The MACIMISE Graduate Program Kicks Off in Saipan
Member's of PREL's MACIMISE online graduate program in Saipan
The Mathematics and Culture in Micronesia: Integrating Societal Experiences (MACIMISE) inaugural Institute was held in Saipan from July 4–15 at Saipan Southern High School (SSHS). Attending were 18 Pacific Islanders from American Samoa, Hawai‘i, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau.
According to Dr. Sandy Dawson, MACIMISE Project Director, “The first goal of the project is the development of elementary school mathematics curricula sensitive to local mathematical thought and experience. A necessary prerequisite for the achievement of this first goal is to recapture and honor the mathematics developed and practiced in the various communities.”
Of the 18 participants, 10 are pursuing doctorate degrees, and 8 are seeking masters degrees from the College of Education, University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa under a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL).
PREL is the lead organization for the NSF grant, whereas the University of Hawai‘i, College of Education, is providing the courses and the professors to teach those courses. For the MACIMISE Institute in Saipan, the courses are being taught by Dr. Neil Pateman, Dr. Joe Zilliox, Dr. Paul McKimmy, and Dr. Sandy Dawson. Dr Tom Craven, Co-Principal Investigator (PI) on the NSF grant, was also in attendance at the Institute. Visiting scholars who attended the Institute were two professors from the University of Guam, Dr. Donald Rubinstein and Dr. Nick Goetzfridt.
In the words of Dr. Dawson, “This Institute marks the beginning of a journey as participants embark on five years of work in bringing to light the mathematics existing in the cultural practices of their home islands.”
The Institute could not have been held without the assistance of Saipan Southern High School’s principal, Craig Garrison, and Ms. Dora Miura, a MACIMISE participant and math teacher at the school.
Participating in the program are, from American Samoa: Tauvela Fale and Paul Tauiliili; from Chuuk State, FSM: Danie Mamangon, Miuty Nokar, and Dion Bernard; from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI): Dora Miura; from Guam: Bea Camacho; from Hawai‘i: Andrea Aiona; from Kosrae State, FSM: Rhoda Velasquez, Tulensru Waguk, and Penina Tulensru; from the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI): Sweeny Term; from the Republic of Palau: Epi Moses and Lucia Tabelual; from Pohnpei State, FSM: Deeleeann Daniel, and Tendy Liwy; and from Yap State, FSM: Jerry Fagolimul and Cal Hachibmai.
(Posted July 22, 2010)
Six Pacific Islanders Receive PREL’s Pacific Teacher Scholarship
Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) established the Pacific Teacher Scholarship Fund as one way to increase the number of qualified teachers in the U.S.-affiliated Pacific. Each year, PREL awards scholarships to teachers or teacher candidates who are in the process of completing an accredited teacher preparation program. The scholarships range from $750 to $1,000 and go to Pacific Islanders who are committed not only to reaching their own potential, but to providing greater educational opportunities for Pacific children.
This year, six scholarship recipients for the 2010–2011 school year representing American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap), and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), were awarded. PREL is proud to contribute to the efforts of these fine educators and educators-to-be in the pursuit of their goals.
2010–2011 Scholarship Winners:
Ale xander Edward Coffin, American Samoa. Alexander is a graduate of Samoana High School and a full-time 7th-grade teacher at Matafao Elementary School. He is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education as a full-time, online student at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa. Alexander plans to remain in American Samoa as a highly qualified educator working with elementary-level students.
Lisa E. Emwalu, Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia. Lisa graduated from Saramen Chuuk Academy in 1995 and received her associate degree in liberal arts from the College of Micronesia-Chuuk State Campus in 1997. She taught at Chuuk High School and St. Cecelia School in Chuuk and is currently teaching English Language Learners (ELL) at Leilehua High School and Wahiawa Middle School in Hawai`i. In the fall of 2010, Lisa plans to attend the University of Hawai‘i-West Oahu campus as a full-time student in the Elementary Education Program. After obtaining her degree Lisa hopes to remain in Hawai`i working with the large population of ELL students there and then return to Chuuk to continue her work with students in her homeland.
Jennifer I. Hainrick, Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia. A graduate of Xavier High School in Chuuk State, FSM, Jennifer began working as a library technician in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) at the College of Micronesia-Pohnpei State Campus. After completing her 4th-Year Partnership Program in Education with the University of Guam, in the fall of 2010, she intends to pursue her master’s degree in library science at the College of Micronesia-Pohnpei State Campus. After obtaining her degree, Jennifer intends to remain at the LRC serving the college community and promoting libraries and information literacy.
