Guam CEDDERS Newsletter

September 30, 2021

Volume 23, Issue 4

Tri-agency Continues COVID-19 
Vaccine Access Efforts


In this issue:

COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts....................1-2

Awareness & Sensitivity Training................3

Jesse Pangelinan............................................4

Palau Technical Assistance.........................5-6

GDOE Support to SSIP Schools....................7

GDOE Support Fast ForWord........................8

EPICS Meets Goal......................................9-12

SSIP Schools Receive Support....................13

GELC Leadership Team Theory...................14

ASD Technical Assistance......................15-16

Resource Room Teachers IEP Review.......17

GDOE SSIP Overview.............................18-19 

EHDI /311 Advertisement...........................20

On August 21, Michael Grino (pictured) smiled and gave a “thumbs up” after getting his COVID-19 vaccine with 
his family thru the COVID-19 Vaccine Access drive thru service at the University of Guam.

The fight in keeping the community safe from the COVID-19 virus continues with 
COVID-19 vaccine efforts from the Tri-agency partners that is comprised of Guam 
Legal Corporation – Disability Law Center (GLSC-DLC), Guam Developmental 
Disabilities Council (GDDC), and the University of Guam Center for Excellence in 
Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS). The 
latest initiative is working collaboratively with the Department of Public Health & 
Social Services (DPHSS) and the Guam Army National Guard in the coordination of 
the COVID-19 vaccine drive up services for individuals with disabilities and senior 
citizens at the University of Guam campus. Through the supportive efforts of Guam 
Army National Guard Adjutant General Esther JC Aguigui and Lt. Colonel Glenn 
Mesa, the idea came to fruition on September 10th. Every Wednesday, community 
members who call the 311 Call Center to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 
vaccine can easily avail the drive up service.


Community members who opted for the drive up 
COVID-19 vaccine service are greeted with smiles and 
the “Hafa Adai spirit” from the Guam Army National 
Guard soldiers and Guam CEDDERS personnel. As part 
of the creative outreach endeavors, the staff from Guam 
CEDDERS then provide them with a “recyclable goodie 
bag” filled with informational brochures on various 
services offered by the Guam System for Assistive 
Technology (GSAT) and Guam Early Hearing Detection 
& Intervention (Guam EHDI) that they can read during 
their COVID-19 vaccine wait time.

A testimonial from Mr. Rodney Calimlim, an individual 
with visual impairment, and his mother, Mrs. Nelly 
Calimlim, who availed of the drive thru services 
was quoted as stating, “It was very easy, quick, and 
convenient especially after dialysis. I loved it.” Without a 
doubt, the initiative serves its purpose – to improve the 
lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Tri-agency Continues COVID-19 
Vaccine Access Efforts

On August 11, Guam Army National Guard soldiers assisting drive up clients , Jenny Duenas & her family, at the University of Guam Calvo Field House 
COVID-19 Vaccination Access Drive Up site.

Soldiers Receive Disability 
Awareness & Sensitivity Training


On September 22, soldiers from the Guam Army National Guard were engaged during the Disability Awareness & Sensitivity training facilitated by Michelle 
Aguigui, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director (standing in the center).

On September 22nd, twenty-four soldiers led by Captain Denise 
Chargualaf from the Guam Army National Guard attended a training 
session on Disability Sensitivity & Awareness training facilitated by 
Michelle Aguigui, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, Leah Abelon, 
Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Coordinator, and Guam 
CEDDERS student interns, Gabby Ulloa and Talysa Kakas. The soldiers 
are part of the regiment assigned to the Department of Public Health 
& Social Services (DPHSS) in administering the COVID-19 vaccine. 

As soldiers assist community members in availing of the COVID-19 
vaccine, they entertain many individuals, some of which may have 
a disability. It is important that they are sensitive and aware of the 
unique needs that individuals with disabilities may have to ensure 
that they provide them with appropriate services. The topic areas of 
the training were:

1.What is a disability?
2.Types of disabilities – Visible & 
Invisible
3.Interacting with Individuals with 
Disabilities
4.Communication Tips with a Deaf/
Hard of Hearing Person
5.Disability Etiquette Tips


Jesse Pangelinan, Former Guam 
CEDDERS Advisory Council Chairperson, 
Passes Away

It is with sadness that we share the news that Jesse 
Pangelinan, former Guam CEDDERS Advisory 
member and Chairperson, passed away on 
September 28 at the age of 59. 

