December 31, 2020Volume 23, Issue 1 Guam CEDDERS Newsletter 
Eleven EPICS Scholars Graduate!!! 

In this issue: 

EPICS Update: Eleven Scholars................1-3 
American Samoa MSAA System.................. 4 
EHDI Updates ................................................. 5 
Raz-Plus Reading Support ........................... 6 
TVI Training..................................................... 7 
GSAT Conference ........................................8-9 
Remembering Tom Manglona ..................10 
FSM Stakeholders APR Development......11 
SSIP Raz-Plus .......................................... 12-13 
Brain-Based Reading Tech .........................14 

Christina Coles, EPICS scholar, proudly displays her diploma from San Jose State University. 

CNMI Virtual PD ...........................................15 


Three Part Parent Workshop .....................16 
Grit - Professional Development ..............17 
Virtual Parent Literacy Night.....................18 
SSIP Data Sessions.......................................19 
Christmas Drive............................................20 
New Staff.......................................................20 


UNIVERSITY OF GUAM

 Center for Excellence in 
Developmental Disabilities 
Education, Research, and Service 

Eleven EPICS scholars have graduated and received their diplomas. 
Congratulations to Asha Advani, Cassandra Dimla Bala-an, Christina Coles, 
Lisa Eclavea, Joseph John Mendiola, Bobbie Obillo, Camile Onglao Gonzales, 
Dianne Sapida, Aileen Serrano, Meagan Terlaje, and Gabrielle Duenas 
Yashiro! BIBA!! BIBA!! BIBA!!! 

The “Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech Language Pathology” Project, 
better known as “EPICS,” is a personnel preparation project awarded to San José 
State University (SJSU) by the U.S. Department of Education (US DOE), Office of 
Special Education Programs (OSEP). 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 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 Speech Language 
Pathologists (SLPs), thus the goal and urgency to produce more professionals 
from the Pacific region. 

(Continued on Page 2) 


EPICS Scholars (Cont.) 


The following EPICS Scholars 
recently received their diplomas: 
Pictured (clockwise, starting at 
the middle top) Meagan Terlaje; 
Aileen Serrano with baby Jericho; 
Cassandra Dimla Bala-an with 
baby Ariel; Lisa Eclevea; Bobbie 
Obillo with baby Micah; and 
Dianne Sapida, with Carrie Sapida, 
her proud mother 



EPICS Scholars (Cont.) 

Three scholars completed their externship 
requirements in their placements with the Guam 
Department of Education Division of Special 
Education Speech Therapy Program in December 
and also officially graduated. Joseph Mendiola, 
Camille Onglao-Gonzales, and Gabrielle Duenas 
Yasuhiro were paired up with their GDOE SLP 
supervisors for the semester. The overall practicum 
course supervisor for this semester was Keokia 
Mendiola, CCC-SLP. Right photo - Joseph John 
Mendiola (left) with Nicole Duenas, CCC-SLP, (right) 
his externship supervisor. 

Guam CEDDERS serves as the Pacific region on-site liaison 
for the project. 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. Completion 
of all coursework and the awarding of graduate degrees was 
targeted for August 2020. 

Activities outlined in the initial timeline of events for the 
most part proceeded as planned. Students enrolled in EPICS, 
referred to as “EPICS Scholars” were on track to complete all 
requirements as scheduled. And then at the beginning of 2020, 
the anticipated final year of the project, the COVID-19 virus 
pandemic in March necessitated a change in plans. Instead of all 
scholars graduating at the same time, eight scholars from Guam 
graduated in August 2020. Three more from Guam graduated 
in December 2020. The remaining scholars in the program 


will meet program requirements after 
completing their externship during the 
summer of 2021 in San Jose, California. Of the 17 scholars who 
will have graduated by August 2021, 15 are from Guam and 
two are from Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands. 

It has been a long and challenging five years for all who have 
been involved with the EPICS Project. The investment made into 
preparing these highly specialized and skilled professionals has 
been well worth the wait and cost. With the addition of these 
professionals to the pool of speech pathologists in Guam and 
especially the CNMI, which had no nationally certified speech 
language pathologists on island for about 10 years, providing 
speech therapy services to children birth through 21 in these 
entities will be readily and locally available. 

BIBA Project EPICS!!! 

Camile Onglao Gonzales (left) teamed 
up with Erica Sgro, CCC-SLP, (right) 
who served as her externship supervisor. 
Gonzales graduated December 2020. (Not 
Shown: Gabrialle Duenas Yashiro, EPICS 
Scholar and graduate, and Melanie Torre, 
CCC-SLP, her GDOE supervisor. 


American Samoa Implements the MSAA System 

American Samoa Department of Education, Special Education 
Division is committed to improving educational results for 
students with significant cognitive disabilities through the 
implementation of the Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) 
comprehensive assessment system. Ready, set, GO! 

