meet individual needs and accommodate the different learning rates and developmental stages of children. The elementary classes are closed classrooms with a homeroom teacher. Some subjects are taught by a specialist teacher outside the homeroom classroom.
Language Arts
The language arts program integrates the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. To develop a lifelong desire for reading, students are provided meaningful activities and learning experiences that include quality children’s literature. As the teachers guide them through the writing process, children learn to use writing to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings and as a tool for learning.
Mathematics
The math curriculum is designed to give students a solid background in mathematical concepts, skills, and applications. Applying mathematics to daily life situations enables students to acquire high-level thinking skills. Aside from problem solving and math applications, the other skills developed in the program are: estimation and approximation; computation; geometry; measurement; reading, interpreting, and constructing graphs and charts; and the use of manipulatives, calculators and computers.
Social Studies
In the early grades, the social studies program focuses on children in relation to the family and the community. An expanded and more outward look at nations, countries, and continents occurs in the middle grades, culminating in the different regions of the world and global issues. Geography, including map and globe skills, and history are incorporated. Malaysian culture is covered in three sections - Chinese, Indian, and Malay. The international nature of the student body presents a wonderful opportunity to help students understand and appreciate other cultures while maintaining an awareness of their own unique heritage.
Science
The science program is premised on the belief that science should nurture children’s natural curiosity so that they can develop confidence to ask questions and to seek answers based on evidence and independent thinking. Science should lead children to explore and investigate God’s world by using a hands-on approach and a variety of instructional materials. The strands of the program are: Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Health Science. Some of the science processes emphasized are investigating, hypothesizing, experimenting, classifying, and making generalizations.
Bible Classes
Bible lessons are taught daily at each grade level. The emphasis of these lessons is on applying God’s Word to the child’s daily life. Bible verses are studied and memorized. Children learn about God’s characteristics and how valuable each life is to the Creator.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 3
Preschool 3 and 4
Based on research of the U.S. National Association of Educating Young Children, the educational philosophy for the preschool program is that with teacher support and facilitation, students best construct meaning and understanding about the world through direct interactions with their environment.
Preschool 4
Preschool 3
Social/Emotional Development
In Preschool 3, the curriculum focuses on early academic concepts which are taught through exploration, inquisition and play. Social/Emotional Development • independence and self-help skills (*children should already be toilet-trained before entry) • positive social and conflict resolution skills • sense of identity and respect for other’s uniqueness • expression of emotions in healthy ways • introduction to Christian beliefs
Cognitive Development
• thematic curriculum used to begin learning sounds and shapes of letters • main character and main events of a narrated story • effective use of English language • concepts of numbers: counting, one-to-one correspondence, and number recognition • concepts of shape, size, color, patterns, sorting and classification • science concepts nurtured through children’s natural curiosity • concept of relationships within school and family and their roles within them • basic computer skills through software and internet • beginning music and movement skills
Physical Development
• development of fine and gross motor skills through crafts, construction, writing, painting, and physical activity
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 4
In Preschool 4, using a thematic and project approach that integrates the subject areas, students will have opportunities to develop meaningful skills, processes and understandings in each of the following areas:
• independence, self-help skills and responsibility for actions and learning • positive social and conflict resolution skills • sense of identity and respect for each other’s uniqueness • appropriate expression of feelings • introduction to Christian beliefs
Cognitive Development
• sounds, shape and formation of letters • effective use of English language • concept of numbers: counting, writing, one-to-one correspondence • concepts of shape, size, color, patterns • introduction to science subjects through themes such as living/nonliving things, plants, animals, seasons, and the five senses • concept of community and their role within it • basic computer skills through software and internet • beginning music and movement skills
Physical Development
• development of fine and gross motor skills through construction, writing, painting, sewing, and physical activity
Kindergarten Language Arts
The language arts curriculum begins with early reading skills, including learning about letters’ sounds and shapes, printing of capital and lower case letters, and pre-reading skills such as decoding consonant-vowel- consonant words eventually moving towards greater reading fluency. Upper elementary students come in weekly to read with the students, encouraging crossage friendships and providing helpful reading models. Kindergarten students learn sight words and enjoy working with rhyming words. They begin exploring the creative writing process by understanding parts of a story and the role of authors and illustrators.
Mathematics
Students use a variety of manipulatives to begin learning math concepts such as sorting/classifying, patterns and movement, matching and counting, and geometric shapes. Kindergarteners also learn to recognize and write the numbers from 0-20. Students learn about money (specifically U.S. coins), measurement, and simple addition and subtraction. With an introduction to clocks, students learn to tell time to the hour.
Social Studies
Kindergarteners learn about friends and family, various occupations, and working together in class building up to how governments work together. The curriculum guides students into the geography of where we live compared to the rest of the world, as well as into the history of how people have changed over time.
Science
Using hands-on activities, students learn about physical science including Matter, Forces and Motion, Simple Machines, Sound, Magnetism, and Energy.
Bible
Bible lessons focus on on a chronological study of redemption that explores the incomparable greatness and worth of God, the desperate condition of helpless sinners, and the all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ to redeem sinful people.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 5
Grade 1 Language Arts
The language arts curriculum focuses on phonics, distinguishing beginning, ending and middle sounds, and short and long vowel sounds. Students gain a strong base for future decoding skills, as well as learning a variety of important sight words. After a concentration on phonics, students begin working on their reading comprehension and fluency by reading books in the classroom and at home. Students also work on basic English grammar and writing skills (punctuation, capitalization, nouns and verbs, proper sentences) and learn about rhyming words and making contractions. Students progress in their reading comprehension and learn skills in retelling a story, identifying the main idea and the order of events. In the 4th quarter, students complete daily oral language exercises (D.O.L.) and practice creative writing.
Mathematics
First graders experience many hands-on math activities. Students utilize personal sets of manipulatives to tell time, learn skipcounting (by two’s, five’s, and ten’s), count money, add and subtract, identify and replicate patterns, along with a variety of other math skills. Students read and interpret data in bar graphs and learn to identify both solid and plane figures in geometry. Fractions become tasty as students participate in “food fractions,” as they divide and eat the food after cutting it into equal parts. Students work on two digit addition and subtraction problems and are introduced to multiplication and division. They are able to apply what they are learning to real life situations through the “Problem of the Day.”
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 6
Social Studies
Social Studies begins with learning about our families and communities. Students learn to identify places on a world map and become familiar with many different jobs/careers as well as the difference between needs and wants. The first graders are introduced to U.S. History, with a look at settlement and the Native Americans.
Science
Science focuses on life science and topics studied include: Plants, the Human Body, the Five Animal Kingdoms, the Environment, Life Cycles, and Food Webs.
Bible
Using the alphabet as a framework for teaching the attributes of God, first grade Bible class explores the delight that God has in Himself as the source, means, and purpose of all things. Students will learn to answer three key questions, "Who is God?" "What is He like?" and "How should I act toward Him?" as they learn a theology of God for children.
Grade 2 Language Arts
The language arts program helps students develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Second graders focus on comprehension strategies, independent reading, identification of basic story elements, and sequential retelling of stories. Oral reading with fluency and expression is a goal. Phonics, the use of picture/context cues, and an awareness of sentence structure aid in developing word attack skills. Students write for a variety of purposes and begin to use the writing process, correct mechanics, a broader vocabulary and standard spelling. Listening and responding appropriately are key areas of instruction, as is the ability to express one’s own ideas clearly and confidently.
Mathematics
The use of individual and cooperative hands-on activities and manipulatives helps students develop concepts and skills which lead to logical reasoning and problem solving. The second grade curriculum helps students add and subtract basic facts to 18, add and subtract multiple-digit numbers with and without regrouping, and use a variety of methods to problem solve. Place value, number order to 1000, multiplication and division concepts, two and three dimensional shapes and fractions comprise some of the other topics studied. Students also learn about the value of coins, to tell time in fiveminute increments, to read charts and graphs and to measure length, mass and volume.
Social Studies
Second graders learn about the value of communities through a combination of exploration of Penang, recall of home-countries’ communities, and book study. Students learn map skills, geography terms, and some basic information about their host country of Malaysia. The land of China is studied in more detail and the children begin to do some guided research. Reading and enjoying literature from a variety of Asian cultures encourages students to appreciate the area of the world in which they are currently living.
Science
The second-grade science program addresses earth science and covers the following topics: Rocks and Minerals, the Solar System, the earth and its Resources, Oceans and Water, Weather, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, and Volcanoes.