Jesse was a lifelong resident of the village 
of Yona. He attended Chief Brodie 
Memorial School when it was first 
established as the “state school for 
handicapped children.” An outgoing 
and friendly person who always greeted 
people with a warm smile and wave, 
Jesse was an active participant for many 
years in various community activities, 
often generously pitching in with event 
preparation and logistics. For a time, he was a 
regular volunteer at Saint Francis Catholic Church, 
serving as a collector of Sunday donations. Having 
been trained from a young age in the traditional CHamoru art of 
massage, he was known to occasionally make some pocket money 
giving shoulder and neck massages, but more often provided them 
for free.

Jesse was a frequent participant in disability-related events and 
activities and was a self-advocate which led him to be appointed 
to the Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council from 2002-2005, serving 
as chairperson for 2003-2004 term. He also was involved with 
Guam Developmental Disabilities Council activities.

Jesse, your community advocacy, bright smile and kind spirit are 
sorely missed. Rest in Peace, ga’chong!


TRIBUTE BY

Terrie Fejarang

Guam CEDDERS Consultant



Palau Starts In-Person 
Technical Assistance


On September 14 & 15, Guam CEDDERS June De Leon met with the MOE SSIP Team to review the requirements of the FFY 2020 SSIP reporting.

It’s not about sustaining a COVID-free community, it’s about 
making sure it is a COVID-safe community! This was the 
sentiment of the Republic of Palau when they lifted their 
travel restrictions to allow for weekly passenger flights from 
Guam in the summer. Adherence to the COVID-19 mitigation 
requirements: the three W’s – Wash your hands, Wear a face 
mask, and Watch your distance, were in place with COVID-19 
testing for all incoming passengers. The Republic of Palau was 
ready to welcome visitors to their island nation.

With all precautions taken, Guam CEDDERS June De Leon 
conducted on-site technical assistance visits in July and 
September for one week each visit. Her last visit to Palau was 
in March 2020 before the shutdown due to the COVID-19 
pandemic. Now, over a year later, she was able to return to Palau 
to facilitate modified in-person technical assistance activities. 
The modification included adhering to the three W’s, in particular 
wearing a face mask and having hand sanitizers readily available 
and keeping to the work schedule only. She had to clear the 5th 
day of COVID-19 testing before going around in the community. 

The July on-site activities included:

z Co-facilitating the annual private school consultation 
meeting to review the 2020-2021 proportionate-share 
expenditures, the 2021-2022 proportionate-share, and to 
gather input on how the Ministry should provide special 
education services to parentally-placed private school 
students with disabilities.
z Co-facilitating the 2021 ROP IDEA Determination, 
the Determination over the year, and implications for 
developing the new ROP IDEA State Performance Plan with 
the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC).
z Facilitating the development of the online survey for school 
administrators to determine technical assistance and 
training needs related to special education.
z Providing consultation on next steps for meeting the ROP 
Teacher Certification Policy and Procedures, including 
the review of the University of Guam School of Education 
bachelor’s degree program proposal. 
z Facilitating the review and priorities for the new school year, 
including a virtual call with the off-island Guam CEDDERS 
consultant for a high school student with low vision. The 
clearance of the 5th day COVID-19 testing allowed Ms. De 
Leon to visit the high school student and family on Pelelui, 
one of the island states in Palau. 
z Co-facilitating Part 1 of the special education leadership 
series designed for school principals and vice-principals 
based on the July online school administrators survey. The 
training session included a virtual presentation by Dr. David 
Bateman, co-author of the resource procured for each 
participating school administrator: “A Principal’s Guide to 
Special Education.” Dr. Bateman’s presentation focused 
on the latest education issues and litigation, including the 
Endrew F case and implications for the delivery of special 




The September on-site activities included:

z Co-facilitating the development of Palau’s FFY 2020 State 
Performance Plan (SPP), Annual Performance Report (APR) 
and the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). 
z Providing consultation on next steps for meeting the ROP 
Teacher Certification Policy and Procedures, including 
engaging in the Palau Partnership virtual meeting with the 
Ministry, Palau Community College (PCC), and the University 
of Guam School of Education (UOG SOE). The purpose for 
the virtual meeting was to review the design of the UOG 
SOE bachelor’s degree program. 


A COVID-safe school system means that there will be increased 
capacity for virtual learning by teachers and students, while 
providing opportunities for in-person technical assistance 
support within the Republic of Palau health safety guidelines.