Verna Lynn Reyes, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. After graduating from Saipan Southern High School, Verna Lynn began as a volunteer tutor at Koblerville High School. Soon after, she became the school librarian and then moved into the Special Education program. She is now a full-time senior at Northern Marianas College pursuing a master’s degree in education. As an educator, Verna Lynn hopes to remain in her home state of Saipan as a teacher of all content areas to elementary-level students.
Beverly T. Wabol, Kosrae State, Federated States of Micronesia. Beverly graduated from Kosrae High School and soon began working as a math and English tutor for high school students with Kosrae’s Upward Bound program. She received an associate’s degree in education and began working with the College of Micronesia-Kosrae Campus providing English Language Acquisition to teachers. Beverly is currently a full-time senior student pursuing her bachelor’s degree at University of Guam majoring in secondary education with an emphasis on English as a Second Language (ESL). She looks forward to continuing her education; earning her master’s degree and returning to her home of Kosrae as a highly qualified English teacher working with ESL students.
Angelina N. Yobech, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Angelina graduated from Antelope Valley Adult School in California in 1990. That same year she was living in Yap working as a full-time volunteer with a nonprofit organization serving as a counselor and substitute teacher at Yap High School. She was later based in Guam, where the organization partnered with the Division of Youth Affairs conducting counseling and character development sessions. In Saipan, Angelina is a certified trainer of the MotheRead/FatheRead program in partnership with the CNMI Humanities Council, where she teaches parents how to read to their children and use stories as a way to communicate and bond. She also volunteers with the Division of Youth Service, conducting weekly sessions in reading, writing, and life skills with residents of the Juvenile Detention Unit. Angelina is a full-time student pursuing her bachelor of science degree at Northern Marianas College, and looks forward to continuing her work in Saipan focusing on middle school education in the content areas of language arts and social studies.
(Posted June 23, 2010)
PREL and Mentor Interactive Reach Agreement to Market Cosmos Chaos!™
The Release Of Cosmos Chaos!™ Brings A Breakthrough
Edutainment Property To The Market Place
BOULDER, CO (Jun 2010) – Mentor InterActive Inc. announces an agreement with Pacific Resources For Education and Learning (PREL) to Publish and Market Cosmos Chaos!™ for the Nintendo DS. Cosmos Chaos! is an exciting role-playing adventure educational game , that was designed specifically to take full advantage of the Nintendo DS and to help 4th to 7th grade readers develop vocabulary building skills through an innovative mix of game-play action, adventure and story-telling.
The game itself is the result of the collaboration of a video game “dream team” comprised of experienced video game designers, kids programming creatives and leading experts in the fields of reading, education and technology. Cosmos Chaos, as well as its extensive curriculum guide and supplemental educational materials was funded by a Star Schools grant from the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. Ed) Office of Innovation and Improvement. The finished game has been tested by a wide variety of students, and has delivered on its promise of exciting game interactivity and learning.
“Cosmos Chaos is a great example of true ‘edutainment’ and the kind of game we’re proud to bring to the market” says Brian Kohn, President and CEO of Mentor InterActive. “We’re very enthusiastic about its potential and that it will be well-received by parents for its educational benefits as well as by kids for its stellar game-play.”
“In developing an educationally oriented game on the traditional Nintendo DS gaming platform we deliberately engaged the expertise of experienced developers to ensure that this game could live up to our vision of a high quality gaming experience while maintaining its educational focus” commented, Paul Dumas CPO of PREL. “We’re very pleased to be partnering with Mentor Interactive in bringing this great game to a broader audience.”
Cosmos Chaos! for the Nintendo DS will be available at mass and specialty retailers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $29.99. Cosmos Chaos is rated E by the ESRB.
About Mentor InterActive, Inc.
CO was founded in 2004 by faculty members of the Center for Computational Language and EducAtion Research (CLEAR, known at that time as the Center for Spoken Language Research) at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Mentor InterActive publishes and markets interactive software based on the proven Foundations to Literacy reading program, developed at CLEAR through a license granted by the University of Colorado Technology Transfer Office. Mentor also holds licenses from the University of Colorado for speech recognition and facial animation technologies. Mentor InterActive holds a license to develop for Nintendo DS™ and Wii™. The company’s management team brings decades of business development and marketing experience to the production process. Mentor InterActive was named the 2009 Physical Science/Engineering/IT Company of the Year by the University of Colorado Technology Transfer Office.