Bible
The grade 2 Bible program looks at all God's promises as gifts to the believer. The challenge of the Christian life is not to simply know the promises of God, but to place unshakable confidence in them. This study teaches children that God's character is trustworthy; therefore, His promises are true and reliable.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 7
Grade 3
Language Arts
The grade 3 language arts program focuses on the development of reading comprehension skills through reading a variety of novels, short stories, poetry and non-fiction materials. Students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for literature through literature discussion groups. Writing skills (including how to use the writing process more independently) are developed through daily writing activities such as poetry, journaling, short-stories and guided research reports. Grammar and spelling skills, as well as cursive writing are also a part of daily writing activities. Speaking and listening skills are integrated throughout the program.
Mathematics
Grade 3’s hands-on math experiences allow students to connect their learning to real life situations. Cooperative groups and center activities help students learn problem solving skills. Group work and manipulatives aid in learning the math concepts covered which include multiplication and division facts (0-9), multiplication of two digit by one digit, telling time, geometry and measurement, fractions, and graphs. These math concepts, as well as problem solving and estimation skills, are integrated throughout all subject areas.
Social Studies
The social studies program centers around communities. Through projects, presentations, field trips, research and computer activities students study work, government and the culture of communities including the U.S., Malaysia and the students’ home countries. Students do a study of the history of communities with a focus on the U.S. Mapping and geography skills are integrated throughout the year into the various units.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 8
Science
Science focuses on physical science at a deeper level and includes the following units: Simple Machines, Properties of Matter, Magnetic and Electrical Energy, Heat, Light and Sound, and Forces and Motion.
Bible
The grade 3 Bible program focuses the Bible as one complete true story that progressively reveals God's redemptive plan, which comes to complete fulfillment in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. Our studies will begin with a historical mystery—Jesus' death on the cross—and ask the questions: "What really happened here?" "Why did Jesus die?" and "Who did it?" To find the answers to these questions, the study goes to the beginning of the Bible narrative in Genesis and then moves chronologically through the Old Testament text as students search for clues that foreshadow the coming of Jesus and His redemptive work on the cross. Special emphasis is given to showing that the Bible is God's story from beginning to end and that Jesus is the key to understanding the story.
Grade 4 Language Arts
The literature based language arts program helps students enjoy a variety of genre (realistic fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, fables, tall tales, non-fiction, poetry) while learning to love reading. Daily writing activities, from journaling to research reports, encourage following the writing process and using self/peer editing. Students are encouraged to offer and accept constructive criticism while attempting to evaluate others’ ideas and opinions objectively. Research skills are taught by guided practice. Grammar skills are practiced for effective writing.
Mathematics
The grade 4 hands-on math program helps students see how much math is used in real life. Students are encouraged to master basic facts so they may more readily solve a variety of math problems in a logical manner. Answers to problems are examined to see if they make sense, which helps students develop their reasoning skills. Use of manipulatives makes work on estimating, multiplying and dividing, probability, graphs, geometry, and measurement more understandable and more fun. Group work is encouraged to help students learn to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others. Math is integrated into science, social studies, language arts, music, computer, and art.
Bible
Bible class in 4th grade focuses on what is salvation? How does someone become a Christian? What does it mean to become like Jesus? This class helps answer these important questions by explaining elements of the Gospel message, its purpose, and promise. A major portion of this study focuses on the doctrine of sanctification - the process by which a Christian becomes more and more conformed to the likeness of Jesus.
Social Studies
Students build on mapping and graphing skills throughout the year. A study of regions of the U.S. leads to comparisons between the U.S., the home countries of students, and Malaysia. Various field trips to local sites help students compare and contrast these countries. Students go “Down Under” to learn about the history, flora and fauna, and regions of Australia. Finally, students study rain forests of the world, focusing on the forests in Malaysia. The room becomes a rain forest as animals appear on walls, fans, and light fixtures. Endangered species are highlighted each quarter.
Science
The science program is focused on life science at a deeper level and includes the following topics; Plants, Cells, Organisms, Human Body, Animal Kingdom, and Ecosystems.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 9
Elementary Special Subject Areas Library
Elementary students have a scheduled 45-minute library period each week. Research and study skills are taught and practiced through weekly application exercises. An appreciation for various forms of literature is nurtured by exposing students to a variety of quality children’s books in different genres. Reading skills are reinforced and a life-long love for reading is instilled early on by encouraging children to read and by assisting them in the selection of age-appropriate books.
Music
A wide variety of special programs are included in the elementary school curriculum. These programs help to broaden the students’ interests and develop their skills in other areas in order to ensure their total growth and development as persons.
Art
In the Elementary Visual Arts program, students are invited to explore hands-on creative instruction as they investigate exciting concepts in color, composition, drawing, painting and sculpture. Discovering the cultural heritage of historical and contemporary artists, elementary students learn to embrace art history while learning skills to assist in the making of their own creations. Students learn to understand the relationship the visual arts hold to other disciplines, including literature, science, music and history. Through discussion and exhibition, students celebrate their masterpieces while valuing others’ talents and personal styles.
Computer Education
The elementary computer curriculum has been designed to give students a strong background of knowledge and skills necessary to excel in today’s technology-rich academic environment. Students in grades K-4 attend weekly classes in one of the school’s well-equipped computer labs. A strong emphasis is placed on learning various software applications through hands-on experience. These lessons are placed in perspective through a series of lectures covering topics such as hardware and peripherals, file management, electronic communication, and internet terminology. Students also work on the development of keyboarding skills.
Modern Language - Bahasa Malay
Our modern language program is designed to expose students to other languages and give students basic conversational skills. Students will develop vocabulary and grammar skills that allow them to converse about simple topics ranging from ordering food in a restaurant to discussing the weather. Class will meet twice weekly and material learned will be incorporated into the other classroom instruction. Programs of Instruction Handbook • 10
The music program is designed to build students’ skills, literacy, and appreciation of music, on an increasing basis from year to year. Students have two classes weekly in which they participate in activities such as singing, playing instruments, listening and analyzing, moving, reading and writing notation, and creating original music. Students apply this musical knowledge in a focused manner during musical programs each school year, usually one for Christmas and one in the spring. The overall purpose of the general music course is to provide each student with the opportunity to develop and utilize God’s gift of music - for self-expression, life-long enjoyment, and praise of our Creator.
Physical Education
The physical education program incorporates swimming, rhythmic activities, fundamental motor skills, age appropriate basic skill development for various sports and lead-up games to provide a foundation of sound motor development. AAPHERD fitness testing is conducted twice a year. Concepts are introduced to help each child develop a positive attitude towards physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. All grade levels have physical education classes twice a week.
ESL
Elementary ESL students are pulled out of their homeroom four times a week usually during Language Arts for ESL instruction that includes grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Chapel
Students attend a weekly chapel where they spend time singing, praying and learning about God. Each grade in elementary school leads a chapel with skits and presentations once each semester. Special speakers often share a message with students. One week each semester special daily chapels are planned for spiritual and missions emphasis.
Kids Interest Clubs (KICs)
Students in Grades 1-4 are encouraged to sign up for our after school clubs program. We offer a wide variety of clubs in areas ranging from soccer and swimming to puzzle solving, cooking and bug club. Students are given new choices to sign up for each quarter.
Social Skills
During the first quarter of the school year the classroom teacher (with help from the elementary school counselor) will help the students learn skills in personal safety and social competency. Teachers will do a review with students during third quarter. The curriculum is from the Committee for Children (www.cfchildren.org). Talking about Touching - Personal Safety is used in kindergarten through grade 2 and Second Step – Violence Prevention is used in grades 2 - 4. Teachers have the tools necessary to introduce any of the topics as needed and appropriate in the classroom. • Kindergarten Personal Safety The goal is to increase students’ knowledge of and adherence to rules that will help keep them safe. Students will learn about following safety rules in cars, crossing the street, fire, and answering the phone. Students will learn about dealing with strangers and asking parents for permission. • Grade 1 Touching Safety The goal is to strengthen students’ ability to identify the difference between safe, unsafe, and unwanted touch, and follow safety rules about touching. Student will learn the “NoRun-Tell” rule, saying ‘no’ to teasing, and telling an adult. • Grade 2 Assertiveness and Support The goal is to increase students’ ability to stand up for themselves and to ask for help in difficult and uncomfortable situations. Students will learn how to deal with bullies and harassment and when to ask for help from an adult. • Impulse Control The goal is to help students learn basic skills of interpersonal problem-solving. Students will learn to identify a problem, recognize impulse, and choose solutions. Students will learn about keeping a promise, dealing with fear, taking responsibility, resisting lying, cheating and gossiping, dealing with peer pressure, and learning to set goals. • Grade 3 Anger Management Skills The goal is to help students learn to recognize anger cues and triggers, to use positive self-statements and calming-down techniques to prevent angry reactions. Students will learn to evaluate and reflect on anger-provoking incidents. Students will learn skills in dealing with putdowns, criticism, being left out, frustration, accusation, complaints, and learning to accept consequences. • Grade 4 Empathy The goal is to help students learn to recognize, experience and respond to the feelings of others. Students will learn to identify a variety of emotions based on facial clues and body posture. Students learn about conflicting feelings, similarities and differences, preferences, perceptions, intentions, fairness, expressing concern, active listening and using “I messages.”