Palau Starts In-Person (Cont.)


On July 11, Guam CEDDERS consultant Donna McNear, picture on screen, meets 
with the student, parent, special education team in Pelelui to review the outcomes 
of the student’s first year in high school and to plan for her return to high school in 
August.

On July 11, Guam CEDDERS consultant Donna McNear, pictured on screen and 
laptop, has a conversation with the student from Pelelui about her high school 
experiences.


On September 15, Guam CEDDERS June De Leon co-facilitates the Palau Partnership 
virtual meeting with PCC and UOG to discuss the design of the UOG School of 
Education (SOE) bachelor’s degree program to address the Palau special education 
teacher certification requirements. Top row (L-R): MOE Team (June De Leon; Nora 
Renguul, MOE Special Education Coordinator; Ray Mechol, MOE Director of Bureau 
of Education Administration; and Ibuuch Tomoichi, MOE Chief of Personnel); Cathy 
Cardenas, Ph.D., Chair, Special Education, SOE, UOG; and Dee Leon Guerrero, Vice-
Provost, UOG (aerial view of UOG). Middle row (L-R): Patrick Tellei, Ed.D., President, 
PCC; Alicia Aguon, Ph.D., Dean, SOE, UOG; and Hedrick Kual, Dean of Continuing 
Education, PCC. Bottom row: Matthew Limtiaco, Ed.D., Faculty, SOE, UOG.

On September 13, the high school student uses the portable Elmo Document 
Camera to complete an assignment. As prioritized by MOE Special Education 
Program, the portable Elmo Document Camera was procured by Guam CEDDERS 
for the student to easily carry from class to class.



GDOE Plans for Continuous 
Support to SSIP Schools


On May 28, SSIP Core Team Meeting 
participants, pictured above from left to 
right, top to bottom, Josephine Cruz, Ed.D.; 
Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; Debra 
Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; 
Nieves Flores, Ed.D.; Consultant, Guam 
CEDDERS; June Quitugua, Consultant, 
Guam CEDDERS; Rose Castro, Principal, 
JMGES; Natasha Dela Cruz, Principal, 
MULES; Terese Crisostomo, Programs 
Coordinator, GDOE/SPED; Elias Taisipic, 
Assistant Principal, CHBPES; June De Leon, 
Interim Director, Guam CEDDERS.

On May 28, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), in 
a collaborative effort with Guam CEDDERS, had a planning 
session with the four elementary State Systemic Improvement 
Project (SSIP) schools that focused on next steps in anticipation 
of the opening of schools for SY: 2021-2022. 

In preparation for next school year, dialogue on what schools 
may look like during the reopening phase at the beginning of 
August was shared. Health protocols will continue at GDOE to 
ensure the health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff. 
These protocols will include the 3 W’s: wear a mask, wash your 
hands, and watch your distance. Social distancing may be 
adjusted on campus from 6 feet to 3 feet, accomodating for 
more students than was previously allowed. However, more 
details will be announced as we approach the beginning of the 
new school year and after public health guidance is given.

The SSIP schools’ major focus areas for SY: 2021-2022 are as 
follows: 

z Universal Screener data (aimswebPlus)
z Parent/Guardian Engagement
z Building of Teacher Leader Capacity 
z The use of technology resources to support reading 
instruction (Learning A-Z’s: Raz-Plus)
z Evidence-based practices (i.e., Explicit Instruction)


The universal screener, aimswebPlus data will be compiled by 
Guam CEDDERS and shared with SSIP schools. The Spring 2021 
data will reflect the three SSIP school sites that were able to give 
the assessments to their students. For next school year, the 
data collected from Fall 2021 will be compared; however, those 
students who did not take the screener in Spring 2021, will be 
compared to the last data point which was Winter 2020. 

Although the pandemic may have impacted schools’ ability to 
gather and meet in person with families, many schools were 
able to reach out to families through alternative communication 
and technology platforms. Students who attended in person 
classes, those who received hardcopy assignments, and those 
who received instruction online were able to benefit from 
resources and information through emails, google classroom 
access, or printed copies that were sent home.

Teachers were able to build their knowledge throughout the 
school year through ongoing professional support on Fridays. 
Many capacity building exercises and trainings were offered 
on Raz-Plus technology-based leveled reading program 
and Explicit Instruction—I do, We do, You do—instructional 
approach. These focus areas will continue for school year 2021-
2022 and technical assistance will be provided to improve 
student outcomes.