About Pacific Resources For Education and Learning (PREL)
Pacific Resources For Education and Learning (PREL) is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that serves the educational community in the U.S. affiliated Pacific islands, the continental United States, and countries throughout the world. PREL bridges the gap between research, theory, and practice in education and works collaboratively with schools and school systems to provide services that range from curriculum development to assessment and evaluation.
(Posted June 22, 2010)
The Strategic Learning Communities (SLC) project kicks off!
SLC is a three-year training, technical assistance, and capacity building project, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This unique project will contribute to library sector improvements throughout PREL’s service region. Enhanced awareness of, and access to, relevant resources will raise the quality and relevance of library services at all levels, and improved planning, management, and efficiency in the library sector will be fostered through the SLC project.
This three-year project will work with senior library staff who are enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a lasting difference through both mentoring and thoughtful succession planning, and newer library staff who will be introduced to library programming, advocacy, leadership skills, and other key training segments designed to build the capacity of the region’s libraries.
One-week SLC training workshops will be held in the following entities: Republic of Palau, Kosrae, Chuuk, Yap, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Pohnpei, American Samoa, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
For more information about SLC or the Library and Information Literacy Initiatives (LILI) contact Ms. Jane Barnwell, LILI Director at barnwellj@prel.org.
(Posted June 17, 2010)
PREL Names Dr. Sharon Nelson-Barber To Serve As President and CEO
Pacific Resources for Education and Learning’s (PREL’s) Board of Directors announces Dr. Sharon Nelson-Barber as the nonprofit organization's newly elected President and Chief Executive Officer.
For the last 12 years, Dr. Nelson-Barber has been serving as the Director of WestEd’s Center for the Study of Culture and Language in Education. She has also been a lecturer at Stanford University on the subjects of Native American studies and cultural and social anthr
opology. She is active in major organizations and meetings in anthropology and education and serves on a number of national advisory boards. She holds a doctorate in human development from Harvard University.
She combines expertise in qualitative research and culturally competent assessment and evaluation with years of experience providing equity assistance to schools, organizations, and service agencies serving diverse communities. A particular focus of hers is cultural issues in the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. Among her extensive publications, she is co-editor and contributor to the 2009 book titled Culturally Responsive Mathematics Education.
Dr. Nelson-Barber is a sociolinguist with ample experience in the Pacific. Her work explores ways in which teachers can more effectively teach the full spectrum of students in today’s classrooms. It centers, in particular, on the teaching knowledge and abilities of educators in nontraditional contexts, spanning indigenous settings in the lower 48 states, Alaska, the northern Pacific islands of Micronesia, and many areas of Polynesia. She is co-founder of Pacific/Polar Opportunities to Learn, Advance and Research Indigenous Systems (POLARIS), a research and development network that encourages social and educational transformation.
Dr. Nelson-Barber was selected for her continuous work for and contributions to education in the Pacific region and her commitment to PREL’s mission, Building Capacity Through Education. Her appointment is effective June 1, 2010.
(Posted June 16, 2010)
Pacific Comprehensive Center (PCC) Quarterly Newsletter April 2010 Issue
The quarterly newsletter is a publication of the Pacific Comprehensive Center, a program of Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL). The newsletter highlights PCC activities, offers updates from national content centers, and provides information about upcoming conferences, events, and webinars. The current issue covers January–March 2010 and is available for download here.
(Posted May 05, 2010)
PEIR Program Now Accepting Applications for 2010-2011
The Pacific Educator in Residence (PEIR) program offers a one-year residency for educators from American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap), Guam, Hawai'i, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. A collaborative effort of Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) and the departments of education and institutions of higher education in the Pacific region, the PEIR program enhances and develops the personal and professional skills of Pacific educators in the context of PREL's ongoing work. PEIRs focus on learning experiences that maximize professional development opportunities and benefit their schools and communities. In general, PEIRs remain employed in their home entities and return at the end of their one-year term.
