CNMI accepted into SHEEO’s Community of Practice

The CNMI celebrated a significant milestone as it joined the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association Community of Practice, marking the first U.S. territory to join since the community’s inception 10 years ago.

SHEEO was established in 1954. Their primary goal is to advance public higher education and its role in society. SHEEO works toward this goal by supporting state higher education agencies and coordinating efforts among them. This includes advocating for policies that promote access, affordability, and equity in higher education, as well as facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing among member states.

In November 2023, driven by the CNMI Statewide Longitudinal Data System Program’s commitment to progress and in collaboration with Northern Marianas College, the CNMI eagerly applied to become a member of SHEEO’s esteemed Community of Practice. This decision was spurred by the recognition of the invaluable opportunity this platform presents to forge connections and exchange knowledge with counterparts across states. The CNMI SLDS envisions this as the inception of a dynamic network, fostering ongoing collaboration and the exchange of innovative solutions.

The CNMI’s application to SHEEO’s Community of Practice is driven by a clear purpose: to engage in a collective effort aimed at enhancing our data initiatives, understanding that continuous improvement is paramount to our success — specifically aimed to harness the resources and expertise available through this community to address critical areas of development within the CNMI’s data ecosystem.

After undergoing a rigorous selection process, the CNMI SHEEO state team, comprising Dr. Annette Pladevega Sablan and Jeaniffer Cubangbang from the CNMI SLDS Program (under the Public School System), along with Vilma Reyes and Monique Sablan from NMC, were successfully chosen in December 2023. This esteemed team joined counterparts from 15 states to delve into the opportunities and challenges of multi-state and multi-sector data projects. State teams benefited from professional development and technical assistance provided by nationally recognized experts, gaining insights into benchmark practices from across the nation.

The CNMI SHEEO state team attended the annual Community of Practice event from Feb. 7 to 8, 2024 in Alexandria, VA. This event, designed to enhance state postsecondary data systems, offered a platform for collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing among peers. Key topics on the agenda included cross-state data sharing, connecting education and workforce data, and strategies for successful multi-state projects.

Participation in SHEEO’s Community of Practice aligns with the CNMI’s commitment to excellence in data management and policy development, as outlined in their recently awarded FY2023 SLDS Grant awarded to PSS. This grant emphasizes expanding data systems, establishing robust cross-agency data governance frameworks, and strengthening the capacity of program staff and key collaborators to leverage data effectively.

The CNMI SLDS and NMC have outlined a comprehensive plan to implement and facilitate training for partners. The goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The SMART Goal is to ensure that within 24 months, at least one key stakeholder from each P20W partner agency completes the pilot data literacy mastery program.

Dr. Annette Pladevega Sablan, project director of the CNMI SLDS, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities ahead: “Being selected for SHEEO’s Community of Practice is a true honor for our team at the CNMI Public School System and Northern Marianas College. This opportunity has empowered us to connect, collaborate, and envision positive change in our community. With the dedication and expertise of our local professionals, I am even more hopeful for the future of the CNMI. Thank you to the SHEEO selection committee and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for this opportunity.”

For more information about CNMI’s participation in SHEEO’s Community of Practice, please contact: slds@cnmipss.org.

About SHEEO

The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association is the national association of state higher education executive officers who serve statewide coordinating and governing boards and other state policy agencies for higher education. SHEEO provides education, advocacy, and support to its members, enabling them to effectively promote public policies and initiatives that support higher education.

About CNMI SLDS

The CNMI PSS is dedicated to providing quality education and support services to Saipan, Tinian, and Rota students. With a focus on innovation and excellence, CNMI PSS strives to empower students for success in a rapidly evolving world.

The CNMI SLDS Program is a state office that collects and integrates the CNMI’s education and workforce data that bridges the gap between information and action so that policymakers, practitioners, and the public can make the best decisions possible.

The CNMI’s SLDS program consists of Sablan (project director), Shawna Indalecio (project specialist), Cubangbang (SLDS technical manager), and Ferdinand Ngirmekur (data privacy specialist).

The SLDS is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Education, state education agency, and other stakeholders, including educators, researchers, and policymakers. The SLDS website is just one of the many tools that the system provides to help education professionals make informed decisions and improve educational outcomes.

To learn more about the Statewide Longitudinal Data System and its new website, visit https://slds.cnmipss.org. (PR)