The MSAA comprehensive assessment system was developed 
to ensure that all students with the most significant cognitive 
disabilities are able to participate in an assessment that measures 
what they know and can do in relation to grade-level State 
Content Standards. The MSAA is one component of a system 
of curriculum, instruction, and professional development that 
allows students with the most significant cognitive disabilities to 
access grade-level content aligned to State Content Standards. 

On October 9 and 23, Guam CEDDERS June De Leon facilitated 
3-hour virtual sessions with 40 American Samoa special 
education teachers and specialists to support American Samoa’s 
commitment to increasing personnel capacity to implement the 
MSAA system, which focused on increased understanding about 


On October 9, June De Leon, Interim Director, 
Guam CEDDERS (top right) engages the 
American Samoa special education teachers and 
specialists in a discussion on the importance of 
the MSAA. 

the purpose of the MSAA on-line alternate assessment system 
and the use of universal design for learning (UDL) principles for 
instruction. 

In preparation for the administration of the MSAA on-line 
alternate assessment in March 2021, American Samoa prioritized 
building an understanding of how improving academic 
instruction is important for improving educational results for 
students with significant cognitive disabilities. A well‐designed 
summative assessment alone is insufficient to achieving higher 
academic outcomes for students with the most significant 
cognitive disabilities in preparation for a broader array of 
post-secondary outcomes. The MSAA system must identify 
and address the curriculum, instructional, and professional 
development needs to ensure that students with significant 
cognitive disabilities have the opportunity to demonstrate 
what they’ve learned when taking the MSAA on-line alternate 
assessment. 


EHDI Updates for September – December 2020 

The past three months have been filled with virtual meetings 
for Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) 
stakeholders. We began the month of September with a Quality 
Improvement (QI) Parent Engagement meeting with Guam Early 
Intervention System (GEIS), Guam’s Positive Parents Together 
(GPPT), Guam Hearing Doctors (GHD), and the EHDI team. One 
of the new goals the EHDI Project needed to address was to 
connect GPPT, the parent support group, with children identified 
with a hearing loss by six months of age. At the completion of 
the QI meeting, both GEIS and GHD agreed to refer parents of 
newly identified children with a hearing loss directly to GPPT. 
EHDI staff worked with GEIS, GHD, and GPPT to develop a referral 
form for early interventionists and the audiologist. This process 
went into effect in late September. 

Despite the continued COVID-19 restrictions, GPPT celebrated 
Deaf Awareness Month in September by airing a Deaf and Hard 
of Hearing (DHH) ad on the Cherry Media Vision Large Screen 
located in Tamuning and produced a 30-second commercial that 
can be viewed on the GPPT and Guam EHDI websites as well as 
the GPPT and GHD Facebook pages as part of their outreach 
activities. 

Guam EHDI held its first virtual Advisory Committee and 
Learning Community Meetings for the new grant year on 
September 22. The EHDI team shared the new grant objectives, 
hearing screening data throughout the hearing screening 
continuum, the challenges faced with outpatient rescreens, 
diagnostic audiological evaluations, and enrollment into early 
intervention, the successful agreement reached with GEIS 
and GHD in connecting parents of newly identified children 
with a hearing loss to GPPT, a supplemental grant applied 
for and received from HRSA to assist with the limited services 
received by DHH children and families during the COVID-19 
crisis, and submitted a proposal in October and was awarded 
additional supplemental funding for telehealth services from 
the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) 
in November. Representatives from the Guam Women, Infants, 
and Children (WIC) Program from the Department of Public 
Health and Social Services (DPHSS) provided the EHDI Learning 
Community with an overview of the services they provide and 
resources of their current locations and how to connect families 
eligible for services to them. Mr. Stephen Weiss was open to 
partnering with Guam EHDI to provide WIC clients with newborn 
hearing screening information and potentially broadening our 
collaboration in the future. 

The Community 

Two additional Learning Community Meetings were 
held, one on October 27 and another on November 

17. The October meeting featured Department of 
Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Medicaid 
Program. A representative from the program provided 
Learning Community members an overview of the 
program which outlined eligibility requirements, 
forms to fill out, documentation to bring, the referral 
process for diagnostic audiological evaluations, and 
contact information for the program. In November, 
the EHDI team presented the results of the EHDI Needs 
Assessment. Parents of children identified with a 
hearing loss, early interventionists, hearing screeners, 
and an audiologist completed an electronic survey 
detailing the impact of timely hearing screening 
services from initial hearing screening, outpatient 
rescreens appointments, diagnostic audiological 
evaluations, enrollment into early intervention (EI), 
family to family support, and continued EI services 
to children currently enrolled in GEIS. The members 
also received an update on the status of the AMCHP 
grant application, EHDI COVID Safety Protocols, and 
developed a schedule for future EHDI Sustainability 
Meetings. 
With the reallocation of EHDI funds and the awarding 
of two supplemental grants, the Guam EHDI Project will 
provide infants with an outpatient hearing rescreen 
appointment, diagnostic audiological evaluations, 
speech therapy, and parent support telehealth sessions 
to newly identified infants with a hearing loss. An EHDI 
Family Shared Plan of Care Journal is in production to 
help families navigate through the early intervention 
services in the community. 

