I Tellai The Bridge Guam CEDDERS Newsletter Volume 8, Number 3 June 2, 2006age Inside this issue: Page Assessment Grant Awarded 1 Assessment Grant con’t 2 Pac 6 Project Kicks Off Early Intervention Outcomes 3 GATE Opens Transportation New Advisory Council Members 4 Grantwriting Workshop Guam ELG Nears Completion 5 12th Annual GSAT Conference 6 12th Annual GSAT Fair 7 Able Industries Easter Seals Brings Project 8 Supported Employment Course 9 Project Håtsa Update Project Tinituhon 10 Snapshots 11 Calendar of Events 12 GOAL-AT Loan Recipient GSAT Conference Snapshot Guam CEDDERS Awarded Grant for Regional Assessment Project Guam CEDDERS was officially notified of a $397,863 grant award from the U.S. DOE in April to facilitate the development of a comprehensive system for state-wide assessments for the Pacific Assessment Consortium (PAC-6). The Consortium includes Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and American Samoa, and will result in individual jurisdiction plans to address the needs of students with disabilities in an inclusive assessment system. The project connects each island entity with regional and national experts from the University of Guam, the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO), and the Western Regional Resource Center (WRRC). Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, June De Leon, serves as Project Director and June Quitugua, Initiative Area Coordinator for Inclusive Communities, serves as Assessment Coordinator. Dr. Mary Spencer, UOG’s Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS), is the regional expert on large-scale assessment, and Dr. Dan Robertson, faculty from CLASS, is the Project evaluator. Dr. Martha Thurlow and Rachel Quenemoen from NCEO along with Dr. Caroline Moore and staff from WRRC will provide national perspectives to help guide each jurisdiction’s plan in meeting national and local needs. “The Pacific Assessment Consortium Project brings community, regional, and national experts together to strengthen the comprehensive system of state-wide assessments for each island entity,” said Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Director of Guam CEDDERS. “In addition to the regional institutes on Guam, project participants will receive on-site technical support and assistance in finalizing their entity’s plan. In one year, we will have structures in place throughout the region that will guide the educational development of students with disabilities.” For more information on the Pacific Assessment Consortium Project, contact June De Leon at (671)735-2494. Photo with caption: Dr. Martha Thurlow, Director of the National Center on Educational Outcomes based at the University of Minnesota, met with Guam CEDDERS staffers, June Quitugua, June De Leon, and Guam Public School System’s Compliance Officer, Cathy Cardenas, during the “Accommodating Students with Disabilities on State Assessments: What Works?” Conference held in Savannah, Georgia on March 19-21. Dr. Thurlow will be providing technical assistance to the PAC6 Project. (L-R): Quitugua, Thurlow, De Leon, & Cardenas. Page 2 Assessment Project con’t from Page 1 Text in colored box: PAC-6 Project Outcome Guam CEDDERS will coordinate the one-year project that aims to: have individual jurisdiction plans to enhance each jurisdiction’s State assessment system (including alternate assessments), standards, and instructional supports that address the needs of all students with disabilities that ensures coherence among the following components: (1) alternate assessments based on grade-level achievement standards, & alternate achievement standards; (2) effective and appropriate accommodations that are consistent with daily instruction; (3) guidance to support IEP team decisions regarding student assessment; (4) professional development activities for both special education and regular education teachers; and (5) mechanism for disseminating information to parents. PAC6 Project Kicks Off in Honolulu Sometimes, timing is everything!! In March, the Pacific Basin Directors of Special Education expressed a common need for technical support in reviewing the requirements for implementing alternate assessments. With this regional priority, the Western Regional Resource Center (WRRC) at the University of Oregon and the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) organized a two-day meeting for May 18-19 in Honolulu in conjunction with PREL’s Pacific Curriculum and Instruction Council (PCIC) Spring 2006 Meeting. Also in March, Guam’s Congressional Office notified Guam CEDDERS that it had been awarded the General Supervision Enhancement Grant (GSEG) award for the Pacific Assessment Consortium (PAC-6) Project. Although awaiting of-ficial award notice from the U.S. Department of Educa-tion, Guam CEDDERS joined the collaborative effort of WRRC and PREL to bring together the Pacific Basin special educators and general educators in May in Honolulu. The two-day meeting served as the “kick-off” for disseminating information regarding the specifics of the PAC6 Project for all six Pacific Basin entities. Rachel