GDOE Offers Extended School Year 
Teachers Support in using Fast ForWord 
with their Students


On June 11, Markesha Wattree (pictured), Implementation Manager, Fast ForWord, 
facilitates a virtual session with ESY teachers.

On June 11 & June 25, the Guam Department of Education 
(GDOE), in a collaborative effort with Guam CEDDERS, offered 
resource room teachers of students with IEPs support by 
providing an overview session on the brain-based program 
Fast ForWord. Students attending extended school year (ESY) 
were able to benefit from this research-based online program 
that was developed by neuroscientists. This technology helps 
to build student’s brain capacity through its specially designed 
activities that improve the necessary foundational and cognitive 
skills for learning.

The first interactive session was held on Friday, June 11, and 
was facilitated by Markesha Wattree, implementation manager 
of Fast ForWord. It highlighted research on how the brain 
learns and how Fast ForWord helps to improve student’s brain 
fitness by enhancing memory, attention, processing, and 
sequencing skills. ESY teachers were given an overview of the 
program, demonstration of some of the brain training exercises 
in elementary through secondary grade levels and were given 
a walk through on how to view students’ reports and provide 
further guidance.

The second ESY teacher session was held on Friday, June 25, and 
teachers were given the opportunity to share and ask questions 
regarding the implementation of Fast ForWord at the halfway 
point of the ESY (summer) program. 

Additionally, a paraeducator training session on Friday, June 
18 with 84 participants, as well as a parent/guardian session 
on Saturday morning, June 26, for the families of ESY students 
enrolled in the Fast ForWord (FFW) program was held. The parent 
session facilitated by Markesha Wattree gave an overview of the 
brain-training exercises their child was participating in at school 
and families were encouraged to continue its usage at home.



EPICS Meets Goal: 17 SLPS Graduate

After a long six years filled with twists and turns, bumps in the 
road, frustration, delays, and yes, a pandemic and absolute perseverance 
and tenacity, the EPICS Project has met its goal and 
has ended.

The “Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech Pathology” 
(EPICS) Project began in May 2015 when San José State University 
(SJSU) applied for and was awarded a personnel preparation 
grant by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special 
Education Programs. Guam CEDDERS is a collaborative partner 
in this project and serves as the on-site Pacific liaison. 

The goal of this five-year 
grant is for SJSU to deliver 
its master’s degree program 
in speech pathology 
primarily through online 
courses to produce highly 
qualified speech language 
pathologists (SLPs) from 
the U.S.–affiliated Pacific 
island jurisdictions to 
serve children from the 
region who need and are 
determined to be eligible 
for services in the area 
of speech and language 
development. Providing 
these services has historically 
been a challenge in the Pacific region due to the lack of 
certified SLPs, thus the goal and urgency to produce more professionals 
in this area.

Beginning in May 2015, Guam CEDDERS facilitated the recruitment 
of applicants for the project and received applications 
from residents from American Samoa, the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Pohnpei State, Federated 
States of Micronesia, and Guam. Coursework began during the 
summer of 2015. Guam CEDDERS provided assistance in recruitment 
and coordination of services for the project which ranged 
from facilitating on-site coursework logistics and group cohort 
meetings, practicum placements, and preparation for externship 
placements, to project leadership meetings, scholar supports, 
and project reports. Completion of all coursework and the 
awarding of graduate degrees was initially targeted for August 
2020, however, due to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, a 
“No Cost Extension” year for activity completion was approved. 
The original five-year graduate program was extended to six 
years for 10 of the 17 anticipated program completers.

To commemorate the completion of this arduous journey, a program 
evaluation by scholars and a “Celebration of Achievement” 
Ceremony were held during the evening of August 6 at the Westin 
Resort Guam. 

Opening Remarks were 
provided on-site by Dr. 
Thomas Krise, University 
of Guam President, with 
Dr. Gloria Weddington, 
SJSU Professor Emerita 
and EPICS Project Coordinator 
providing an historical 
overview of EPICS 
and the close relationships 
and partnership 
with Guam CEDDERS that 
make an endeavor such 
as EPICS possible. Live 
remarks presented virtually 
was provided by Dr. 
Heather Lattimer, SJSU 
Dean of the Lurie College 
of Education, with pre-recorded messages shared by Dr. Nidhi 
Mehandra, SJSU Chair of the Department of Communicative 
Disorders and Sciences, and Dr. Wendy Quach and Dr. June McCullough, 
EPICS Co-Principal Investigators of the EPICS grant.