Since its inception in 1986, 59 individuals have completed the PEIR program. Many of our PEIRs have become teachers and administrators in schools and educational agencies in their communities. Four individuals who completed the program subsequently became PREL staff members. Ms. Evelyn Joseph is now PREL’s Director of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Parent Information Resource Center, and Ms. Keres Petres is PREL’s Field-Based Reading Specialist at the Chuuk Service Center. Some of our PEIRs have moved on to notable positions in education: Mr. Casiano Shoniber is the Secretary of Education for the Federated States of Micronesia Department of Education in Pohnpei, and Mr. Peter James is the Chief of Secondary Schools for the Chuuk State School System.
There are four opportunities available from September 2010 through August 2011:
If you are interested in applying for this excellent opportunity, or you know someone who is, please visit PREL’s PEIR Program website for complete details and application form. The application deadline is Monday, May 31, 2010.
(Posted April 23, 2010)
Announcing Two New Members of the PREL Board of Directors
Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) is pleased to welcome Dr. Mary A. Y. Okada and Ms. Merwyden Suluai to the PREL Board.
Dr. Mary A.Y. Okada is Guam Community College’s first woman president. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix and has served as President and CEO of the Guam Community College since 2007, prior to which she served as Vice President of Financial Affairs. In 2004-2005 she was the Comptroller for the Guam Public School System. Dr. Okada has 16 years of professional experience in finance, nine of which have been spent managing finance at educational institutions. As the Treasurer of the Pacific Postsecondary Education Council (PPEC) and a member of several boards and councils including the Civilian-Military Task Force on Labor and Education, the Guam Workforce Investment Board and the Andersen Civilian Advisory Council (ACAC), Dr. Okada is active and well-versed in public service and advocacy.
Ms. Merwyden Suluai is a Level 7 teacher at the American Sāmoa Department of Education’s (ASDOE) Matafao Elementary School with 14 years of teaching experience. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum studies with an emphasis in interdisciplinary studies. Ms. Suluai recently served as a Master Teacher for the English Language Learner (ELL)-Actual Community Empowerment (ACE) professional development project for four ASDOE teachers. As American Sāmoa’s 2009-2010 Territorial Teacher of the Year, and recipient of Matafao’s Teacher of the Year Award for 2009 and the Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year Award for 2009, she has proven to be an exemplary professional in the field of teaching. As Chairperson of the ASDOE English Committee, she organized and conducted the American Sāmoa island-wide Young Writers Essay Contest, spelling bee, and geography bee. She is the Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary for the ASDOE Social Studies Committee; a member of the International Reading Association (IRA); and a member of the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS). Ms. Suluai’s teaching perspective, leadership experience, and involvement in the education community make her an excellent addition to the PREL Board.
The PREL Board of Directors and the PREL staff look forward to the contributions of these new members. Dr Okada’s experience with finance, education, public service, and advocacy are invaluable to PREL as an organization. Ms. Suluai provides indispensible insight into the current strengths, challenges, and needs of teachers, students, schools, and the educational system. It is certain that their advice will positively impact PREL’s work in the region.
(Posted April 23, 2010)
PREL's Annual Report for 2009 Now Available
April 2010
Dear Colleagues,
To view the Annual Report please click here.
Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) is pleased to present the 2009 Annual Report. PREL continues to focus on building capacity through education in the Pacific and beyond. As you read through this year’s Annual Report you will notice that our portfolio of services and products is organized around Areas of Excellence. These Areas of Excellence integrate PREL’s work in a way that enables us to provide our clients with the tools and capacity to transform and improve teaching and learning. This report illustrates our efforts in these Areas of Excellence through examples of work completed in 2009.
We are encouraged by the challenges and opportunities that this new year will bring. As we move into 2010, portions of the Pacific will experience landmark transformations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. PREL has long anticipated such changes, and we stand ready to assist SEAs and communities in making the most of the opportunities on the horizon. After all, our goals at PREL are to prepare children with 21st century skill sets so that they can thrive in the new global economy and to prepare communities for citizenship in a digital world. While considering change and the needs of the 21st century, PREL will not lose track of the backgrounds and cultures that unite us in the pursuit of a world in which no educational opportunity is out of reach for the Pacific child—a world in which they can thrive, while at the same time preserving their values and taking pride in their cultural heritage.
It is your commitment and support, as colleagues and partners, as well as the dedication of PREL’s Board of Directors and staff, which makes all of this possible and ensures that PREL will continue to make a difference in the lives of children and communities in the Pacific and beyond.