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 11
Middle School Academic Program Grade 5 Language Arts 5
Language Arts 5 enables students to develop the process of effective oral and written communication by emphasizing fluency and comprehension. Students read and write for a variety of purposes, follow directions, and develop a lifelong appreciation of literature. Students read from classic and contemporary selections and recognize the way an author organizes information and engages in an analysis of characters, plots, and settings. Many literature selections are studied from a Christian perspective and related to biblical principles. Students use their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization to write compositions. Using the writing process, students pre-write, write, revise, and publish to share with others. Students write in journals and keep track of outside reading on a weekly basis.
Math 5
This course focuses on foundational arithmetic and computational skills as well as fractions and decimals. Other topics covered include estimation and geometric transformations. Students also learn mathematical strategies for solving real-life problems.
Science 5
Science 5 addresses earth science on a deeper level and covers the following topics: Rocks and Minerals, the Solar System, the earth and its Resources, Oceans and Water, Weather, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, and Volcanoes.
Bible 5
Bible 5 focuses on the names of God and how they are wonderful revelations of His majestic character. This class presents the Hebrew names of God in the Old Testament and the names of Christ and the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Each lesson encourages children to see and rejoice in the goodness and greatness of God as they explore the meaning of His glorious names.
Social Studies 5
Social Studies 5 is a course in discovering America as a nation of many people. The class is taught from a Christian perspective and it is intended that students will develop a Christian world view. Students gain an understanding of what history is by studying immigration patterns, geography of the United States, the struggle for independence, the Civil War conflict, and achievements and challenges into the 21st century. The last unit of the year focuses on America’s neighbors of Canada and Latin America.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 12
Grade 6 Language Arts 6
Language Arts 6 enables students to master previously learned skills in more complex reading selections and written work. Students learn strategies to respond to different types of literature. The literature selections focus on a deeper understanding of issues regarding race, gender, and culture. Literature is studied from a Christian perspective and related to Biblical principles. Students analyze and seek to understand the author’s point of view and choice of language. Throughout the year, emphasis is on writing, and students become familiar with the writing process from note taking and drafting to editing, proofreading, and final copy. Students adhere to conventions of accepted English. Studying roots, prefixes, and suffixes, students better comprehend vocabulary. Memorizing spelling rules, students understand how words are spelled. Students write in journals and keep track of outside reading on a weekly basis.
Math 6
This course reviews and builds on concepts learned in Math 5. Students will further develop their understanding of decimals and fractions, as proficiency in these two concepts is vital for higher math. Other topics students study include measurement, geometry, proportions, simple statistics, operations with integers, area, and surface area.
Science 6
Science 6 focuses on physical science at a deeper level and includes the following units: Simple Machines, Properties of Matter, Chemistry, Magnetic and Electrical Energy, Heat, Light, Waves and Sound, and Forces and Motion.
Bible 6
Bible 6 uses the curriculum Decision Quest to help students discover the answers to many questions: Does God really exist? How does the Bible benefit me? Who is Jesus? How can I avoid temptation? Students will learn to study the Bible and understand central biblical truths. The context for each lesson is an underwater exploration which is set in an imaginary futuristic setting. The explorers face daily challenges and must learn to apply the truths of Scripture, just like each student learns to apply the Bible to their own decisions. Bible stories, Scripture memorization, discussion, group activities and interactive bulletin boards all help to encourage students as they study the Bible.
Social Studies 6
Social Studies 6 is a course that acquaints students with important cultures and civilizations of the world. In the first semester students compare and contrast studying the world’s first civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China. The emphasis on the remainder of the semester is the ancient world and classical civilizations that set the foundations for the modern world. Second semester begins with the medieval period and the rise of Europe and continues through accomplishments and challenges into the 21st century. The class is taught from a Christian perspective relating much of the history to a Biblical background. It is intended that students will develop a Christian world view.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 13
Special Subject Areas Research Skills 5
Grade Level: 5 Duration: Year long This year-long course is designed to enable students to understand how to use the resources available in the library when doing research for their other classes. This class meets once a week and includes both in-class work and homework. Resources used include: the atlas, almanac, encyclopedia, thesaurus, and dictionary review. Both books and computers are used in gaining the necessary skills in doing research.
Integrated Technology
Grade Level: 5-8 Duration: Year long In order to keep up with technology’s continued rapid development and change, DIS Middle School’s Integrated Technology classes incorporate project-based methods to connect technology more closely to each of the core curriculum classes. Collaborating with teachers, classroom assignments and projects are designed so that students gain practical experience in project management, demonstrating an ability to digitally find information, evaluate its accuracy, and utilize it in varied media to convey the information. Students use a variety of digital communication technology skills that build upon their knowledge of hardware, software and Internet resources, as well as maintaining digital ethics in their media presentation. Integrated Technology classes are held intermittently throughout the school year, determined by the core class teachers and the Integrated Technology teacher.
Health
Grade Level: 5-8 Duration: Semester long on alternating days The goal is to provide information in such a way that it influences students to take positive action regarding their own health. Students will learn that good health habits can prevent illness and improve the way they look, perform in school and sports, interact with others, and the way they feel about themselves. Topics vary according to grade level.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 14
Study Skills 5 & 6
Grade Level: 5 & 6 Duration: Year long Grade 5 and 6 study skills use the “The Mind That’s Mine” curriculum. The Mind That’s Mine is a program designed to teach students about how their minds work and how they can best use their own unique mind. The curriculum helps students to discover how their minds work, what their strengths are, and what they can do to make their minds work better. Especially helpful for students with learning differences, the program helps all students to recognize, tolerate, and respect individual differences in learning and behavior. Topics covered in grade 5 include: How the brain works, paying attention, and remembering. Topics covered in grade 6 include: Language, problem solving and thinking up ideas, how your mind learns to do things, and how your mind helps you behave.
Study Skills 7 & 8
Grade Level: 7 & 8 Duration: Year long Dalat Middle School recognizes that one way to give our students an “education for life” is to help our students with learning. Helping them to learn will give them the tools they need for success in school and encourage them to take responsibility for their own learning. The study skills class will help students assess and improve their individual study skills in each of the following areas: setting goals, managing time, listening, taking notes, studying, taking tests, learning attitude, and learning styles. In addition to specific study skills like outlining, summarizing, and paraphrasing, students will also learn tools such as mnemonic devices, agenda use, and graphic organizers. The variety of activities in each unit will also promote learning through three learning styles – auditory, visual, and tactile/kinesthetic. When appropriate we will use Kagen structures to discuss the topics. Study skills is a class that meets once a week.
Physical Education (PE)
Grade Level: 5-8 Duration: Year long on alternating days Middle School physical education (PE) is designed to provide students with time and opportunity to participate in and improve sport specific skills for individual and team sports. Students will develop a basic knowledge of sport games and their rules. Students will be encouraged to cultivate an understanding of how to monitor and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness as well as to become aware of social and personal responsibility associated with participation in physical activity.
Beginning Band
Art
Grade Level: 5-8 Duration: Semester long on alternating days In the Middle School Visual Arts program, students discover the excitement of visual expression through materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Students investigate the elements and principles of design to acquire the keys to successful visual communication. Journeying through the stories of art history, the students come to appreciate the relationship that both culture and history hold with the visual arts. Through the exhibition and discussion of their artwork, students gain important skills in art criticism, while celebrating the achievement of their creative work.
ESL
Grade Level: 6-8 Duration: Year long Two courses, Band 6 for sixth graders and Middle School Beginning Band for seventh and eighth grade students with no prior band experience, comprise Dalat’s beginning level instrumental program. These courses are designed to help students with little or no band experience to develop fundamental musical skills. At the beginning of the year instruments are introduced to students and they are encouraged to try several. With the guidance of the instructor an instrument to learn is then selected. Once regular classes begin, students first meet with like instruments on alternating days until the group has advanced to the point of all being able to work together. As individual practice is a must for sufficient progress, students take instruments home or arrange to practice at the school for 90 minutes each week. Sixth Grade and Beginning Band members perform in three concerts each year, one at Christmas and two during the second semester.
Junior and Advanced Band
Grade Level: 6-8 Duration: Year long The Middle School Concert Band is the second and third year instrumental performing group. Students focus on advancing their musical skills and will perform at mid-semester concerts, for Christmas and second semester as well as throughout the year at various school, church, and community events. Students are expected to practice 90 minutes per week, and these times are submitted on DISCourse Web.