Chosen as the student speaker by his peers, Ignacio Dela Cruz 
enthusiastically shared his reflections on this momentous occasion. 
A particularly poignant reflection that he shared talked 
about his personal experience as recipient of speech therapy 
services as an elementary student. He said, “If you were to tell 
that 9-year-old boy in the Resource Room who received therapy 
for his fluency, that one day he will be up on this stage to make 
a speech to his classmates and all the guests, both onsite and 
on livestream, that boy would say “Hey Hafa Adai!” This is one of 
the many joys of this field. We give our clients the confidence to 


Graduates listen attentively as Dr. Thomas Krise, UOG President, delivered Opening Remarks.

Continued on Page 10



share their voice with the world around them. We give them 
the tools they need to communicate and express themselves 
to the world around them.” He went on to express his appreciation 
of the generous support from many people who had 
assisted him in his journey to becoming a speech pathologist, 
and gave special thanks to Suzanne Lizama, his special cheerleader 
since his elementary school days. Ms. Lizama was the 
CNMI Public School System Special Education Director for over 
31 years, until her untimely death two years ago.

In her Closing Remarks, June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Interim 
Director asked the audience to read the mission statements of 
SJSU Communicative Disorders and Sciences Department, the 
University of Guam and Guam CEDDERS provided in the Ceremony 
booklet. The missions in combination with the potential 
of each of the 17 graduates having a 25-year career as an SLP, 
during which each had, say 35 students a year to work with, 
what a significant impact they would make while the missions 
of each of these organizations are fulfilled.

BIBA EPICS! BIBA SJSU! BIBA UOG and BIBA GUAM CEDDERS!!!


EPICS Meets Goal (Cont.) 

EPICS Project Graduates

Advani, Asha

Bala-an, Cassandra Christine Dimla

Borja, Tatiana J. Perez

Coles, Christina Nicole Bruschi

Cruz, Liahlanni Nicole Dela Rosa

Dela Cruz, Ignacio Joaquin Cosico

Eclavea, Lisa Aguigui

Mendiola, Joseph-John Baza

Merfalen, Megan K. Flores

Obillo, Bobbie Jin Arevalo

Gonzales, Camille Onglao

Ruszala, Kathy Lalaine

Reyes, Lillian Llaneta

Sapida, Dianne Marie Q.

Serrano, Aileen Alfonso

Terlaje, Mary Meagan Q.

Yasuhiro, Gabrielle Kanani Duenas


Platform Guests at the Ceremony included (L-R): Reuel Drilon, Master of Ceremony; 
Dr. Gloria Weddington, SJSU EPICS Project Coordinator; Dr. Thomas Krise, UOG 
President; Dr. Anita Borja-Enriquez, UOG Senior Vice President and Provost; and 
Ignacio Dela Cruz, EPICS graduate. Also shown are Dr. Pamela Wiley, Los Angeles 
Speech and Language Center Owner and EPICS Project Externship Partner and Dr. 
Rachael Leon Guerrero, UOG Vice Provost for Research & Sponsored Programs.

Ignacio Dela Cruz, EPICS graduate, at podium, was chosen by his peers to be the 
student speaker. His spirited remarks did not disappoint.



EPICS Meets Goal (Cont.) 


Guam Department of Education Speech Language Pathologists played 
a key role in providing practicum experiences for the scholars. SLPs 
who attended the ceremony were: Front Row L-R: Nicole Duenas, May 
Camacho, Elizabeth Blas, Michelle Camacho and Keokia Mendiola, 
SJSU Adjunct Instructor and Clinical Practicum Supervisor. Back Row: 
Rowena Dimla, Richard Tumanda, and Amalia Badua. Not Shown: Sibyl 
Crisostomo. 

Dr. Heather Lattimer, Dean of the Lurie School of Education at San José State University 
(on screen), delivered live remarks virtually via Zoom during the ceremony. She spoke at 
about 1:30am Pacific Standard Time in California which was about 6:30pm on Guam.


Pictured (L-R): Dr. Pamela Wiley and Dr. Gloria Weddington traveled from 
California to represent SJSU at the event. They received special plaques 
during the ceremony as tokens of appreciation for their great efforts in 
support of the project. At right is Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS, EPICS 
Consultant.

Liahlanni Cruz (Right), helps Camille Gonzales (Left) adjust her graduation hood.