As most of the outreach activities have been curtailed 
due to the pandemic, Guam EHDI outreach activities 
focused on banners posted at high traffic areas and the 
first virtual video workshop was posted on the EHDI 
website with other workshop topics currently being 
developed. To view the EHDI/JCIH 1-3-6 Plan video, 
visit us at www.guamehdi.org. 


GDOE Provides SSIP Teachers with additional 
Raz-Plus Supplemental Reading Support 

Pictured above: A gallery screenshot of SSIP 
Schools K-1st grade teachers during our first 
Raz-Plus teacher session; top left corner, Debra 
Whitt, training associate, Guam CEDDERS 

On September 4 & 11, the Guam Department of Education, in 
a collaborative effort with Guam CEDDERS, provided support 
to its State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) teachers. 

On September 4, a special Raz-Plus supplemental reading 
program training was conducted with sub-coordinators which 
outlined their roles as a sub-coordinator (teacher leader) for 
their grade level or school site. Sub-coordinators are trained 
to improve teacher leadership capacity within each of the four 
SSIP schools. 

On September 11, training continued, with a total of three 
separate virtual sessions across all four SSIP schools. The first 
session included kindergarten and first grade level teachers. 
The next session included teachers from grades 2 and 3. 
The final session included Special Education (SPED), English 
as a Second Language (ESL) teachers, as well as fourth and 
fifth grade level teachers. Each of these sessions included 
an overview of the Raz-Plus survey results regarding usage 
of the program and what types of extra support would help 
improve their teaching practice when using Raz-Plus Teachers 

indicated additional training and more step-by-step guidance 
would be beneficial. 

Each session featured grade-level specific hands-on training 
within their own Raz-Plus teacher accounts. Additionally, a 
leveled resource guide and a step-by-step reference on how 
to manage students, access various integrated resources, 
and how to assign leveled reading books and assessments 
was made available for all participants. Through the Raz-Plus 
leveled reading program, the participants were given access to 
thousands of leveled reading materials that align with GDOE’s 
three modes of instruction: face-to-face, hard-copy, and 
online learning. The Raz-Plus program provides downloadable 
books, passages, writing activities, and assessments that can 
be integrated with the other core subject areas to include 
science, and social studies. These downloadable materials 
may be printed for hard-copy distribution to families and or 
assigned digitally. This would address the immediate need 
to provide extra resources to families during lockdown when 
plans for face-to-face learning have been halted. 


GDOE Provides Training to TVI 

On November 18, GDOE TVI teachers participated in a training webinar with TVI Consultant, Donna McNear. Top Row, L-R: Donna McNear; 
Josephine Cruz, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; Bottom row, L-R: Darlene Taimanglo, TVI, GDOE; and Diane Artero, TVI, GDOE. 


The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educators to pivot and 
change their strategies for delivering instruction. For Itinerant 
Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) who service 
students who are blind or have visual impairments, the goal 
of providing accessibility to VI students in a remote learning 
setting presents many challenges. As a consequence, the Guam 
Department of Education (GDOE), Division of Special Education, 
in partnership with Guam CEDDERS, started a series of training 
webinars for Itinerant TVI beginning October 28. The training 
sessions are being conducted by VI Consultant, Donna McNear. 
The purpose of the training webinars is to support GDOE 
Itinerant TVI in delivering remote instruction to students who 

are blind or have a visual impairment. 

The sessions have focused on technology tools that promote 
accessibility for students in a distance learning context. 
Subsequent sessions will center on assisting Itinerant TVI in 
building the capacity of paraeducators to promote accessibility 
remotely. Other session topics will include: turning on touch 
thinking, conducting VI assessments remotely, and navigating 
technology to provide students with VI with alternate access. 
The GDOE currently services 37 students and is staffed with 
two Itinerant TVI—Darlene Taimanglo and Diane Artero. The 
Program Coordinator is Tricia Taitague. 


GSAT Conference Goes Virtual 

Change is never easy. We can try 
to return to how we live our lives 
before the pandemic or we can 
adapt and create opportunities in 
this changing world. 

LOURDES ANN MESA 

Chairperson, GSATAdvisory Council 

On November 6, Dr. Therese 
Willcom was the 
speaker during the first day 
of the GSAT Conference. 
Willcomm is the 
of New Hampshire’s 
Assistive Technology Program 
with the Institute on Disability 
at the University of 
Hampshire and an Associate 
Professor in the Department of 
Occupational Therapy. 

On November 13, Mr. Neil Rochelle was 
the guest speaker during the second day 
of the GSAT Conference. Mr. Rochelle is 
a Program Coordinator with the Guam 
Department of Education Division of 

guest 
Dr. 
Director 
State 
New 
Special Education. 