Eurekas
Grade Level: 5-8 Duration: Year long Middle School ESL students study their language arts course in a separate classroom. The course includes many of the curriculum goals of the regular Middle School English class and also focuses on ESL instruction.
Grade Level: 5-6 Duration: Quarterly Eureka activities at the end of each school day are designed to help 5th and 6th grade students, like Archimedes, exclaim “Eureka!” resulting from an amazing discovery. They are focused learning times offering students a wide variety of experiences. This is not a graded class.
Music 5
Exploratories
Grade Level: 5 Duration: Year long Music 5 is designed to build upon previous musical experiences and provide students with a final year of general music in preparation for 6th grade band. Course objectives include vocal production, instrumental technique (on classroom instruments such as recorders and xylophones), musicianship, and musical literacy and appreciation. 5th graders also participate in Dalat's elementary/intermediate musicals.
Grade Level: 7-8 Duration: Quarterly Exploratories take place at the end of every school day and offer a wide variety of classes designed for 7th and 8th graders to explore their talents and interests. Students are encouraged to try new classes and expand their experiences. Students may discover unknown talents or that they dislike certain activities. Exploratories are graded classes.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 15
Grade 7 English 7
English 7 provides students with opportunities to develop their writing skills along with a concurrent review of grammar by providing a range of writing experiences designed to enable students to write for various purposes. Through a graded spelling program, students reinforce spelling, vocabulary, and proofreading skills. Reading comprehension and vocabulary are further developed as students learn to identify and analyze the style and content of various literary genres.
Math 7
Math 7 provides students with a final review of foundational concepts learned in previous years and begins to take a closer look at algebra. Topics covered include statistics, percentages, number patterns, probability, volume, and solving and graphing simple linear equations. Upon completion of the course, students will be assessed on their algebra readiness. Based on the assessment results, students will be placed in one of two grade 8 classes: Pre-Algebra or Algebra I.
Pre-Algebra
In this course, students experience an overview of a range of math concepts that are essential for future success in high school mathematics. Students will focus on number sense and operations, patterns and sequences, statistics, graphs and charts, proportional and spatial reasoning, and pre-algebra concepts. Students may qualify for Pre-Algebra based on the math placement test and a teacher recommendation.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 16
Science 7
Science 7 focuses on life science at a deeper level and includes the following topics; Plants, Cells, Organisms, Human Body Systems, Animal Kingdom, and Ecosystems.
Social Studies 7
Social Studies 7 investigates the geography, history, governments, and cultures of North America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific islands. As students read each textbook chapter or seek information for independent research projects, they build reading comprehension and increase their note taking skills by following different note-taking formats. Using cooperative learning techniques, students locate, record, share, and analyze the information they have acquired.
Bible 7
Character Quest is the curriculum used for Bible 7. Students work through 34 different character traits such as responsibility, integrity, encouragement and service. Many different Bible stories and passages are used to discover what God has to say about how we live our lives. Students discover that the Bible is the foundation for true character. The course is designed to help students in their personal growth as they work through the challenges of adolescence.
Grade 8
English 8
English 8 focuses on literary analysis and literature-based writing while developing the vocabulary and analytical tools for effective analysis of published work. Students review and expand their editing and grammar skills by analyzing words, phrases, clauses and sentences; by learning to use verbals; and by combining sentences using more complex clauses. Student writing focuses on analyzing, evaluating, summarizing, paraphrasing, and personally reacting to published works using specific formats such as essay, short story, research, and poetry to accomplish writing goals. The curriculum is often integrated with U.S. history topics.
Pre-Algebra
In this course, students experience an overview of a range of math concepts that are essential for future success in high school mathematics. Students will focus on number sense and operations, patterns and sequences, statistics, graphs and charts, proportional and spatial reasoning, and pre-algebra concepts. The prerequisite for Pre-Algebra is successful completion of Math 7.
Algebra I
This course presents the basic concepts of algebra. Concepts studied include working with polynomials, solving equations, using formulas, graphing linear equations, solving linear systems, simplifying and solving quadratic expressions and equations, and working with basic functions. Problem solving and real-life applications are emphasized.
Social Studies 8
Social Studies 8 is a survey course of the history of America from prehistory to the present. Emphasis is placed on personalities and events that have shaped the American character and the Constitution. Maps, charts, and pictures help students explore a fascinating account of U.S. history. Students are led to understand and appreciate Christian principles working in government, economics, and society.
Science 8
Science 8 addresses earth science on a deeper level and covers the following topics: Rocks and Minerals, the Earth’s Surface, the Solar System, the earth and its Resources, Oceans and Water, Weather, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, and Volcanoes.
Bible 8
Using the curriculum Survival Quest, students learn to extend themselves beyond merely surviving to thriving in the midst of everyday challenges. Each lesson presents an in-depth Bible study of the life of an Old or New Testament character. Using both positive and negative examples from such lives, students will learn the true meaning of Romans 8:37, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 17
High School Academic Program
In planning for post-secondary admission, students need to plan for taking standardized exams such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Advanced Placement (AP) exams, and/or the SAT II subject tests in the appropriate areas required by colleges or universities. In addition to the high school diploma and standardized tests, students need to research other requirements set forth by the college of their choice (e.g. grade point average, preparatory courses). To do so, students should confer with internet sites, resource materials available in the guidance office, and the specific country's ministry of education, university entrance board or foreign education center.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 18
Dalat International School provides an American-based education, preparing students for entry into colleges and universities around the world. At the completion of four years of study and 24 units of credit, students receive the American high school diploma. The curriculum and instruction provide a broad basis in general education and a strong preparation for university systems worldwide; however, possession of a high school diploma does not guarantee admission to a post-secondary institution. Students planning to pursue postsecondary education in countries other than the U.S. should consult country and university-specific entrance requirements. Families should do so in the beginning of grade 9, planning for necessary courses from the beginning of high school. If a student requires courses not offered by Dalat International School, the family is encouraged to consult with the school's Distance Education Coordinator and e-Learning Coordinator. Transfer credits from internet education, correspondence, and home school courses may be considered for transfer credit and grade (and included in the Dalat International School transcript) if received through an accredited institution. Please meet with the school counselor for more details.
Diploma
Additional requirements for the Advanced Merit Diploma include:
Students may choose the High School Diploma or the Advanced Merit High School Diploma which requires a more rigorous program of study. The High School Diploma includes the following requirements:
• 10 hours of community service for each semester in grades 11 and 12. • Successful completion of two Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the corresponding examinations. • Successful completion of the Senior Exhibition. • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Candidates for the Advanced Merit High School Diploma need pre-approval by the guidance office and the high school principal before August 30 of grade 11.
English
4.0 credits
Math/Science (2 Math and 3 Science or 2 Math and 3 Science)
5.0 credits total
Social Studies
3.0 credits
Bible
0.5 credits each semester of enrollment
Visual and Performing Arts
0.5 credit
Technology
0.5 credit
Please note: Beginning with the Class of 2012 all students must take one course through an online medium to graduate. Beginning with the Class of 2013 all students must complete the Community Service requirement for each year of their enrollment. All students graduating in 2014 or later will be expected to complete a media literacy course to graduate.
Health
0.5 credit
Classes and Grades
Fitness
0.5 credit
Electives
6.0+ credits
Class of 2014 Class of 2013 Class of 2012 Class of 2011
Total
24 credits
(*Modern language proficiency will be determined by verbal and/or written form to the modern language department chairperson or to a language teacher he/she deems appropriate in making the assessment.)