Thank you,
Paul Dumas
Acting President & CEO
(Posted April 22, 2010)
PREL Accepting Applications for the Pacific Teacher Scholarship
Established in 2004, The Pacific Teacher Scholarship Fund grants students pursuing a teaching career in the U.S.-affiliated Pacific assistance with tuition. The fund was founded by Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) with a mission to increase the number of qualified teachers working in the Pacific region. Each year, five students are awarded scholarships ranging from $750 to $1,000. The funds are a collection of charitable donations from the community-at-large, including businesses, PREL staff and board members, and the general public.
PREL is now accepting applications. To apply for a scholarship for the 2010–2011 school year, contact your local PREL service center or visit PREL’s Pacific Teacher Scholarship Web page, which lists the application form and instructions. All application materials must be received at our Honolulu office by April 1, 2010.
To date, 33 aspiring teachers have been awarded scholarships. Among them, is Lorie Milne of Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands. Lorie applied for the scholarship in 2004 and again in 2008, and was awarded both times. In 2004, she received funds to attend the College of Marshall Islands, where she earned her A.S. in elementary education. She continued her teaching career at the Majuro Middle School with her new certification. In 2008, the scholarship helped her again, when she enrolled at Brigham Young University-Hawaii to begin work on her B.A. in education. Lorie will bring her new knowledge and expertise home to Majuro to share with her students.
Strickson Fredrick of Pohnpei, awarded in 2007, was enrolled in the College of Micronesia-FSM’s Third-Year Certification of Achievement Program in Teacher Preparation. The Pacific Teacher Scholarship helped fund Strickson’s dream 
of helping the students of Pohnpei get better jobs and be better leaders. Awarded in 2009, Charity Faith Ileyagisiug of Woleai, Yap, was also enrolled in the College of Micronesia-FSM’s Third-Year Certification of Achievement Program in Teacher Preparation. The scholarship helped pay for her final semester, so she could go back to Yap to fulfill her dream of becoming a certified elementary school teacher, and give the students there the quality education they need and deserve.
If you are interested in donating to the effort, please visit PREL’s Pacific Teacher Scholarship Web page and click on Donate, or mail your donation to: The Pacific Teacher Scholarship Fund, PREL, 900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 1300, Honolulu, HI 96813.
(Posted February 25, 2010)
Pacific Comprehensive Center (PCC) Quarterly Newsletter January 2010 Issue
The quarterly newsletter is a publication of the Pacific Comprehensive Center, a program of Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL). The newsletter highlights PCC activities, offers updates from national content centers, and provides information about upcoming conferences, events, and webinars. The current issue covers October–December 2009 and is available for download here.
(Posted January 28, 2010)
Access To High-Quality Resources Focus of Educational Grant
Most state education agencies (SEAs), their schools, their teachers, and their students face the same or similar educational challenges; in particular, achieving high literacy in reading and mathematics for students. To attain this goal, SEAs need to support teachers by implementing effective curriculum, high-quality professional development, proven teaching practices, data collection, and assessment.
To assist with these challenges, there is a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education's (U.S. ED) Territories & Freely Associated States Education Grant Program (T&FASEGP) which provides funds to awarded SEAs for instructional materials and equipment for their schools, curriculum development, professional development, and data collection and reporting. The four Pacific island SEAs who are current recipients of this grant are the American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE), the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System (CNMI PSS), the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), and the Republic of Palau Ministry of Education (Palau MOE). This grant award enables them to pursue their educational goals according to their individual school system needs, as well as address areas for improvement as prescribed by the U.S. ED.
Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) has provided technical assistance to the SEA grantees since 2001. PREL collaborates closely with each school agency and other selected service providers to maximize the impact of their T&FASEGP funds. Offering a variety of services from providing assistance and professional development to conducting regional workshops and institutes around relevant educational topics, PREL plays an integral role in the grant projects. A major focus of PREL's technical assistance has been the development of a school information database, the Pacific Education Data Management System (PEDMS) and providing training workshops in the use of the system. With the PEDMS, school administrators may be informed to improve management, planning, and accountability. With the T&FASEGP, PREL continues its mission of Building Capacity Through Education.
For further information, contact Canisius T. Filibert at (808) 441-1343 or visit PREL's T&FASEGP website.
(Posted January 18, 2010)
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