Indeed, our world has changed due to the pandemic. Virtual 
for almost everything…ZOOM and GOOGLE meetings, 
socialization, shopping, paying bills, marathons and Esports. 
Who would have thought! It is a new normal for a new world. 
It appears that the pandemic has brought us to extreme sides 
of the pendulum. On one side, allowing us to realize the 
fundamental things that most took for granted in our busy world 
prior to COVID-19, such as spending more time with family, 
toiling the soil, as well as simply appreciating and enjoying the 
basic things life has to offer. The other side brings unbelievable 
technological advancements in every facet and makes what we 
thought impossible, now possible. 

The 26th Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Virtual 
Conference sponsored by Guam CEDDERS and the Tri-Agency 
partnership with Guam Legal Services-Disability Law Center 

and Guam Developmental Disabilities Council collaboratively 
planned a two-day virtual conference on November 6th and 
13th that demonstrated how basic low-tech assistive technology 
can be created through simple household materials presented 
by Dr. Therese Willcomm. It showcased how, in the midst of a 
pandemic, creativity spouts inventions using items that surround 
us without having to spend an arm and a leg. While Mr. Neil 
Rochelle on the other hand presented on more advanced high-
tech assistive technology devices and equipment. The message 
imparted was that both low and high-tech assistive technology 
can make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities 
and their families. Depending on which side of the pendulum 
needs fall on, individuals with disabilities and their families have 
choices in the utilization of various assistive technology devices/ 
equipment. 


GSAT Conference Goes Virtual (Cont.) 

OVER 80 
PARTICIPANTS 

Remembering Tom Manglona... 

On December 21, 2020, the disability community 
lost a great advocate and friend. 

Thomas Manglona has been involved in many 

organizations, including Guam System for 

Assistive Technology (GSAT) and Guam CEDDERS 

for more than 15 years. Other organizations he 

was a part of are Guam Developmental Disabilities 

Council and Guma Mami. He was extremely active 

during conferences, sharing experiences, providing 

solutions, and speaking his mind. This was evident 

during the meetings, where we fondly remember him 

urging members to participate and be committed to 

Guam CEDDERS and GSAT’s mission. 

Tom, as people call him, is from the village of Barrigada. He is 
the third in the line of seven siblings. Survived by his brother 
Gerry, and three sisters...Annie, Frances, and Jessica. At age 
one he was diagnosed with juvenile hyaline Fibromatosis 
(multiple tumors), a rare syndrome that affects the skin and 
joints. His disability didn’t stop him from engaging in various 
organizations, where he strongly voiced his opinions. 

In addition to his self-advocacy work, Tom was an experienced 
and passionate entrepreneur in horticulture and in animal care. 

He may be gone but not forgotten. We want to reflect his 
passion for creating access and inclusion for all individuals with 
disabilities and inspire others to continue this legacy. 


FSM Engages Stakeholders in APR Development 

On November 24, 25, and 27, the Federated States of Micronesia 
(FSM) National Department of Education, Special Education 
Program conducted its FFY 2019 Individuals with Disabilities 
Education Act (IDEA) Part B Annual Performance Report (APR) 
Stakeholder Meeting. The purpose for the meeting was to 
convene key FSM National and State level stakeholders to 
review FSM’s FFY 2019 IDEA Part B APR due to USDOE Office 
of Special Education Programs (OSEP) no later than February 1, 
2021 and to review the key reporting requirements for FSM’s FFY 
2019 IDEA Part B State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) Phase 
III, Year Five due to OSEP no later than April 1, 2021. 

Guam CEDDERS June De Leon provided technical support 
during the three-day virtual engagement with the FSM National 
Assistant Secretary and coordinators and FSM State education 
administrators, special education coordinators, staff, and special 
education advisory council chairpersons. The meeting included 
a review of state-level data and information for inclusion into 
FSM’s FFY 2019 IDEA APR, including reasons for “slippage” for 
required APR indicators. 

On November 25th, virtual technical support was also provided 
by Elizabeth Jankowski, Ph.D. from University of Oregon, and 
Maureen Hawes, Ph.D., and Arlene Russell from Sigma Associates 
in the review of FSM’s SSIP implementation and evaluation. Key 
reporting requirements were reviewed for FSM’s SSIP reporting. 
Dr. Jankowski presented an update on the screening assessment 
data for reporting on the SSIP State-Identified Measurable 
Results (SIMR) and the virtual technical assistance activities 
conducted during the reporting period. Dr. Hawes and Ms. 
Russell provided an overview of the evaluation data collected 
and reported in the last SSIP report and the evaluation priorities 
for this reporting period. 

