Dr. Carl E. Harris, U.S. deputy assistant education secretary for policy and state technical assistance, said his department wants to make sure that the collaboration among CNMI leaders, the Public School System and the community is in place.
He said leaders should focus on how to provide a better and more highly educational system for every student.
In a press briefing in the Board of Education conference room on Capital Hill, Harris said: “We came here to listen and learn a lot more what is happening here in the NMI and through our listening and learning we hope we can support the good works.”
Harris was accompanied by Crystal Martinez, special advisor, Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs, U.S. Department of Education.
The goal is to have 100 percent highly qualified teachers by 2011, but Harris cannot say if the federal government would extend the deadline.
He said the combination of qualification and effectiveness of teachers in the classroom will be a priority.
Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos is hoping that the visit of the U.S. education officials will give them a better understanding of the issues the CNMI are facing.
He said the commonwealth faces many challenges, including the increase in enrolment which has placed a great burden on the Public School System.
Harris said their visit is “not about making a commitment” but is “about looking out for what better way we can support the work here.”
Harris said President Obama has made education a priority and it has been their goal to look into the concern of all schools in the nation.
“We may not be able to leverage all resources that we have but we support the work that has been going on,” he said.
He said he is hopeful to find more ways to provide CNMI schools with additional technical assistance.
Also yesterday, Harris and Martinez visited three elementary schools on Saipan.
Garapan Elementary School was the first of the schools visited by the U.S. education officials who were given a tour by principal Yvonne R. Pangelinan.
“It was truly honorable to have Dr. Harris come to the campus and see what we are doing. It was especially nice to hear somebody who has genuine questions about our school,” Pangelinan said.
Harris and Martinez also visited Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary and Tanapag Elementary School.