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
The Advanced Merit High School Diploma includes the following requirements: English
4.0 credits
Math
3.0 credits
Science
3.0 credits
Social Studies
3.0 credits
Bible
0.5 credits each semester of enrollment
Modern Language
2.0 credits or proficiency*
Visual and Performing Arts
1.0 credit
Technology
1.0 credit
Health
0.5 credit
Fitness
0.5 credit
Electives
2.0+ credits
Total
24 credits
Course Credit The American system of education uses Carnegie units. A Carnegie unit is a measure of time in which a student studies a subject during the course of a school year. A set number of credits are required in specific subject areas in grades 9 through 12 to fulfill requirements for graduation and the American high school diploma. Students transferring from non-English speaking schools, or systems that do not use the credit system, will receive credit accordingly. One unit of credit is given for successful completion of a course that is normally scheduled for a 45minute class period which meets five times a week for the duration of a 36-week school year. Credit is awarded for the satisfactory completion of courses on the following basis: • Full-year courses which meet 5 periods per week receive 1.0 credit. • Semester courses which meet 5 periods per week receive 0.5 credit. • A course must be taken in its entirety for credit to be awarded. Programs of Instruction Handbook • 19
College-Bound Students
The graduation criteria listed is the MINIMUM requirements for graduation. College-bound students should go beyond the minimum to include the following: Modern language Mathematics Science Subject Area English Math/Science Social Studies Modern Language Fine Arts Technology PE Bible Total:
2 units 4 or more credits 3 or more credits Dalat Graduation Requirements 4 years 3 Math, 2 Science or 2 Math, 3 Science 3 years (Media Literacy required for all starting with the Class of 2014, US History & Am. Gov. required for US citizens) None 1 semester (Band, Choir, or Art) 1 semester 1 semester Health 1 semester Fitness Bible taken each semester at Dalat 24 credits
University Entrance Expectations 4 years 4 Math, 3-4 Science
3-4 years 2-3 years Varies Varies Varies Varies usually 24-26+ credits
Please note: Beginning with the Class of 2012 all students must take one course through an online medium to graduate. Beginning with the Class of 2013 all students must complete the Community Service requirement for each year of their enrollment. All students graduating in 2014 or later will be expected to complete a media literacy course to graduate.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
Advanced Placement (AP) level courses offer students the opportunity to do college-level work in high school. The courses are available to qualified, motivated students in grades 11-12. Students who wish to earn college credit must register and successfully pass the AP Examination administered in May. Registration for AP courses requires a commitment to academic achievement, an understanding and acceptance of the time and amount of work the course involves, teacher and principal recommendation, and meeting the established course prerequisites as outlined below. Students who are taking an AP class may be required to have a study hall in their schedule. Those students with two AP courses, or one AP course and Journalism, will be required to take one study hall. Those with three AP courses or two AP courses and journalism will be required to take two study halls. Courses
Prerequisites
AP English Language and Composition (11)
Pattern of A’s in HS English and teacher approval
AP English Literature and Composition (12)
Pattern of A’s in HS English and teacher approval
AP Calculus AB
A or B in Pre-Calculus
AP Psychology
teacher approval
AP Music Theory
teacher approval
AP Chinese Language and Culture
Mandarin 3 or teacher approval
AP Art Studio (Drawing, 2D and 3D)
Advanced Art or teacher approval
eLearning Through participation in Virtual High School (VHS) and SevenStar as well as other organizations, students acquire the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly technological world. Online learning helps students to master course content, as well as develop communication, collaboration, creative problem solving skills, and enhances Dalat’s course offerings. This year Dalat students will have over 200 courses to choose from. Students can go online at www.govhs.org to view the complete catalogue of courses. Students interested in taking an online course must request approval from the guidance office and the eLearning coordinator. All students beginning with the Class of 2012 will be required to take one of their courses through an online medium. Dalat also offers its own “hybrid” eLearning courses to students through DIScourse. Many Dalat teachers are using the DIScourse technology in the classroom and some courses are taught entirely through this system. Prerequisite: application form available in the guidance office, approval from the guidance department and the high school principal. Programs of Instruction Handbook • 20
Bible Old Testament Survey Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 9 Prerequisite : None
This course is an overview of the four major sections of the Old Testament: the law, history, wisdom literature, and prophets. During the course, students will examine important themes, stories, characters, and issues in the books of the Old Testament. Personal application of the life lessons learned will also be emphasized as well as Bible study skills. New Testament Survey Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 9 Prerequisite : None
This course is designed to give students an overview of the New Testament especially focusing on the life of Jesus Christ. Students will examine key themes, stories, and characters through a study of the New Testament and the four gospel accounts of Jesus’ life. Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, as well as the ministry of the Apostles will be examined against the backdrop of the cultural and political circumstances of first century Palestine. This class will also cover Bible study skills. Fundamentals of the Christian Faith Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 10 Prerequisite : None
This course covers the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith and the beginnings of the Christian Church. The primary source for this study is the founding documents of the church compiled in the New Testament, especially the Acts of the Apostles, the book of Romans, and the letters written by early church leaders. Students will study the cultural contexts in which the church was born and developed; trace the ministries of Peter and Paul, two key figures in the initial spread of the Christian faith; and examine the key doctrinal and practical issues faced by the early Christians. Values and Decision Making Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 11 Prerequisite : None
This course gives an overview of the major religions around the world. The origins, ideologies, and practices of various religions are examined and then compared to the basic beliefs of the Christian faith. When opportunities are available, guest speakers are invited to give personal accounts of their religious and ministry experiences. The course curriculum includes relevant videos, student presentations, class lectures, group discussions, field trips, and a final portfolio.
Grade Level : 11 Prerequisite : None
This course is a journey in discovering a student’s God-given uniqueness and its potential influence and impact on their college and career options as they examine the connection between their innate design and ultimate purpose. Student’s will discover what it means to make wise and well-thought out college and career decisions as they plan and prepare for a satisfying and God-honoring career. Practical components will examine everything from resume writing, interviewing, college applications, financial aid, scholarships and money management to goal-setting, personality exploration, character development, ethics and worldviews. Evangelism Explosion Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 10 Prerequisite : None
This course teaches a Christian approach to values based on the Ten Commandments and other biblical teachings. Students will learn the absolutist and relativist perspectives on truth and morality and will apply their knowledge to the significant ethical issues of the day. The topics discussed include abortion, euthanasia, sexual ethics, cloning, capital punishment, and the ethics of war. World Religions Credit: .5
Design and Purpose Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 11 Prerequisite : Must be of the Christian faith and provide Application
This course teaches students the why, what and how of sharing their personal faith in Jesus Christ. Students will gain an understanding of the motivation for evangelism, and students will learn the process of building relationships, starting conversations which lead to spiritual discussions, presenting the Gospel, answering questions related to the Gospel, and inviting faith commitments to Jesus Christ. Students who desire to enroll in this course must complete an application process prior to the course. Apologetics Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 12 Prerequisite : None Required for grade 12
This course is an introduction to Christian apologetics and is meant to equip the student to declare the Christian truth with integrity and clarity and to defend Christian truth with scholarship and boldness. Students will discover why it is vital to provide logical answers to skeptics, and how to give those answers with a solid understanding of what the Bible says. Christian Worldview Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 12 Prerequisite : None Required for grade 12
This course compares and contrasts the competing worldviews of Secular Humanism, Marxist Leninism, Cosmic Humanism, and Biblical Christianity. Common objections to the Christian faith are considered and a case for Christianity is presented. Programs of Instruction Handbook • 21
English English 9 Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9 Prerequisite : English 8
In this course students are exposed to the basic literary genres (classical literature, mythology, short story, drama, novel, nonfiction and poetry) and the terminology associated with these genres. Students will also expand their vocabulary by studying words taken from the works they have studied in class. Students will continue developing good grammatical skills through LINKS and oral exercises. They will be using the “writing process” to write a personal narrative autobiography, informative speech, and various essays. Honors English 9 Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9 Prerequisite : English 8 Teacher approval
In this course students are exposed to the basic literary genres (classical literature, mythology, short story, drama, novel, nonfiction and poetry) and the terminology associated with these genres. The students will also expand their vocabulary by studying words taken from the works they have studied in class. Students will continue developing good grammatical skills through LINKS and oral exercises. They will be using the “writing process” to write a personal narrative, autobiography, informative speech, and various essays. The honors students will assess this material at a deeper level of understanding than is expected from the English 9 course and may include additional supplementary readings. English 10 Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 10 Prerequisite : English 9
English 10 is a study of world literature and composition. Students write about literature themes and review punctuation rules. The literature anthology includes studies in short story, poetry, modern drama, prose and Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Students read a selection of literature of various genre including science fiction, drama, mysteries, westerns, etc. concurrently with their text and then have focused units on those books. Honors English 10 Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 10 Prerequisite : English 9 Teacher approval
Pre-Course Requirements: The summer before students enroll in Honors English 10, students are required to complete a summer reading project. This project is posted on the DISCourse Web. Honors English 10 is a more rigorous study of world literature and writing than English 10. Students read extensively from a world literature anthology, analyzing stories, poems, and other kinds of literature. They write often about that literature, looking at themes, tone, diction, syntax, etc. Students read more novels and plays and move at a faster pace than the regular English 10 class. Students are required to purchase a copy of an MLA documentation handbook.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 22
English 11 Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 11 Prerequisite : English 10
English 11 is a combination course of American Literature as well as essay writing. Students study American Literature using an anthology. In addition, several novels supplement the text. In writing, students use persuasive, learning, stylistic techniques. Students write a short research paper during the course using the MLA method of citing references. Students are required to purchase a copy of an MLA documentation handbook. AP English Language and Composition Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 11 Prerequisite : English 10 Teacher approval Pattern of A's in high school English
Pre-Course Requirements: The summer before students enroll in AP English 11, they must read the following novel: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and at least two additional novels from an AP reading list (posted on DIScourse web). Mid-Course Requirements: Over the five-week Christmas break students are required to read A Death in the Family by James Agee and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Students study a variety of writing genre including autobiography, biography, history, diary, essay, fiction, journalism, political writing, and science and nature writing. Students write extensively; usually one to two 40-minute timed papers per week. Students also learn the MLA method of documentation and have an indepth study of writing persuasively. Students are required to purchase a copy of an MLA documentation handbook. The primary textbook is from American literature, but students are expected to read a collection of American and world literature works concurrently. In addition students take practice tests to help them prepare for the multiple-choice section on the AP exam. Students must take the AP Language and Composition exam in May.