EPICS Meets Goal (Cont.)


Joseph John Mendiola celebrates with his boys, Jaxx, José, and Jordan, after the 
ceremony.

Tatiana Perez Borja got married and had two children during her graduate studies. She is 
shown here with her spouse Gregorio Borja, and children Paloma and Santiago. 


Aileen Serrano happily poses with her 
spouse, Juanito Serrano, and her son, 
Jericho, after receiving her diploma 
and commemorative medallion.


EPICS Professors visited Guam Department of Education (GDOE) 
Superintendent Jon Fernandez on August 4. Standing L-R: Dr. Pamela 
Wiley, owner of the Los Angeles Speech and Language Center; Dr. Gloria 
Weddington, SJSU EPICS Project Coordinator; Jon Fernandez, GDOE 
Superintendent; Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS EPICS Consultant.

Dr. Gloria Weddington, (standing, right), facilitated an evaluation input session 
with scholars prior to the Celebration of Achievements ceremony.



SSIP Schools Receive Support for School 
Year: 2021-2022


On July 26, SSIP CORE Team meeting, pictured top to bottom, left to right, Josephine Cruz, Ed.D., Associate Director, 
Guam CEDDERS; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; June Quitugua, Consultant, Guam CEDDERS; 
Nieves Flores, Ed.D., Consultant, Guam CEDDERS; Natasha Dela Cruz, Principal, MULES; John Wesolowski, Principal, 
CHBPES; Darlene Castro, Principal, CBMES; June De Leon, Interim Director, Guam CEDDERS; Elias Taisipic, Assistant 
Principal, MULES; Denise Taimanglo, Assistant Principal, CHBPES.

On July 26, Guam CEDDERS supported the Guam Department 
of Education’s State Systemic Improvement Project (SSIP) school 
principals, in the planning for the delivery of school based 
technical assistance (TA). The CORE Team planning session 
consisted of administrators from the four SSIP schools: Chief 
Brodie Memorial Elementary School; JM Guerrero Elementary 
School; MU Lujan Elementary School; and Capt. HB Price 
Elementary School. 

Administrators met this month as a team in preparation for 
upcoming technical assistance provided to all four SSIP school 
sites. Discussions centered on building school capacity—
providing continuous meaningful professional development 
that builds on strategies that enhances overall student learning. 
This would include specially designed technical assistance at 
each school site, and collaborative team dialogue—to include 
consulting resource teachers (CRT-TAs), instructional coaches 
(ICs)/district-based mentors (DBMs) and school-based mentors 
(SBMs), that also support these school sites. With all collaborative 
team members engaged, there would be a more focused level of 
support provided across all four SSIP school sites.

Our aim is to strengthen reading and mathematics, using 
evidence-based practices, such as Explicit Instruction, to enhance 
student learning. Hopefully, providing schools with more 
opportunities to review in Professional Learning Communities 
(PLCs) previous data to examine specific areas for improvement 
in these core subject areas—using the (PDSA) Plan, Do, Study, 
Act: developing a plan, delivering the plan and intervention, 
reviewing and analyzing, and to act accordingly (by continuing, 
discontinuing and or changing the plan). Moreover, this school 
year, much like last school year, will require flexibility and 
adjustment in responding to the individual school site’s needs.



GELC Leadership Team Theory of 
Change Meeting


On August 31, staff from the Guam 
Preschool Development Grant Birth 
– Five (PDG B-5) and Guam CEDDERS 
met with service providers and parent 
members to review the different areas 
of focus and start developing a Theory 
of Action. during the Guam Early 
Learning Council (GELC) meeting.

Guam’s Training of Trainers for 
Strengthening Families Parent Café 
Booster Session

Guam’s Training of Trainers for 
Strengthening Families Parent Café 
Booster Session led by Guam CEDDERS 
personnel with participation from 
Guam Department of Public Health 
and Social Services (DPHSS) Family 
Health Information Resource Center 
(FHIRC) coordinator. Top row (L-R): 
Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training 
Assciate; Jenika Ballesta, Guam 
CEDDERS Research Associate; Elaine 
Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Consultant; 
Bottom row (L-R): Pauline Camacho, 
FHIRC Coordinator; Marie Wusstig, 
Guam CEDDERS Training Associate.



