Task force to expedite data gathering

The newly-organized education task force directed at improving vocational and occupational programs in schools is in the process of gathering data that would identify areas of weaknesses in the existing educational programs.

Statistical information on the number of teachers and students under school programs will aid the Public School System and the Northern Marianas College outline priorities with regard to carrying out reforms, according to House Committee on Education Chair Brigida Ichihara.

But the task force, according to the congresswoman, has yet to meet and finalize concrete action plans in attacking the issue.

“We need at least an estimate of the necessary figures and then we can work from there,” said Ms. Ichihara.

But the committee chair admitted that education leaders have not had enough opportunity to sit down and discuss the matter.

“We have been busy with a lot of things so we have not set a date yet especially with the absence of our leadership. We still need them to be a part of this program. But we are going to be collaborating sometime soon,” she added.

The special task force composed of active education leaders in the CNMI was organized to take the lead in preparing students acquire necessary skills that will land them competitive jobs in the future.

Members of the Legislature, Board of Education, Board of Regents, Northern Marianas College, Public School System, and the private sector, agreed to establish a group that will revive and improve vocational and occupational programs in schools.

The group’s main agenda is to improve the teaching, nursing, and trade skills among students by bringing back the quality to school programs being offered at NMC, Marianas High School, and other schools.

“Our priority is the teaching, nursing, occupational and vocational education at NMC. We need to bring all those things together so that we can all carry out the same mission that we would like to produce,” the congresswoman earlier said.

When standards are set for these fields, the task force would then consider the development of programs tackling other professions, she added.

Another goal of the task force is to produce a self-reliant and responsible workforce in the CNMI. This is the first time such a consensus was reached between members of BOE, BOR, NMC, PSS, and the Legislature.

Education leaders are hopeful that with the creation of the group, concrete measures can finally be accomplished to upgrade the skills of local students and produce professionals that will be at par with that of other nations. (MM)