English 12 Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 12 Prerequisite : English 11
English 12 focuses on British literature; a survey course of English writers from the author of Beowulf through those in the late twentieth century. As this is a university preparatory course, the demands on students to think, read extensively and write are considerable. Although the course follows a chronological (or historical) progression, the spirit of each age is stressed. A study of plays and novels supplements the regular text. In addition, the class works with the AP English 12 students to write and produce a quarterly feature paper, Eagle’s Eye. AP English Literature and Composition Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 12 Prerequisite : English 11 Teacher approval Pattern of A’s in high school English
Pre-Course Requirements: The summer before students enroll in AP English 12, they should read the following novels: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (they may read a condensed version of Les Misérables). Mid-Course Requirements: Over the five-week Christmas break, students are required to read The Brothers Karamazov, Jane Eyre or Return of the Native, and The Picture of Dorian Gray. Students write three 350-word compositions a week and read extensively outside class. The basic textbook is from British literature, but students are expected to read other works of world literature concurrently. Students take practice tests to help them prepare for the multiple-choice section on the AP exam. In addition, seniors join with the regular English 12 class and write and produce the quarterly feature paper, Eagle’s Eye. Students must take the AP Literature and Composition exam in May. Journalism I Credit: 1.0
Journalism II Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 12 Prerequisite : See Journalism I
Journalism II is an advanced class in journalism. Students work independently, going through tutorials in Photoshop and FreeHand. The first big project is to complete the senior supplement of the previous year's book. After the 15th week, students move into the leadership positions of the yearbook and work with the Journalism I class to produce the Reflector by May.
ESL ESL English* Credit: 0.25 per semester
Grade Level : 9 Prerequisite : Individual evaluation
Course includes grammar and vocabulary study to support students in their course studies. Classes take place during P period so students’ high school course selections are not affected. * Not more than one full ESL credit can count toward the 24 credits needed for graduation. Three full credits in regular high school English are needed for graduation from Dalat International School.
Grade Level : 11-12 Prerequisite : Listed below
Journalism Course Admission Guidelines 1. The class size is limited to 15 students. Exceptions to this must be approved by the teacher. 2. In general students must have a B average for grade 10 or grades 10 and 11 in order to take the course. Exceptions must be approved by the teacher. 3. If the class is "full" before August, new students will be considered on an individual basis by the teacher. 4. Juniors who take Journalism I must have the permission of the teacher and approval of the counselor in order to take Journalism II in their senior year. Students wanting to enroll in Journalism II must have a B average or better in Journalism I in order to enroll in Journalism II. 5. Journalism is a full-year course. Students may drop only by teacher recommendation and counselor or principal approval. 6. Students are expected to schedule in an additional 45-minute period each day (whether in school or outside) during second, third, and fourth quarters.Journalism I is the class that produces the school yearbook, the Reflector. Students study photography, layout, design, and produce the book, which comes out in late May. Students take all the photos, draw the layouts, design the graphics, and transfer everything to PageMaker files to take to the press. Students also sell advertisements which helps keep the cost of the book low to students and parents.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 23
Mathematics Algebra I Credit: 1.0
Grade Level: 8-12 Prerequisite: Math 8 Teacher approval
This course presents the basic concepts of algebra. Concepts studied include working with polynomials, solving equations, using formulas, graphing linear equations, solving linear systems, simplifying and solving quadratic expressions and equations, and working with basic functions. Problem solving and real-life applications are emphasized. Geometry Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : Algebra I
This course is a study of lines, planar figures, and some threedimensional forms. Students will examine, prove, and apply properties of figures. Topics studied include geometric constructions, lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, congruence, similarity, area, and volume. Students will develop their critical thinking skills through learning formal and informal proof processes and real-life applications of geometry. Students may take this course concurrently with Algebra II. Algebra II Credit: 1.0
Grade Level: 10-12 Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course continues and extends the study of Algebra I concepts. Topics studied include functions, equations, inequalities, exponents, roots, polynomials, trigonometry, logarithms, and quadratic relations. Students may take this course concurrently with Geometry. Pre-Calculus Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 11-12 Prerequisite : Algebra II Grade of B or better or teacher approval
This course is designed to solidify students’ knowledge of algebra and analytic geometry and to prepare them for high school or college calculus. It is appropriate for those students interested in careers in the mathematical or scientific fields. Concepts studied include coordinate geometry, curve plotting and transformations, functions, trigonometry, logarithms, exponential functions, sequences and series, matrices, statistics, and an introduction to limits. An emphasis is placed on using technology to enhance the understanding and solving of mathematical problems. AP Calculus AB Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 12 Prerequisite : Pre-Calculus Grade of B or better Teacher approval
This course covers the basic concepts and skills of differential and integral calculus. Some topics studied include: limits; tangent lines to curves; definitions of derivative and integration; maxima and minima problems; curve sketching; area under curves; practical applications of derivatives and integration; and the differentiation and integration of trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Use of graphing calculators is emphasized throughout the course. Students must take the AP Calculus exam in May.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 24
Modern Languages Bahasa Melayu I Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9-11 Prerequisite : None
Bahasa Melayu I is a basic grammar course designed for the beginning Bahasa Melayu student. The students will develop basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Topics covered are greetings, directions, time, weather, days, classes, sports, restaurants, shops, transportation, family, hobbies, culture and history. Students will develop the ability to read and understand short paragraphs. By the end of the course, students will be able to write short compositions on limited topics. Bahasa Melayu II & III Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 10-12 Prerequisite : Bahasa Melayu I
Bahasa Melayu II & III reviews and extends Bahasa Melayu I & II topics including Malaysian culture, basic language structure, greetings, food, clothing, etc. Grammatical structures needed to discuss these topics are studied on a daily basis in order to increase proficiency. Bahasa Melayu II also formally begins the study of irregular verbs, the past tense, and the future tense. Mandarin I Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9-10 Prerequisite : None
Mandarin I is a function-based high school course in Modern Standard Chinese, or Putonghua, which incorporates and integrates topics, structures, grammar and culture information within a framework based on a communicative approach to language learning. The emphasis throughout the course is on what students can do using the Chinese Language and how they can communicate with Chinese language speakers in various real life situations. Such communicative language teaching necessarily involves a fully integrated, global approach to the four macro skills, since any communicative activity usually involves a combination of these skills. In Mandarin I, students learn to express themselves and understand others on topics closely related to their own experience and their daily life, such as family, school, time, dates, daily routine, means of transport and the weather. Students also learn to read and write simple passages in Chinese script (characters) about the topics learned. There are a total of 156 Learn to Read and Learn to Write characters in Mandarin I and several hundred Chinese phrases. The course also aims to develop in students an awareness of the Chinese language and the way it reflects Chinese culture.