GDOE plans for more Autism 
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Technical 
Assistance 

On June 17, Guam CEDDERS supported the Guam Department 
of Education’s SPED leadership team, in the planning for the 
delivery of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) technical assistance 
(TA). The planning session included ASD activities for the new 
school year 2021-2022. This included information and guidance 
on conducting the Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism, 
also known as BOSA (teletherapy version), report writing, 
analysis and understanding of data in terms of the child’s 
academic or behavioral progress, comparing data from initial 
to current data points and what that means in terms of overall 
student growth.

The planning discussion covered the following in support of: 

z Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA)/Autism 
Diagnostic Observation Schedule/ADOS (with Dr. Irina 
Quebles)
z Group-Based Early Start Denver Model/G-ESDM (with La 
Trobe University)
z Parent-Based Early Start Denver Model/P-ESDM 


On August 11, this session facilitated by Dr. Irina Quebles, offered 
participants with more practice and guidance in conducting 
BOSA assessments and the needed support in the scoring and 
analysis of such. Additionally, this session and future sessions, 
will include an interdisciplinary approach to report writing and 
include more opportunities for collaboration across individual 
team members.

On June 17, ASD planning session with GDOE, pictured top left to right, Josephine 
Cruz, Ed.D., Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, 
Guam CEDDERS; Terese Crisostomo, Program Coordinator, GDOE/SPED; Neil Rochelle, 
Special Program Coordinator; Cathy Tydingco, Part C Coordinator, GDOE/SPED.



GDOE plans for more Autism 
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Technical 
Assistance (Cont.)


On August 11, BOSA/ADOS session facilitated by Dr. Irina Quebles. Pictured top row 
left to right, Dr. Irina Quebles, PsyD. ABPP, Consultant; Marie C. Wessling, Autism 
CRT-TA, GDOE/SPED; Jessica Atoigue, Autism CRT-TA, GDOE/SPED; Neil Rochelle, 
Program Consultant; GDOE/SPED. Second row left to right, Anna Perez, ED Services, 
GDOE/SPED; Alma Terbio, Psychological Evaluator, GDOE/SPED; Cathy Tydingco, 
Part C Coordinator, GDOE/SPED; Marita Gogue, Psychological Evaluator, GDOE/
SPED. Third row left to right, Barbara Bernardo, ED Services, GDOE/SPED; Audra 
Mesa, Academic Evaluator, GDOE/SPED; Marie A. Tenorio, Autism CRT-TA, GDOE/
SPED; Liz Blas, Speech Pathologist, GDOE/SPED. Bottom row, Janice Almoguera, 
CRT-TA, GDOE/SPED; Tricia Taitague, Program Coordinator, GDOE/SPED.



GDOE Offers Support to Resource Room 
Teachers with an IEP Checklist Review 
Work Session


On May 14, Individual school follow-up session with MU Lujan Elementary School (MULES): Seated center: Natasha Dela Cruz, Principal, MU Lujan Elementary School 
(MULES); standing left to right: Patricia Castro, Resource Room Teacher, MULES; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; June Quitugua, consultant, Guam 
CEDDERS; Bertha Torres, Resource Room Teacher, MULES; Cherise Charfauros, Resource Room Teacher, MULES.

On May 7, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), in a 
collaborative effort with Guam CEDDERS, offered principals 
and resource room teachers of students with IEPs, continuous 
support by providing an overview session on reviewing the 
components of their student’s Individualized Education Program 
(IEP). The session reviewed the importance of the alignment 
of the components within the student’s IEP. Each school was 
provided with an IEP checklist with its component’s descriptors 
and a rating sheet. 

Prior to this overview session in March 3-18, GDOE Special 
Education staff and Guam CEDDERS staff independently 
reviewed SSIP school’s IEPs. Individual ratings were summarized 
for each IEP component and a percentage was identified, in 
which at least 4 out of 5 raters indicated the presence of the 
criteria. 

Individual follow-up school sessions, were conducted in person 
and virtually on May 11, 12, 14, 17, & 21, and allowed teachers 
to discuss and review their ratings, as well as comparisons to 
the summarized staff ratings, along with dialogue, and critical 
analysis of each IEP component in the following areas:

1.PLAAFP or Present Levels of Academic Achievement and 
Functional Performance (5 sections to rate/review)
2.Annual Goals (8 sections to rate/review)
3.Special Education (i.e., specially designed instruction or SDI) 
(4 sections to rate/review)


Next steps to include each school’s identification of professional 
development needs based on this review, as well as any other 
additional support.