Quenemoen, Senior Research Fellow from the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO), was the lead facilitator for the two-day meeting on assessment systems. Ms. Quenemoen reviewed the components of a comprehensive state-wide assessment system, including alternate assessments. June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Project Director for PAC6, and June Quitugua, Guam CEDDERS Assessment Coordinator for PAC-6, supported the engagement process for each jurisdiction to provide information on current practices and considerations for “next steps.” Ms. De Leon presented the specifics of the PAC-6 Project as a resource for meeting identified needs. On the second day of the meeting, the Pacific Special Education Directors and staff joined the PCIC to discuss common curriculum and assessment issues between general and special education. Ms. Quenemoen facilitated the conversation on the critical role curriculum plays in developing and implementing a comprehensive assessment system. Dr. Paul Ban, Hawaii State Director of Special Education, also joined the group and reported on Hawaii’s experience in implementing standards-based reform to ensure high standards and appropriate student assessments. Ms. De Leon shared the specifics of the PAC-6 Project and how it can serve as a mechanism for each entity to develop a meaningful and coordinated plan for implementing a comprehensive statewide assessment system. The next step planned for the PAC-6 Project is a 3-day training for jurisdiction Leadership Assessment Teams (LATs) scheduled for July 6-8 on Guam. Photo with caption: Rachel Quenemoen, from NCEO was the lead facilitator for the meeting on assessment systems held in Honolulu. Page 3 Creating Supports In the Region Outcomes Measures Process Proceeds in Region Developing an Early Childhood Outcomes Measurement System has been a goal for the Pacific entities of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, and the Republic of Palau this past year. With support from the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC), Guam CEDDERS has been assisting these entities in reaching this goal by facilitating stakeholder involvement in the development and implementation of their system. By June 30, jurisdictions will have collected child outcome data as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) Section 616, with a mechanism for reporting the data to the public in an Annual Performance Report. The data will provide information that will assist in the decision making process for program improvement, help providers make adjustments to intervention and provide information for policy makers and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Each jurisdiction is required to submit data on early childhood outcomes of infants and toddlers with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) under Part C of the IDEA and for preschoolers with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under Part B of the IDEA. For more information on Early Childhood Outcomes Measurement System, please contact Elaine B. Eclavea, at (671)735-2466. Photo with caption: Elaine Eclavea, (standing, right) poses with the Special Education staff of the Republic of Palau in April. Elaine facilitated working sessions on Early Childhood Outcomes Measurement with the group. The GATE Opens for Transportation Efficiency The 2006 Guam Alliance for Transportation Efficiency (GATE) Project is ready to open the “GATE” way to improvements in the island’s public transportation system after receiving funding as a United We Ride State Coordination Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. As the Governor’s designated lead agency, Guam CEDDERS will guide the collaboration of the human services transportation providers and the Public Transportation Division to assess the scope of community transportation services and develop a territorial action plan for the coordination of those services. Key features of the Action Plan are the development of a vision and mission statement and the incorporation of coordinated emergency evacuation planning. The GATE Project will provide Guam with the required Transportation Coordination Plan to access federal transportation funds for the funding years of 2007 and beyond. These funds pro-vide the island community with continuance of transportation services for Senior Citizens and individuals with disabilities and also provide expanded opportunities for employment related travel and services extending beyond ADA minimum requirements. Ginger Porter and Lee Cooper, are the Guam CEDDERS staffers who will take the lead in carrying out the objectives of the one year grant. Start up activities are planned to begin in June. For more information, contact Ginger Porter at (671)735-2369. Text in colored box: GATE’s Five Major Project Objectives 1. Organize a Mobility Coordinating Consortium 2. Assess Community Transportation Resources 3. Conduct Self-Assessment of Guam Transportation Services 4. Develop Guam Action Plan to Coordinate Human Services Transportation 5. Disseminate Guam Action Plan Page 4 