Mandarin II Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9-10 Prerequisite : Mandarin I
This course is a continuation of the Mandarin I course. In Mandarin II, students learn to express themselves and understand others on topics closely related to their own experience and their daily life, such as sports, clothing, school life and hobbies. Students also learn to read and write simple passages in Chinese script (characters) about the topics learned. There are a total of 189 Learn to Read and Learn to Write characters in Mandarin II and several hundred Chinese phrases. The course also aims to develop students’ awareness of the Chinese language and the way it reflects Chinese culture. Mandarin III Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 10-12 Prerequisite : Mandarin II
This course is a continuation of Mandarin II. In Mandarin III, students learn to express themselves and understand others on topics closely related to their own experience and their daily life, such as holidays, getting around, shopping, watching television or movies and attending sports events. Students also learn to read and write simple passages in Chinese script (characters) about the topics learned. There are a total of 161 Learn to Read and Learn to Write characters in Mandarin III and several hundred Chinese phrases. The course also aims to develop students’ awareness of the Chinese language and the way it reflects Chinese culture. AP Chinese Language and Culture Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 11-12 Prerequisite : Mandarin 3 and teacher approval
The AP Chinese Language and Culture course is designed to be comparable to fourth semester college/university courses in Mandarin Chinese. The AP course prepares students to demonstrate their level of Chinese proficiency with ongoing and varied opportunities to further develop their proficiencies across the full range of language skills within a cultural frame of reference reflective of the richness of Chinese language and culture. Spanish I Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9-10 Prerequisite : None
Spanish I is a basic grammar course designed for the beginning Spanish student. The students will develop basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing the Spanish language. Topics covered are greetings, directions, time, weather, seasons, months, days, classes, sports, restaurants, shops and transportation. Students will develop the ability to read and understand short paragraphs. By the end of the course, students will be able to write short compositions on limited topics. Spanish II & III Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 10-12 Prerequisite : Spanish I & II
Spanish II & III reviews and extends Spanish I & II topics including Hispanic culture, basic language structure, greetings, food, Spanish-speaking countries and clothing. Grammatical structures needed to discuss these topics are studied on a daily basis in order to increase proficiency. Spanish II also formally begins the study of irregular verbs, the past tense, and the future tense.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 25
Physical Education Health Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : None
Health education is a one-semester course offered either in the classroom or online that provides students with the opportunity to increase their knowledge of current personal, family, and community health issues. Emphasis is placed upon the development of personal preventive health-care and life-style skills. Health education focuses on those issues that lead students to a high level of wellness in order to help them become all that God intends them to be. Course content includes studies in life choices, emotional health, stress management, body systems, drug use and abuse, disease prevention, relationships and issues that can affect relationships, and first aid and safety. Fitness Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : None
Fitness is a one-semester course that focuses on preventive health-care, but strictly from a fitness prospective. Students are given the opportunity to study the anatomy and exercise physiology of the human body as it relates to the development of physical fitness. This course helps students analyze their own personal fitness with the intention of not only developing a deeper understanding but also to improve their fitness level. Course work centers on a detailed study of strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, body composition, and cardio-vascular fitness. Current fitness articles are read and analyzed. Each student is provided with the opportunity to personalize exercise prescriptions and then compile these into a complete exercise program. The course has a comprehensive study on nutrition along with many fitness type activities with an emphasis on development and maintenance of a fitness lifestyle to assist students in achieving a higher level of personal fitness. A majority of the course is activity oriented, including hikes and games.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 26
Physical Education Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : None
This is an elective activity class that offers students an opportunity to improve physical fitness and develop skills through participating in a variety of sports including: track and field, volleyball, badminton, basketball, football, baseball, tennis, soccer, squash, Frisbee, golf, hiking, kayaking, team handball, co op-games, weight training, swimming, gymnastics, and bowling. (Other activities may be added.) An emphasis is placed upon being active through participation, preparedness, skill development, knowledge and performance behavior. Grades are compiled from three primary sources: cognitive, affective and psychomotor. Students are also exposed to tournament administration & officiating. Students are expected to be motivated and responsible for their own individual activity level during class. Several groupstyle activities ensure maximum participation for all students.
Science Physical Science Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9 Prerequisite : Math 8, Science 8
This course provides students with a survey of major physics and chemistry concepts. The course also includes a variety of lab experiences that will enrich and enhance student understanding. The sequence of course topics include a review of the scientific method and metric system; basic motion concepts of speed, acceleration, and force; energy laws, characteristics, movement, and work; the electromagnetic spectrum, light, sound, and color; an introduction to magnetism and electricity; an initial exposure to historical and current atomic theory, the elements, the periodic table, balancing chemical reactions and organic chemistry. Biology Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 10 Prerequisite : Physical Science, teacher and counselor permission for grade 9 enrollment
This course examines the basic features that define all living things as well as providing a Christian context for life on planet Earth. A set of core presentations, exercises, and lab experiences focuses on origin of life theories; an introduction to biochemistry; cell components and function; photosynthesis and respiration; DNA and protein synthesis; the cell cycle, mitosis, and meiosis; and genetic technology. Students complete a series of three ‘Diversity of Life’ projects over the course of the academic year as well as one short ‘Digging Deeper’ research paper per quarter. A significant ecological strand of instruction is woven into the core content through a sequence of ten field visits to either a beach or a tropical rain forest study site. Chemistry Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 11-12 Prerequisite : Physical Science, Biology, & Algebra I
In Chemistry, the study of matter and its changes, students will have an introduction to the fundamental principles. Topics covered include measurements in chemistry, chemical calculations, atoms, molecules, ions, molecular structure, the use of formulas and equations in relation to chemical calculations, moles, reactions, periodicity and atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermochemistry and chemical energy, stoichiometry, the gas laws, liquids, solids and state changes, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, nuclear and organic chemistry, acid base chemistry, and redox. Students will learn the basic vocabulary of chemistry, logical thinking and deduction skills, and experimental procedures. Physics Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 12 Prerequisite : Physical Science, Biology, Algebra I, Geometry, enrolled in/completed Algebra II.
This course is a high school level, conceptual approach of physics with a lab component. It will give students both a general background in physics and serve to prepare students for AP Physics B if they choose to pursue it. Topics covered are Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. Important note: fluid mechanics and thermal physics, and atomic and nuclear physics might be left out if there is not enough time to adequately present these topics. Problem solving skills as well as conceptual understanding will be developed in this course.
Social Studies Geography Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9 Prerequisite : None
Geography introduces the five themes of geography as applied to the Western hemisphere and are studied from a global view. Students learn about North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Northern Eurasia, Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Emphasis is on maps, landforms, population growth, culture, economy, and the environment. World History Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 10 Prerequisite : None
This course is a study of the classical and modern societies of both Eastern and Western civilizations. A study of the past is made through an in-depth study of Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China. The course also includes the spread of Classical Greek ideas and the development of the Roman Empire. The study of European history begins with the rise of feudalism and continues through the Renaissance. As students study modern history, they will look at the development of current nations and the effects the world wars have had in shaping our world. Southeast Asian Studies Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 11 & 12 Prerequisite : None
This course provides an overview of geography, religions, and cultures of Southeast Asia as well as a survey of the region's history. To foster both an understanding of and an appreciation for this area of the world, students complete research projects, give oral reports, view relevant videos and discuss magazine articles related to current events and participate in other class activities. United States History Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 11 & 12 Prerequisite : None Required for grade 11 U.S. citizens
This course is a chronological analysis of America from the colonial period until the present. Areas covered include Native Americans and their cultures, exploration and colonization, the United States revolution, the development of the American democratic system, the westward expansion, the Civil War, the Reconstruction, the rise of big business, the Spanish American War, World War I, the Depression, World War II, the civil rights movement, as well as current events and contemporary international problems. Programs of Instruction Handbook • 27
American Government Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 12 Prerequisite : None Required for grade 12 U.S. citizens
This course focuses on the federal government of the U.S. Throughout the semester students study the foundations of government, civil rights, the three branches of government, political participation, and government in action. Students gain an understanding of the many complex aspects and issues of modern American Government. At the end of the semester students will have a good understanding of the Constitution and other foundations of government, be able to express their civil rights and liberties, understand how to participate in politics, comprehend the workings of the judicial, executive and legislative branches, as well as evaluate current topics of government that arise throughout the semester. Media Literacy Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 12 Prerequisite : None
Media Literacy is an in-depth study of the media environment that we currently live in. The study of media will be the focus of the course with the objective that students will gain the media literacy skills needed to effectively navigate the media centric societies that they will live in. Analysis of news media, advertising, and the culture of the media will be major components of this course. Who is deciding what we should know? What are the factors that contribute to what is news and what is not? How much are we being controlled by propaganda and the advertising machine that drives our materialistic culture? Is the media reflecting our culture or changing it? These are just a handful of the many questions students will be asking in our study of the modern media and its influence in the world. As students study the modern media, they will gain essential skills in interpreting information from the press, differentiating fact from opinion, recognizing appeals to emotion and bias, understanding the power of propaganda and advertising, and forming reasoned opinions about the issues of the day. The course will include class discussion, videos, lectures, presentations, weekly quizzes, and projects.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 28
Personal Psychology Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 10-12 Prerequisite : None
Students who wish to take one semester of psychology, or who do not want to take this course at the AP level may take the Personal Psychology option. Self-knowledge is a key to selfimprovement. This course offers exciting online psychology experiments about our own behavior. Successful completion is based on interactive psychology experiments, quizzes, projects, and a brief psychology journal. AP Psychology Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 11-12 Prerequisite : AP Summer Seminar or Personal Psychology (see below)
Students are required to have completed the Personal Psychology course at Dalat or the AP Psychology Summer Seminar. Students must have maintained a “B� or better average in either prerequisite. In addition students do need to possess strong language and writing skills and have adequate technical skills and personal characteristics for success in a web-oriented course. Faculty approval is required to enroll. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. In this course students are presented wtih an overview of this science. Methods of research, biological basis of psychology, development, perception, sensation, cognitive processes, abnormal psychology, psychotheraphy, testing and social psychology will be covered. AP courses are designed to cover similar material to a universitylevel introductory course and students will be using a collegelevel textbook. This course requires memorization of large amounts of vocabulary and most students find that the reading and homework is about twice that of a non AP course. Students will need to be committed to the amount of outside class time that AP Psychology will require in order to be successful in this class as well as on the AP exam in May. Students are required to register for an additional AP Psychology study period.