As a result of the three-day stakeholder engagement, the draft 
FSM FFY 2019 IDEA APR was developed and disseminated to all 
FSM states for final input during the scheduled January 2021 APR 
meeting. In addition, specific state-level video-conferencing 
sessions will be scheduled in December 2020 and January 2021 
in preparation for the development of FSM’s FFY 2019 IDEA Part 
B SSIP Phase III, Year Five report. 

Day Two of the three-day virtual FSM FFY 2019 IDEA Part B APR Stakeholder Meeting 
include technical support from University of Oregon (UO) and Sigma Associates, and 
participation by the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO). Pictured Top row 
(L R): Maureen Hawes, Ph.D., Sigma Associates; June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS; Arlene 
Russell, Sigma Associates; Anu Shekar, Sigma Associates. Middle row (L R): Virginia Ressa, 
NCEO; Elizabeth Jankowski, UO; FSM National and Pohnpei State Teams; Kosrae State 
Team. Bottom row (L R): Arthur Albert, FSM National; Chuuk State Team; Yap State Team 


SSIP Schools Continue to Use Raz-Plus Supplemental 
Reading Program during Remote Learning 

In partnership with the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) 
Consolidated Grant State Systemic Improvement Project (SSIP), 
Guam CEDDERS provided data to GDOE regarding the Raz-
Plus Supplemental Reading program and its usage within SSIP 
schools. The SSIP schools are Chief Brodie Elementary School, J. 

M. Guerrero Elementary School, M. U. Lujan Elementary School, 
and Captain H. B. Price Elementary School. 
After months of remote learning, the SSIP schools have 
found that the Raz-Plus supplemental reading program is an 
invaluable resource for both their online and hard copy packet 
learning students. The Raz-Plus leveled reading program gives 
students access to thousands of online books in a variety of 
genres. Much of the material is accessible from home via the 
Kids A-Z app, as well as, through their Kids A-Z portal by laptop 
or computer. This engaging platform adapts to a child’s reading 
level and moves them up through increasingly challenging 
leveled activities automatically. It also provides students with a 
reading library filled with books that feature a listening, reading, 
recording, and comprehension component. Moreover, students 
are able to highlight important text, create vocabulary lists, and 
annotate on virtual post-its regarding passages they have read 
online. Additionally, students can send recorded passages of 
their reading to their teachers instantly through the platform. 

Students who opt to receive hard copy learning packets can 
obtain the same printed downloadable resources available to 
their online peers. Teachers would only need to provide written 
instructions for families to carry out these assignments or 

Inatan Leon Guerrero Dunn (pictured right), 9 years 
old, 4th grade, M.U. Lujan Elementary School, 
regarding using Raz-Plus at home, “I love reading on 
Raz Plus, especially in the Classics section because 
there are a lot of good books there. I just finished 
reading Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. It was a good 
story, because Dorothy is very kind and despite how 
beautiful Oz is, she still wants to go home. This 
made me feel proud of her because I love my home, 
too, and I wouldn’t want to leave it. Reading on Raz 
Plus is something I always look forward to.” 

communicate via phone (or another teleconferencing format) 
to ensure students understand how to complete them on their 
own. Some hard copy families have used their cell phones to 
record/video their child/ren reading the assigned passages and 
then forwarding these samples of oral reading to their child’s 
teacher. Schools and families are continuously finding creative 
ways to make the best out of their remote learning experience. 

Recent data regarding teacher usage across the four SSIP 
schools is at 97% as of October 2020 with a 37% increase over a 
three-month period (August 2020-October 2020). This indicates 
that teachers are using the program in some way to supplement 
their reading instruction for both online students and students 
receiving instruction through a learning packet. Furthermore, 
the data regarding the number of reading resources from Raz-
Plus that have been downloaded and printed from August 
through October 2020 showed a 277% increase over three 
months. This is a strong indicator that teachers are using the 
Raz-Plus resources in support of the hard copy learning packets. 

In testimony of the positive impact that the Raz-Plus leveled 



SSIP Schools Continue to Use Raz-Plus 
Supplemental Reading Program (Cont.) 

reading program has made, parent and M. U. Lujan School 
Principal, Natasha Dela Cruz noted, “Reading has become more 
enjoyable for my children since they’ve started using Raz-Plus. 
They’ve been reading almost every day for the last month and 
a half and have already leveled up 3 times. They find the books 
interesting as they are learning a lot about the world around 
them, as well as about positive behaviors and values. Their 
confidence in reading has definitely soared!” 

Furthermore, on November 20, in response to teacher requests, 
we invited Jennifer Nigh, Learning A-Z, Director, International 
Academics, and Curriculum, for another session on ways to 
integrate Raz-Plus and Google Classroom. Teachers from all four 
SSIP schools were invited to attend this event. SSIP teachers 
learned how to effectively use their Raz-Plus leveled reading 
resource within their GDOE online Google Classroom accounts. 

