Guam CEDDERS participated in the 2023 Micronesian Teacher Education Conference held July 3-7 in Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. The theme of this year’s conference was Connecting Indigenous Knowledge Across Academic Disciplines. Participants, including educators, leaders, professionals, consultants, and partners, came from all across Micronesia and other regions to network, learn, and share knowledge about educational practices and initiatives that support student achievement. CEDDERS Associate Director of Program Development, Technical Assistance, and Outreach Dr. Josephine Cruz and CEDDERS Training Associate Rachel Duenas conducted three separate one hour breakout presentations, titled “To Proficiency and Beyond: Integrating the Elements of Explicit Instruction Within the Response to Intervention Framework.” The purpose of the sessions was to provide training on effective instructional delivery, specifically on the elements of explicit instruction within the Response to Intervention (RTI) framework. The conference activities included cultural showcases presented by each state as well as optional island tours provided to participants.

In addition to the general conference sessions, meetings with the Project LIFT Response to Intervention (RTI) coaches were conducted to gather updates on progress monitoring activities in each FSM state and collect data on each state’s coaching system for evaluation. Project Literacy Intervention for FSM Leaders of Tomorrow Technical Assistance and Training (Project LIFT) represents the support and commitment that UOG Guam CEDDERS offers FSM National Department of Education in building local capacity at the National and State levels for applying increased knowledge and skills in the area of research-based instructional practices using student performance data and progress monitoring within the RTI framework to improve the learning outcomes of students in Early Childhood/Kindergarten-5 in the area of Reading. Interim Director June De Leon also provided technical assistance for Project REAL, which focuses on general supervision system reporting of special education programs for FSM National and State level agencies.

  • Chuuk State performs several chants for the audience at the closing ceremony of the 2023 MTEC in Kosrae, FSM.

    Chuuk State performs several chants for the audience at the closing ceremony of the 2023 MTEC in Kosrae, FSM.

  • Yap State performs an island chant at the closing ceremony. of the 2023 MTEC in Kosrae, FSM.

    Yap State performs an island chant at the closing ceremony. of the 2023 MTEC in Kosrae, FSM.

  • Guam CEDDERS Training Associate Rachel Duenas and Associate Director Josephine Cruz, EdD, (standing) present on the elements of explicit instruction during one of the conference sessions at Lelu Elementary School in Kosrae, FSM.

    Guam CEDDERS Training Associate Rachel Duenas and Associate Director Josephine Cruz, EdD, (standing) present on the elements of explicit instruction during one of the conference sessions at Lelu Elementary School in Kosrae, FSM.

  • The host state of Kosrae demonstrating how they pound the taro through chant.

    The host state of Kosrae demonstrating how they pound the taro through chant.

  • Pohnpei participants dance their way to the stage for their cultural presentation during the 2023 MTEC in Kosrae, FSM.

    Pohnpei participants dance their way to the stage for their cultural presentation during the 2023 MTEC in Kosrae, FSM.

  • Guam CEDDERS Associate Director Josephine Cruz, EdD, Interim Director June De Leon, and Training Associate Rachel Duenas pose for a photo during the MTEC in Kosrae.

    Guam CEDDERS Associate Director Josephine Cruz, EdD, Interim Director June De Leon, and Training Associate Rachel Duenas pose for a photo during the MTEC in Kosrae.