Visual and Performing Arts
Information Technology Information Processing Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisites : None
Information Processing provides students with basic skills to use the computer to process many types of information effectively and efficiently. The Information Processing course focuses on using the computer in creating, accessing, and processing information. A variety of computer applications and topics are covered each year, including: business applications (primarily spreadsheets), computer assisted design, and digital imaging and web design. Computer Science Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 10-12 Prerequisite : None
The computer science course is designed to prepare students to value computer science and appreciate its role in society. This course stimulates a spirit of inquiry by developing a variety of problem-solving and decision-making skills and abilities. Students are introduced to computer programming, using Visual Basic, and to fundamental computer networking concepts and skills. Communication Production Technology Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : None
This course develops knowledge, skills, and abilities in audio, video, and multimedia production technologies. Throughout the course, students will participate in hands-on production-oriented activities, labs, and projects. Students will also engage in research, use industry specific terminology and will learn concepts, vocabulary, and skills within the context of an actual production experience. The course will encourage students to work as a contributing member of a production team, engaging in processes commonly used within the communication production industry.
Foundation Art Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : None
Students work with the language of vision as they encounter the practices of drawing, painting, two-dimensional design and sculpture. Through projects, discussions and exposure to art history, students focus on their own creative work and on visual examples from the world. Advanced Art Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 10-12 Prerequisite : Foundation Art
Serious art students are challenged to sharpen perceptual skills as they achieve excellence in image-making. Students in this course will concentrate on accomplishing mastery in twodimensional and three-dimensional techniques as they explore new materials and develop a personal style. Master Studio Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 11-12 Prerequisite : Advanced Art
Designed for highly motivated students of art, students in this course will experience the rigor of developing a substantial portfolio while challenged with the opportunity to articulate a sophisticated personal expression. Students will fine-tune skills associated with the critique-process as they engage with and present art history lectures and discussions. AP Art Studio Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 11-12 Prerequisite : Advanced Art and teacher approval
The AP Art Studio portfolios are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. AP Art Studio is not based on a writtern examination; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. In Art Studio, students present selected materials from the work they have done during the AP course for evaluation at the end of the year by a group of artists and teachers. The portfolio is a vehicle through which students can demonstrate their ability to deal with the fundamental concerns of the visual arts and can thus possibly earn credit or advanced placement, or both, at the college level. Students may choose from one of three AP Art Studio designations; Drawing, 2D or 3D. Concert Band Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : One year experience and teacher approval
The Concert Band consists of student instrumentalists who play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. This group performs a variety of music specifically written for the concert band and represents our school at the band exchanges, local churches, selected community events, and at Dalat International School and church events. Band is also designed to help individual students improve the command of their instruments and to become proficient in sight reading. Band members are also strongly encouraged to use their musical gifts in small ensembles and other various instrumental groups, such as the Jazz Ensemble, and to participat in Dalat worship teams. Students are expected to practice 120 minutes per week, and these times are submitted. Programs of Instruction Handbook • 29
History of Western Music Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : None
This is a general overview of European music history from 1300 A.D. to the early 20th Century, including Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist and Expressionist eras. Major traits of these eras and the composers who mastered them will be studied, and a significant listening component is included. Completion of this course will provide a solid base for successful musical studies in most universities. History of Western Music is offered as an online course with P Period blocks scheduled for group instruction. AP Music Theory Credit: 1.0
Concert Choir Credit: 1.0
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : None
Concert Choir provides beginning and intermediate singers a venue for a rich choral experience. Repertoire includes pieces from different genres and historical time periods, promoting awareness in a variety of choral traditions. An ear training component for intervals and rhythms is also stressed throughout the year. Historically the choir will sing in a number of concerts and venues, as well as travel for concert opportunities. Students are expected to practice 60 minutes per week. Music Theory Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : None
This course will complete all music rudiments up to introductory music harmony and will include key signatures, clefs, scales, all terms in various languages, cadences, transposition, time signatures, and interval training. Ear training will also be emphasized with interval and melodic dictation. Completion of this course will provide the necessary music theory skills to enter most university music programs. Music Theory is offered as an on-line course with P Period blocks scheduled for group instruction. Students who wish to pursue a full credit in Music Theory will also complete work in sight-singing, ear training, and introductory harmony in preparation for studies in Advanced Placement Music Theory.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 30
Grade Level : 10-12 Prerequisite : Music Theory or teacher approval
A major component of any college music curriculum is a course introducing the first-year student to musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. Such a course may bear a variety of titles (Basic Musicianship, Elementary Theory, Harmony and Dictation, Structure of Music, etc.). It may emphasize one aspect of music, such as harmony; more often, however, it integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and, to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are considered an important part of the theory course, although they may be taught as separate classes. The student’s ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental to such a course. It is also assumed that the student has acquired at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument.
Electives Speech Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : None
Communication Matters utilizes a textual approach to create a speech communication course that is meaningful for students. Each chapter presents both communication theory and the opportunity to develop skills through practical applications with the emphasis on development of practical, everyday skills. As students learn to communicate with others, they must learn to make responsible, ethical choices; so lessons are tied together through an “ethics” thread. Students’ exercises develop effective leadership, problem solving and decision making, effective learning, and finally preparation for the future. By the end of the course, students are expected to be much more comfortable with preparing and presenting oral works. SAT Prep Credit: 0.5
Grade Level : 10-12 Prerequisite : None
This course is aimed at helping students prepare to take American university entrance exams and improve their test taking skills. Diagnostic tests will be taken and reviewed. Students will learn strategies for the various test sections included on the SAT I. Emphasis will be on verbal skills and vocabulary building. Step by step math problems and solutions will be used as necessary. Actual testing conditions will be simulated. Students who will benefit from this course are those students who want to improve their SAT I scores, those who need confidence in test taking skills and those who need to improve using time wisely. Industrial Arts Credit: 0.
Grade Level : 9-12 Prerequisite : None
The Industrial Arts course involves activities in computer assisted drafting (CAD), woodworking, and plastics. Projects and assignments allow for students who have had no previous Industrial Arts experience to those with more advanced skills and abilities. Students will use hand tools as well as many power tools.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 31
English as a Second Language We care about your child’s progress in language learning! Since students receive their instruction in English, reasonable achievement expectations must be met to protect both the child and the learning environment. • All ESL students enter the program on one-year probation and should demonstrate willingness and ability to learn. Regular testing takes place to measure progress. • All second language students are expected to make reasonable progress in their English and must pass admissions tests to graduate into grades 5, 9 and 10. • Students identified with learning disabilities may not be allowed to continue at Dalat in their own interests. • Some students may need the support of a tutor at home. ESL students are expected to remain in the program for at least a semester, and to achieve near grade-level proficiency within three years. Students graduate out of the program based on teacher recommendation and standardized test results.
English Only Campus
An exciting aspect of Dalat is that the student body represents many different countries and cultures from around the world. English is the language of instruction and students are expected to speak English Only during the entire school day or while involved in school activities. The use of another language can be exclusionary to students who do not speak the second language and can discourage the growth of community amongst our students. • ANY TIME a student is in the classroom he or she must speak English. Permission is required to speak a language other than English, for example, when helping another student, since teachers cannot understand what is being said. • A “language offense” is defined as conversational use of a language other than English involving more than a sentence rather than simply a word or phrase. • 1st offense – warning from the teacher. • 2nd offense – a letter is sent home to parents. • 3rd offense – detention. Students are informed of this policy in the admissions interview and are asked for a response of commitment to it. Failure to abide by it leads to implementation of the disciplinary procedure. However, most students are serious about wanting to learn English and recognize the advantage speaking English only gives them to improve their English skills.
Programs of Instruction Handbook • 32
education for life
Dalat International School educates children in preschool to grade 12. Located in Penang, Malaysia, Dalat is a leader in international education and provides an “education for life� for more than 420 students from 28 nations. Dalat started as a school for missionary kids in Dalat, Vietnam 81 years ago in 1929. Since then it has relocated to Bangkok, Thailand for a year before moving to the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia in 1966. The school has been on its current location in Penang since 1971. The school offers an American, college-preparatory, Christian-integrated curriculum, and its academic and boarding programs are fully accredited.