Mattingan Leon Guerrero Dunn (pictured right), 6 years old, 1st grade, 

M.U. Lujan Elementary School, noted, “Raz Plus is a good resource. It 
strengthens your reading and you don’t need to go and buy books, you 
can just read them on Raz Plus. I have fun reading on Raz Plus and it 
helps me read better. I like reading stories about animals. I also like 
changing my avatar and getting pets when I earn points.” 
Lauren Charfauros (pictured left), 
8 years old, 3rd grader from Price 
Elementary School, using the Raz-
Plus leveled reading program (Kids 
A-Z portal) from home. What Lauren 
has to say about the program, “Mrs. 
Meno encourages the class to go 
onto Raz Plus. There are so many 
cool books to read. I like that I can 
listen to the stories too. My favorite 
part of Raz Plus is dressing my avatar!” 


GDOE Provides Brain-Based Reading Technology 
to Students with IEPs during Remote Learning 


On October 22, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) 
Division of Special Education, in a collaborative effort with Guam 
CEDDERS, provided an informational session for principals and 
teachers of students with Individualized Education Programs 
(IEP) regarding a pilot project involving Scientific Learning’s 
Fast ForWord® brain-based adaptive reading program. This first 
session was conducted by a customer success specialist, from 
Fast ForWord®, Mr. David Rose. He provided attendees with 
the basic principles behind the success of the program with 
struggling learners and how students benefit from its train brain 
activities that better prepare children for reading and learning. 

Subsequently, on November 10, a follow-up commitment 
session was held with principals and teachers of students with 
IEPs who agreed to implement the brain-based technology 
program with fidelity. This follow-up session was led by GDOE 
and facilitated by Guam CEDDERS and focused on the necessary 
groundwork for implementation of the Fast ForWord® program. 
The following schools that have pledged their commitment to 
implementation are as follows: M.U. Lujan Elementary School, 
Price Elementary School, C.L. Taitano Elementary School, D.L. 
Perez Elementary School, and Merizo Martyrs Memorial School. 
The first phase of the pilot project will involve students who are 
currently receiving online instruction or who have online access 

On November 10, GDOE held a school program consultation and 
Fast ForWord® commitment session, GDOE/Special Education, 
Terese Crisostomo, leading the discussion. Pictured L to R: 
Debra Whitt, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS; Neil Rochelle, 
Program Coordinator, GDOE; Dr. Josephine Cruz, Associate 
Director, Guam CEDDERS; Terese Crisostomo, Special Projects 
Coordinator, GDOE; Elizabeth Aflague, RRT, Price Elementary, 
GDOE; Cherise Charfauros, RRT, M.U. Lujan Elementary, GDOE; 
Elias Taisipic, Principal, Price Elementary, GDOE. 

at home. The second phase will occur once GDOE begins faceto-
face instruction. During this stage, face-to-face students will 
be phased into the program. 

Professional development sessions were held on November 
24 and 25 for the identified school principals and teachers 
with Mr. Kris Thibault of Fast ForWord®. The training covered 
the components of Fast ForWord® and Reading Assistant, 
reviewing and managing reports, and ways to better assist 
students with their learning exercises. Additionally, a parent/ 
family informational session will be scheduled in December to 
assist families on how to navigate and access the Fast ForWord® 
platform from home. Guam CEDDERS will provide ongoing 
technical support and assistance for all participating schools 
and their families. 


CNMI Continues Virtual 
Professional Development 

On November 13, Guam CEDDERS Consultant, 
Nieves Flores, Ed.D, facilitated the first of 
several virtual meetings with the CNMI Public 
School System’s SSIP Core Team comprised of 
three target school administrators and district 
personnel to discuss the data collection and 
reporting requirements in preparation for this 
year’s SSIP submission. Pictured Top Row (LR): 
Nora Fujihira, Data & Compliance Program 
Manager; Fasefulu Tigilau, State Assessment 
Coordinator; Donna Flores, Special Education 
Director; Dr. Flores; Yvonne Pangelinan, Ed.D. 
(not shown), Student & Support Services Senior 
Director. Middle Row (L-R): Liela Yumul, Garapan 
Elementary School Principal; Suaad Younis, 
ELA Program Coordinator; Naomi Nishimura, 
Koblerville Elementary School Principal. 
Bottom Row (L-R): Paulette Sablan, San Vicente 
Elementary School Principal and Jacqueline Che 
(not shown), Acting ARE Senior Director. 

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
(CNMI) early intervention and special education programs 
continue to prioritize professional development for their 
early intervention providers and special education teachers 
to improve services and supports, especially during these 
uncertain times due to the global pandemic. Virtual 
teaching and supports have been the new early intervention 
and educational delivery system in today’s new normal. 
Distance learning is an adjustment for the teachers and 
learners, which requires engagement from their families. 