New Advisory Council Members Appointed March was a month for transitions for the Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council. The new Advisory Council met on March 3 during which Evelyn Claros was elected Chairperson and Cecilia “Lee” Perez was elected Vice Chairperson. We look forward to continuing progress under the leadership of these two women and the new Advisory Council! We wish to extend our heartfelt Si Yu'os Ma'åse' to Thomas Manglona, outgoing chairperson; and Dan Cobb, outgoing vice chairperson; and members, Evelyn Duenas, Berni Grajek, Olympio Mueden, Jesse Pangelinan, and Laurie Sotto, consumers who provided valuable input to guide the direction of the organization. We also wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Hank Schilling, Bea Taitano-Cruz, and Mary Weakley, who brought service provider perspectives to the Council. Photo with caption: Ten new members were appointed and three members were re-appointed to the Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council in March. (Front Row, L-R): Cecilia Perez & Bill Fuppal. (Back Row, L-R) Victor Munoz, Joseph Mendiola, Dan Somerfleck, Mike Soliday, Evelyn Claros, Reina Sanchez, & Joseph Flores. Text in colored box: Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Membership 2006-08 Roseann Ada Director, Dept of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities Evelyn Claros Parent Bill Fuppul Consumer Joseph Mendiola Parent Victor Munoz Consumer Cecilia Perez Consumer Katrina C. Pieper Associate Superintendent of Special Education, Guam Public School System Charlene Salinas Parent Michael Soliday Consumer Joseph Flores Executive Director, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council Reina Sanchez, Dept of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Dan Somerfleck Director, Guam Legal Services Louise Toves Assistant to the President, Univ. of Guam Rehabilitation Grantwriting Workshop GRANT WRITING FOR SUCCESS, an outreach course offered in partnership with the San Diego State University Center for Distance Learning, provided eighteen individuals with an opportunity to learn more about grant writing and accessing public rehabilitation funds. The online course, initiated by three days of face-to-face instruction and interaction on March 20-23, coached students through various portions of the grant process. Dr. Mari Guillermo, SDSU, and Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS, provided critique and input to students on their grant ideas and grant development. Grant topic ideas included transportation, micro-enterprise development, teacher education, transition, family resource center, and educational technology. Students still in the process of finalizing their proposals will continue to receive coaching and guidance from Dr. Guillermo and Ms. Porter throughout the summer as an extended outreach to assure success and completion of proposals which can be submitted for funding. Photo with caption: Grantwriting participants include (Front Row, L-R) Samuel Ilesugam, Marie Babauta, Ginger Porter, Mari Guillermo, Bobbie Atkins, Mari Blas. (Second Row, L-R): Joe Benavente, Belinda Gonzalvo, Joann Ige, Yuki Inoue, Sarah Leon Guerrero, Lou Bitanga, Greg Borja. (Back Row, L-R): Paul Wallace, Rob Zimmerman, John Sanchez, Jacqui Cyrus, Carole Crisostomo, Doris Perez, & Fred Blas. Page 5 Early Learning Guidelines for Birth to 3 Nears Completion Many of you have seen the Guam Early Learning Guidelines for Young Children Ages Three To Five Years. As you recall, the initial version was released in April 2005, with the formally published version being released in January 2006. Over 3,480 copies have been disseminated to caregivers and parents. Approximately 362 individuals have attended workshops and other training on how the guidelines are to be used. Many of you have also asked about guidelines that cover the age range of birth to three. You’ve asked, “Are they being developed?” “What’s the status?” “When will they be made available to the public?” Rest assured that the Guam Early Learning Guidelines for Children Birth To Three are being addressed. Beginning in 2004, a focus group was formed to address the need for locally developed guidelines to provide information for families and providers on standards for infants to 3 years olds. These standards highlight expectations at each level, what should typically be expected at these ages, and what caregivers and parents can do to promote further development. Through funding support from the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Division of Public Welfare, Child Care Development Fund, Guam CEDDERS serves as facilitator of this process and the final product, the group has studied the numerous re-sources related to guidelines available that serve as models. The painstaking work involved to adapt the information to Guam’s situation, with its diversity in cultures, is what takes time. At the beginning of this process, the group met 1-2 times a month. The group is currently meeting weekly in order to complete a draft in time for sample units and lessons