Instructions
The International Academy of Sfax uses classroom routines and instructional practices common to an American education. We recreate an American classroom atmosphere. You will find pedagogy using inquiry-based learning that encourages learners to engage in exploration and problem solving. At times we use collaborative learning to help students gain a greater understanding of the content they are studying and to acquire the social skills needed in the work place and in life. We also want them to appreciate the unique skills of others and even of themselves. Teachers are very reflective in their practice as they strive to always improve the teaching and learning processes.
Assessment
Learning is assessed in a variety of ways at the International Academy of Sfax. Students are assessed while they are learning and thus, teachers adjust teaching methods and lesson plans accordingly. They are also assessed with tests, quizzes and graded papers. Quarterly reports are sent home to communicate student progress to parents.
Academics
The Common Core academic standards provide the foundation for teaching and learning at IAS.
The Common Core is informed by the highest, most effective standards from states across the United States and countries around the world. Problem-solving and communication skills are the focus of instruction. Interactive group work allows for creativity in the classroom.
What All Parents Need to Know
Today’s students are preparing to enter a world in which Universities and businesses are demanding more qualifications than ever before. To ensure all students are ready for success after high school, the Common Core Standards establish clear and consistent guidelines for what every student should know and be able to do in mathematics, English language arts, and social studies from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The Common Core/Next Generation Science Standards focus on developing the critical-thinking,problem-solving, and analytical skills students will need to be successful. These standards do not tell the teacher how to teach but provide adequate guidelines in curricula to measure student performance and skills throughout the school year to ensure that students are on the pathway to success in their academic careers.
Academic Content
IAS includes all areas of academic studies. Students will receive at least 90 minutes of English/language arts and 60 minutes of mathematics instruction per day.
Arabic language study begins the second semester for Kindergarten and continues each school year through elementary grades for two hours each week. French language study begins in Grade 1 and continues through elementary grades for three hours per week. Our goal is for students to be at grade level in English and French and to have a working knowledge of Arabic. Other areas of study include visual arts, Physical education and technology.