Through a contract with the CNMI Public School System, 
Guam CEDDERS continues to address CNMI’s prioritized PD 
through video conferencing sessions. Virtual professional 
development sessions facilitated by Guam CEDDERS 
professional staff and/or consultants during this quarter 
include: 


• 
Elaine Eclavea and Keith Villaluna supporting the early 
intervention program develop its FFY 2019 Part C Annual 
Performance Report (APR), including the Part C State 
Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). 
• 
Elaine Eclavea, with technical support from Keith Villaluna, 
facilitating the parent coaching sessions with early 
intervention providers in support of the virtual home 
intervention services. 
• 
Elaine Eclavea, with technical support from Keith Villaluna, 
facilitating virtual intervention supports with preschool 
special education teachers. 
• 
Nieves Flores, Ed.D., facilitating Individualized Education 
Program (IEP) development and implementation with 
special education teachers. 
• 
Nieves Flores, Ed.D., facilitating the CNMI SSIP Core Team 
meetings to review progress made in the implementation 
of the CNMI Part B SSIP and the impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic on activities, and to review the development of 
the CNMI Part B SSIP Phase III, Year 5 report. 
• 
June De Leon supporting the special education program 
develop its CNMI FFY 2019 Part B APR. 

GDOE Holds a 3-Part Parent Workshop Series 

On November 4, the first of a 3-part parent workshop series titled “Understanding Your Child’s IEP” took place. Top to Bottom: Nieves Flores, Ed. 
D., consultant, Guam CEDDERS; Josephine Cruz, Ed. D, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS; Laura Taisipic, Parent Services Coordinator, GDOE; 
Yolanda Gabriel, Assistant Superintendent Division of Special Education, GDOE; Francisco Limtiaco, parent. 


The Guam Department of Education 
(GDOE) Division of Special Education, in 
collaboration with Guam CEDDERS facilitated 
a 3-part virtual parent workshop series 
titled “Understanding Your Child’s IEP”. The 
purpose of the parent workshop series is to 
support parents in understanding their child’s 
Individualized Education Program (IEP). The 
3-part series covered the components of the 
IEP, the role and responsibilities of the parent 
in the IEP process, parent rights related to the 
IEP, and how parents can support their child 
to succeed in school. The series took place 
on November 4th , 10th , and 24th and was 

On November 4, 22 participants attended the GDOE 

facilitated by Guam CEDDERS Consultant, Dr. 

Division of Special Education sponsored parent workshop 

Nieves Flores. 

centered on helping parents understand their child’s IEP. 


‘Grit’ Takes the Spotlight at Guam CEDDERS 
Professional Development 

The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought the importance 
of resilience and perseverance amid crisis to the forefront. In 
response to the pandemic, Guam CEDDERS staff participated 
in a two-part professional development centered on grit. The 
professional development was facilitated by Guam CEDDERS 
Associate Director Josephine Cruz, Ed. D. 

The phenomenon of grit is based on the research of University 
of Pennsylvania’s professor of psychology, Angela Duckworth, 
Ph.D. According to Duckworth, grit is a unique combination 
of both passion and long-term perseverance. In her work, 
Duckworth interviewed people who were highly successful 
in their fields to determine what made them remarkable. The 
characteristics that emerged was direction and determination--passion 
and perseverance---which is what Duckworth describes 
as grit. 

The first part of the series took place on October 30 and covered 
the following topics: What is Grit; How Do You Grow Your Grit; 
and Grit in Crisis. The second part of the series took place on 
December 18 and focused on how to develop organizational 
grit. The series started by first looking at grit on a personal and 
individual level and then expanding the concept to looking at 
what makes organizations gritty. The professional development 
allowed for reflection by having staff look inwardly at 
themselves and the organization to determine which areas can 
be grittier. Overall, looking at grit through both a personal and 
organizational lens allowed the Guam CEDDERS staff to reflect 
and articulate what the “CEDDERS Way” was all about and how 
to grow passion and perseverance as an organization in order to 
continue the mission of improving the lives of individuals with 
disabilities and their families. 

On December 18, Guam CEDDERS engages in the second 
part of their professional development. Pictured above are 
Guam CEDDERS staff. 


GDOE SSIP Schools Hold Virtual Parent 
Literacy Night 

“Lights, Camera, Read” was the theme for the Guam 
Department of Education (GDOE) State Systemic 
Improvement Project’s (SSIP) first ever virtual parent literacy 
night held on December 16. GDOE’s four SSIP schools, Capt. 

