PRAXIS center for teachers planned

By Marconi Calindas
Reporter

Teachers will have more access to PRAXIS review and exam materials once plans for a center comes through, according to Public School System director of finance Richard Waldo.

Waldo said PSS is planning to set up a center for the teachers who are planning to take the PRAXIS test within this year. Waldo is now conducting his own PRAXIS review classes, which started last Tuesday at the Marianas High School

Though the location of this facility is not known yet, Waldo said there are some security arrangements that PSS has to satisfy first.

PSS associate commissioner David M. Borja confirmed this and said that PSS is already eyeing a specific site but they want to make sure that before they set the plan out, they would define the total requirement first.

“We have an idea for one of our campuses,” said Borja, adding that the ideal site needs to have space that could be used as a resource center for CNMI students and a community resource center on the business side.

Borja clarified, though, that they would not construct a new building for the project. They are now looking for an existing facility that could accommodate all the equipment and accessories for the test center. “All we need to do is buy the hardware,” he added.

Earlier reports said that the CNMI could become an exam provider for the PRAXIS test if the U.S. Certified Public Accountant exam is also approved for the islands.

Waldo said the proposed PRAXIS center in the CNMI should also have online facilities, so that test scores are determined immediately.

Waldo said that PSS could use federal funds to build the center, which could cost PSS an estimated $500,000. The amount would go to the computers and special desks. “It will be beautiful for the outsider,” he said.

The center will have several educational benefits, Waldo said. Students and teachers will be using them in the daytime; teachers will be using them in the evening to review for the PRAXIS exam.

PSS may look into charging minimal fees for the maintenance of the computers, cleaning, and rent, said Waldo.

Borja said the project would be another way for the CNMI to generate revenue. Once the CNMI becomes a testing site, it would be a good opportunity for individuals from China and India to come to Saipan and take the test, he added.