Public School System administrators were on a two-day trip in Guam over the weekend to share their knowledge with their counterparts in the neighboring island about the implementation of tecnical programs.
Hopwood Junior High School principal Jonas Barcinas, during Friday's event on Guam, said the focus of the conference was how to make PSS and Guam technical career programs more effective for island students.
Peter Leau, associate commissioner for Administrative Services, said that PSS' delegates were composed of all principals and vice principals in all junior and high schools on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian.
Officials from the University of Guam and Guam Community College made presentations about their career technical education programs and how these are being implemented in Guam's high schools and at postsecondary institutions.
“In the effort to structure our programs in the junior high school and high school on Saipan, it is imperative that we come together as a system to align our programs effectively, as we are embedded with the [American Recovery Reinvestment Act] funds and other federal funds,” Barcinas told Saipan Tribune.
PSS has been allocated a substantial share of the stimulus funds to develop technical and vocational programs for students.
After the meeting with officials of Guam's postsecondary institutions, an agreement was signed that will allow PSS to send its students and staff to Guam for certifications in various fields.
“This is a great opportunity for both junior high and high school principals and vice principals to come together to work on structuring the programs to be offered consistently as a core subject area and electives,” Barcinas said.
Through the programs available in Guam, students from the CNMI can be allowed to work in both private and government sectors.
Aside from career technical education programs, delegates also agreed to schedule an event where students of both islands could meet to discuss their career options.
“We wanted to show a short presentation about recruitment and introducing them to other opportunities with such professional organizations like PSS,” Barcinas said.
He said the event provided an opportunity for open dialogue and network among the participants.
“This will give PSS the opportunity for open dialogue and network on how we can make our program work for our students who are interested in various programs offered in the junior and high schools and after, they can choose to come to Guam to complete a degree or certification of the career they want. Then they can return home and perhaps work in any of our local businesses or agencies,” Barcinas said.
There are estimated over 5,000 students enrolled this school year in public junior and high schools on three islands.
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