GDOE Offers an Overview Presentation 
on the State Systemic Improvement 
Project (SSIP) 

On August 10-11, the Guam Department of Education, in a 
collaborative effort with Guam CEDDERS, provided an overview 
of the State Systemic Improvement Project (SSIP) and the 
relationship between the Professional Learning Communities 
(PLC) process, Continuous Improvement (PDSA), and Instruction 
(Explicit Instruction). 

The four SSIP elementary schools: Chief Brodie Memorial 
Elementary, Juan M. Guerrero Elementary, MU Lujan Elementary, 
and Capt. HB Price Elementary School teachers attended 
sessions at each of their respective school sites. Guam CEDDERS 
Josephine Cruz, Ed.D., and Debra Whitt, along with consultants 
Nieves Flores, Ed.D., and June Quitigua presented the content 
and facilitated the sessions at each school over the two day 
period. On Tuesday, August 10, Chief Brodie and Capt. HB 
Price Elementary held their sessions, and the following day, 
Wednesday, August 11, JM Guerrero and MU Lujan Elementary 
held their sessions. 

Teachers at all school sites were given the opportunity to 
analyze screening data from the school’s last data point. For 
some school sites it was Winter 2020, and for others it was 
Spring 2021 (though participation rates were much lower than 
in the previous school years before the pandemic). Grade levels 
dialogued and created their own grade level PDSAs based on 
the data examined. Additionally, once current data, the Fall 
2021 aimswebPlus screening becomes available then grade 
levels will cycle through the process once again and make the 
necessary adjustments based on the analysis of the new data—
in this continuous cycle of improvement.

The presentations conducted at each SSIP school site focused 
on the overview of the following information and how each 
correlates and assimilates into one another.

z Five Essential Components of 
Reading (Phonemic Awareness; 
Phonics; Fluency; Vocabulary; 
Reading Comprehension)


z Continuous Improvement 
Process (PDSA—Plan, Do, 
Study, Act)


z Math (Number/computation 
fluency; Concepts and 
Applications)


z Data Literacy (Universal 
Screener—aimswebPlus)


z Diagnostic Assessments 
(Fountas & Pinnell and DRA-2)




GDOE Offers an Overview 
Presentation (Cont.)


Pictured left, left to right, Brittany Masang, Office Assistant, 
Guam CEDDERS; Natasha Dela Cruz, Principal, MU Lujan 
Elementary School; Josephine Cruz, Ed.D., Associate Director, 
Guam CEDDERS; Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam 
CEDDERS; Keith Villaluna, Data Specialist, Guam CEDDERS.


Pictured above, teacher participants at the 
session held on August 11, 2021, at MU Lujan 
Elementary School.


On August 10, Price Elementary 
participants, pictured above standing, John 
Wesolowski, Principal; Josephine Cruz, 
Ed.D.; Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; 
Denise Taimanglo, Assistant Principal; 
seated at the table, 4th grade teachers.

On August 11, at MU Lujan Elementary 
School, pictured with Josephine 
Cruz, Ed.D., Associate Director, 
Guam CEDDERS, fourth grade 
teachers working on their grade level 
PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act).



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University of Guam
Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter

Guam CEDDERS

Office of Graduate Studies,
Sponsored Programs, & Research

University of Guam
303 University Drive

Mangilao, Guam 96913

Phone: (671) 735‐2480/1

Fax: (671) 734‐5709

TTY: (671) 734‐6531

Email: june.deleon@guamcedders.org

I Tellai is a quarterly publication of Guam CEDDERS.

Interim Director: June De Leon

Editors: Michelle Aguigui, Vera Blaz, & Josephine Cruz

Layout & Design: Zachary Hecita

This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from the 
following Guam CEDDERS staff members/consultant: Leah Abelon, 
Michelle Aguigui, Jenika Ballesta, Terrie Fejarang, Josephine Cruz, June 
De Leon, Keith Villaluna, Marie Wusstig, and Debra Whitt.

Alternative formats (e.g. Braille or large print) of I Tellai will be made 
available upon request.

Please contact Zachary Hecita at (671) 735‐2455 (v), (671) 735‐6531 
(TTY), or (671) 734‐5709 (fax) for more information.

The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For more information on any of these events, 

please call 735-2479 or visit www.guamcedders.org

This newsletter was produced with 100% funding support from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental 
Disabilities, Grant No. 90DDUC0064-02-01 and facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and 
Service (Guam CEDDERS). This newsletter is also available online and in alternate formats at www.guamcedders.org.

The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer.