The course of studies at Dostyk American International School (DAIS) includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, STEAM, Physical Education and Health, Music, World Languages, and Technology.

When reading about the various learning areas, it should be kept in mind that learning in the school continually moves across discipline boundaries. When children focus on a particular topic, they may discuss, interview, read, write, study graphs, measure, or make models; they may inquire, test ideas, calculate, paint, sing, or do any number of learning activities that are not narrowly tied to one specific subject area. We use the term “integration” to describe our commitment to this principle of “bringing things together and making meaningful and real connections in learning”. This approach is valued and planned for on a continual basis. This approach does not exclude or diminish the need for teaching explicit and discrete skills and concepts. 

Project-Based Learning
At DAIS the Middle School team believes in giving students choice, agency, and ownership of their learning. Each trimester, we offer an opportunity for students to pursue their passions through a project-based approach. As a member of one of three teams, students are presented with themes and provocations that will inspire them to create a project that demonstrates their deep understanding of a topic. The final product is presented to the community so that they have an authentic audience and receive genuine feedback. 

Language Arts: We follow the American Common Core curriculum and standards. Literacy is studied across the curriculum in all main subject areas including Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics. Reading encompasses all genres and is studied through class novels, book clubs, and independent reading. Progress is monitored through diagnostic reading tests (DRA), reading response journals, and other comprehension tasks. 

The writing genres covered are poetry, personal narrative, information reports, literary essays, and, if time permits, a genre chosen by the students. The goal of the Language Arts program is that students:

• Demonstrate independence
• Build strong content knowledge
• Respond to the varying demands of audience, purpose, and genre
• Comprehend and critique
• Value evidence
• Use technology and digital media strategically and capably
• Come to understand other perspectives and cultures

Social Studies: In Grade 6 the main focus is History. We study ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome. Students also learn historical thinking skills, such as Chronological Thinking, Historical Comprehension, Historical Analysis and, Interpretation, and Historical Research Skills. 

In Grade 7 the main focus is World Geography. Students learn geographic thinking skills, such as Spatial Significance, Patterns and Trends, Interrelationships, and Geographic Perspectives. 

In addition, they move toward independence by learning and practicing research skills: they ask questions using the geographic definition, acquire data, explore the data, analyze geographic information, and act on their knowledge. 

In Grade 8 the students are immersed in U.S. history, where we cover a variety of time periods that have significantly shaped both our country and our culture. We begin with learning about the first Americans, American colonial heritage, and the American Revolution. Next, we explore our expanding nation through the mid-1800s. In the last trimester, we analyze the American Civil War, explore migration, and conclude with the Industrial Revolution. Throughout the course we build on social science analysis skills such as chronological and spatial thinking, historical research, and historical interpretation. While we are immersed in American history, we approach all content through a multicultural lens. Our in-depth study utilizes robust primary and secondary sources that aid in student understanding of the multiple perspectives and interpretations of historical events.

Mathematics: The three-year middle school Math course is designed with foundations in US Common Core Math to give students a strong background in the procedures, concepts, and language of mathematics, which will enable them to successfully pursue further mathematical courses in high school and beyond. The ideas of geometry and algebra are concentrated throughout the years, as the understanding shape and the underlying rules that pervade our universe are the cornerstone of Mathematics. The integrated approach during the three years allows students to make connections across the different topics and not see them as stand-alone pieces. This is an important understanding to take away from the Middle School program. 

Each module has questions ranging from a basic procedural understanding to complete problem-solving situations and is spaced nicely to give each student time to consolidate their knowledge and push forward with the more conceptual aspects.

Science: Middle School Science is designed with foundations in the US Next Generation of Science Standards to give students a strong background in science and engineering practices. We use exploration, design thinking, observations, and lab experiments to explore these many practices. Core ideas from Earth and Space Science, Physical Science, and Life Science are integrated throughout the three years and we use Science Bits as one of the main online resources to help us understand the facts from the core ideas. Finally, we have discussions to make sense of how the practices of science and engineering come together with the core ideas through many cross-cutting concepts that develop the way we understand the world. After all, science is all about making observations to understand how the world works! 

WHAT is DICE Day: Community-based problem-solving at the school, local, and global level through designing, innovating, creating, and exploring.

HOW: Students will research around the Sustainable Development Goals to find solutions for the betterment of the school, local, and global community. Students will be actively involved through:

• Investigation
• Planning
• Action
• Reflection and Demonstration