The Public School System is applying trends that will arm personnel with information and applications of today’s multi-tasking learning environment through the statewide professional development, or SPD, that began yesterday and saw the participation of hundreds of PSS personnel: from program managers to staff, school administrators to counselors, and teachers and teacher-aids gathered. The SPDs were held yesterday at Saipan Southern High School and today at Kagman High School.
This is SPD form of part of the educational innovation that the Public School System led by Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan has put forward in its effort to bring public education at a high standard.
“Enabling our professionals to learn how to initiate change and monitor its progress in a dynamic environment requires immediate action. This session applies the four phases of change that the PSS needs to know and apply within itself to ensure our students receive the very best we can offer,” Sablan said.
The highlight of this two-day SPD is the applications of various information and research through McREL, a leading education think-tank whose researches and innovations were tapped by many states for over decades now.
“Over 30 years of study and research in education, McREL brings forth to the CNMI opportunities that can enhance our teaching abilities and increase student achievements,” said Saipan Southern High School principal Jesse Tudela.
He added, “We will be able to measure results through our Standards Based Assessment testing as well the SAT10. Classroom Instruction that Works is something I was able to look at in 2005, and I see true value in this session that we have here today at the PSS SPD.”
One area of the on-going professional development is about “Balanced Leadership 3” presentation by McREL speakers Tony Davis and Cherie Lyons. The presentation is about “will increase participants’ knowledge about change and effective change leadership.”
“Education innovation through McREL has enabled the PSS to enhancing its use of technology. And through McRELs research findings, the applications that work within our community is applied and is expected to either be used as a refresher for our talented teaching personnel or a new trend that will surely help to reach our students as that is the ultimate goal,” said Chacha Oceanview Jr. High School teacher Michael Villagomez.
The SPD comprises of educational practices in today’s learning environment. PSS professionals themselves will be holding sessions that conform to education enhancement. These topics in sessions include: Differentiated instruction, the 3X-system, using data to support instructional decisions in Science, introduction to inquiry through, secondary Science lab idea exchange, routine based interventions through various PSS professionals, job coaching 101, strengthening parent involvement, 21st century skills framework, computer essentials, defensive driving, FERPA and Confidentiality through, visual strategies, multi-media learning platforms, essential learning for children to develop meaningful movement skills, counselor learning community, and JROTC.
“PSS continues to strive for excellence. We are looked at as the role model for education excellence in the region. We did not come this way without the sacrifices, the trainings and dedication from everyone at PSS for our children…all for Students First which we live, breathe and practice that each day,” Sablan said.
