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‘Voc Ed also needs qualified teachers’
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Posted on Dec 30 2005
The Public School System’s Vocational Education program is also in need of qualified personnel, according to Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos.
In a presentation earlier this month during the Saipan Rotary Club’s weekly meeting at the Hyatt Regency Saipan, Inos said the PSS’ Vocational Education program faces serious challenges in the coming year.
“Highly qualified personnel in content specific core requirements is one of the challenges PSS is confronted with right now,” she said.
Other challenges for the program include the availability of appropriate learning facilities in the CNMI and a comprehensive and systemic approach to the CNMI’s workforce development needs such as laws and regulations, among others. The realization of a solid Technical High School has also yet to be seen, according to Inos.
She reiterated that the goals of the program is to provide exploratory experiences and relevant training opportunities for CNMI students and to develop their interpersonal, social, and employability skills. The program also aims to reduce dropout cases and unemployment rates in the Commonwealth, she added.
The Vocational Education program also intends to ensure alignment with the industry and national standards and provide a pool of proficient and productive graduates.
The Saipan Rotary Club recently reaffirmed its commitment to help the Public School System’s Vocational Education and Technological Program.
Stirred by the success of last October’s Vocational Summit, the organization listed an action plan to beef up the field of vocational studies in the Commonwealth.
The action plan includes frequent visits to high schools for assessment and surveys will be conducted at junior and senior high schools to provide focus on career interest inventory.
The Rotary will also help in the survey of employer needs for the CNMI Scholarship Board for the three islands. The club will also assist in career fairs, partnering with the college to ensure that prospective students can participate in the event. The club will also collaborate with the Workforce Investment Agency to tap its resources for the program.