H.B. Price Elementary, Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary, 
M.U. Lujan Elementary, and J.M. Guerrero Elementary 
worked in partnership with Guam CEDDERS to plan and 
facilitate the online event. Teacher leaders and principals 
from the SSIP schools: Dr. Kim Thai Cruz, Phan Aguilar, Ed San 
Nicolas and Acting Principal Elias Taisipic (Capt. H.B. Price 
Elementary); Dr. Kathielyn Laniyo, Michelle De Guzman and 
Principal Rose Castro (J.M. Guerrero Elementary); Annette 
Raguindin, Zena Sablan and Principal Natasha Dela Cruz 
(M.U. Lujan Elementary); and Eleanor Quichocho, Kimberly 
Barrett-Pendon and Principal Darlene Castro (Chief Brodie 
Memorial Elementary) along with Guam CEDDERS staff 
Josephine Cruz and Debra Whitt conducted the literacy 
activities. Over 50 parents from the SSIP schools logged on 
to participate in the event. 
The purpose of the literacy night was to provide resources 
to parents to help them navigate remote learning more 
effectively. Parents received a virtual tour of the resources 
available on the National Center on Improving Literacy’s 
(NCIL) website and watched two videos from the NCIL 
website that provided a model for parents on how to assist 
their child at home with literacy activities. In addition, 
teachers provided information on how to use the Raz-Plus 
online leveled reading program that is available to the SSIP 
schools. Raz-Plus provides families with access to thousands 
of books and literacy resources. The night ended with 
recognizing students from each SSIP school who moved up 
the most reading levels on Raz-Plus. In addition, books and 
Payless gift certificates were raffled off to participants. The 
books were donated by Rose Castro, the principal of J.M. 
Guerrero Elementary and the gift certificates were donated 
by Debra Whitt from Guam CEDDERS. Overall, the night 
was informative and fun-filled with parents leaving with a 
treasure trove of resources to support their child’s reading 
development at home. 

On October 16, SSIP schools had a parent literacy night. The 
theme was “Lights, Camera, Read.” Over 50 participants 
attended the virtual event. 


GDOE SSIP Teachers Engage in Data Sessions 

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) in partnership 
with Guam CEDDERS provided support to teachers from the 
State Systemic Improvement Project (SSIP) schools, M.U. Lujan 
Elementary School (MULES), Capt. H.B. Price Elementary School 
(CHBPES), Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School (JMGES) , and 
Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School (CBMES). A teacher 
leader session was held on October 16 and subsequent follow-up 
sessions were held for each school. For MULES and CHBPES, the 
data sessions took place during each grade-level’s Professional 
Learning Community (PLC). For CBMES, the session took place 
during time allotted for professional development. The purpose 
of the data sessions was to build the capacity of teachers in data 
literacy. By supporting teachers in understanding their student 

On November 11, CHBPES 3rd grade 
teachers participated in a data session 
during their PLC. The session was led 
by April Torres, teacher leader. Top 
row, L R: April Torres, teacher leader; 
Josephine Cruz, Associate Director, 
Guam CEDDERS; Maria Charfauros, 
teacher; 2nd row, L R: Cellina Meno, 
teacher; Josephine Certeza, teacher; 
Dan Alig, teacher; Bottom row: 
Mariesa Griffith, teacher. 

data, they will be better able to target their remote instruction 
and interventions to meet the academic needs of students. 
Moreover, the data analysis process will assist teachers in setting 
improvement goals for students. Sessions were facilitated 
in collaboration with SSIP teacher leaders from the four SSIP 
schools and Guam CEDDERS staff. The SSIP teacher leaders 
are April Torres, Ed San Nicolas, Tina Aguilar, and Leilani Mesa 
from CHBPES; Zenia Duenas, Annette Raguindin, and Cherise 
Charfauros from MULES; Pearl Hamada, Eleanor Quichocho, 
Kimberly Barrett, and Jamie Baza from CBMES; and Kasundra 
Penaflor, Monica Garcia, Hannah Bidaure, Merlyn Villaverde, 
Lalainne Ocampo, Aurelia Perez, Rebecca Bidaure, Pechel 
Pascua, and Bianca Nguyen from JMGES. 


Guam CEDDERS Holds 
Christmas Drive 

The holiday season is a time to reflect and give gratitude for all that 
we have in our lives. Now more than ever, as families struggle to 
recover from the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it is a 
time to give back to the community that has given us so much. In 
the spirit of giving, the Guam CEDDERS staff held a Christmas Drive 
to collect non-perishable food items and toys for the Salvation 
Army. On December 23rd, the items were dropped off to the 
Salvation Army in Tiyan. The Salvation Army distributed the items 
to families across the island in need of food and an extra dose of 
holiday cheer. 

On December 23, Guam CEDDERS staff dropped off items 
collected in the Christmas Drive to the Salvation Army. 
Front row, L R: Brittany Masang, Office Assistant, Guam 
CEDDERS; CJ Urquico, Public Information Officer, Salvation 
Army; Back row: Salvation Army staff 


GUAM CEDDERS 
WELCOMES NEW STAFF 

Cullen Pinaula, from the CNMI joined 
Guam CEDDERS on November 16 as an 
Office Assistant. He is currently a senior 
at the University of Guam majoring in 
Criminal Justice and plans to further his 
education by pursuing an MPA. Cullen 
enjoys watching movies, visiting new 
places, and spending time with friends. 

Welcome aboard, Cullen! 

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, 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.