to be presented at the Birth To Three Institute scheduled for September. Coming up with early learning guidelines that are formulated with community representatives is a very timely intensive task. The development of this local resource takes a lot of time for meetings, draft development, draft review, and re-writes and revisions. With the talent, commitment, and drive that are shown by the group, the guidelines, once completed, will be a valuable resource for our island community. If you would like to be a part of this process, please call Mary Kidd at (671)735-2466. Text in colored box: Guam Early Learning Guidelines For Children Birth To Three Years Focus Group Jerry, Michelle, & Maggie Huffer M.G. Huffer Adventures in Learning Child Care Center Lysa Mesa Lee’s Playskool Abraham Mora Dept. of Public Health & Social Services Marsha Postrozny Guam Community College Catherine Drilon & Christine Rosario Guam Early Intervention System Kiniena Sachuo School of Education, University of Guam Cathy Shroeder Head Start Ama Underwood Honey Bear Kids Center Facilitators: Mary Kidd & Liz Borja, Guam CEDDERS Consultants: Abby Cohen, National Child Care Information Center Sandra Petersen & Karen Heying, National Infant & Toddler Child Care Institute Photos with caption: (Left photo) Mother and child “get into it” during the “Power of Play” Conference held at C.L. Taitano Elementary School on April 1. The conference, which was also held at Astumbo Elementary and Marcial Sablan Elementary, was a collaborative activity involving the Guam Early Intervention System, Head Start, and Guam CEDDERS. (Right photo) Asherdee Duenas, (right) GEIS staff, assists a father and son team measure ingredients to make “Play Dough”. Page 6 GSAT Annual Conference Attracts New Participants The Guam System for Assistive Technology recently celebrated its 12th Annual GSAT Assistive Technology Conference, entitled “With AT Anything is Possible!” The conference took place at the Guam Hilton Resort & Spa on April 1. With over 500 registered participants, this year’s conference is the largest one to date. One of the changes that may have led to the increase in attendance was that the conference was held on a Saturday, which allowed greater participation from teachers, parents, and service providers. The conference boasted three different theme tracks consisting of five presentations each, providing a total of 15 presentations. Presenters were recruited from various areas, all of which provided a mastery of their topic area. Additionally, an all day demonstration room was available to participants to get a hands-on feel for some the various AT devices available. The most impressive AT demonstration was the Accessible Van display provided by auto dealer Cars Plus (see photo below). Special thanks are extended to members of the planning committee, comprised of the GSAT Advisory Board and representatives from Guam Legal Services Corporation and the Guam Public School System. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event a success! Conference Presentations & Presenters ? “Reasonable Accommodations & AT in the Workplace” - Atty. Daniel S. Somerfleck ? “Accessing the Benefits of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA)” - Erica Perez and Vera Topasna ? “Providing Challenging Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities” - Franklin Sablan ? “Understanding Your Transit Ride - I” - Ginger Porter, Joey Manibusan, and Felix Dungca ? “Understanding Your Transit Ride - II” - Ginger Porter, Joey Manibusan, and Felix Dungca ? “Improving Your Memory with AT” - Mike Terlaje, Mae Fe Muyco, and Norma Jean Lizama ? “Understanding the AT Referral Process” - Franklin Artero and Lillian Llaneta ? “Accessible Voting” - Gerald Taitano and Dave Chargualaf ? “Communication Disorders & AT: Bridging the Gap” - Pat Leon Guerrero ? “Dreaming Big with the GOAL-AT Loan Program” - Mike Terlaje, Keven Camacho, Vince Mafnas, and Tracy Perez ? “Hop on Board with AT: A Hands-On Experience” - Renato Ranola, Wendy Legaspi, and Rosalind S. Taitingfong ? “From the ADA to Visitability!” - Mike Terlaje, Lynnette Mendiola, and Ovita Perez ? “Access to AT Through Special Education” - Rebecca P. Santo Tomas and Nora Cadag ? “Critical Needs & New AT for the Hearing Impaired Community” - Mike Soliday ? “Transition: Planning for AT Use in the Future” - June Quitugua and Mike Terlaje Photos with caption: Students from the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program at JFK High School signed the National Anthem during the GSAT Conference opening ceremonies. Luana Concepcion, Dolores Cruz, and Dolores Palomo demonstrate how to use a portable transfer lift to assist with mobility at home and traveling. Conference attendees were very interested in the features of an accessible van sold by auto dealer Cars Plus. Page 7 GSAT Fair Snapshots The 12th Annual GSAT Assistive Technology Fair took place at the Guam Premier Outlets (GPO) on March 25. The Fair provided an opportunity for Guam’s AT vendors and suppliers to display their products. Twenty-five vendors and service providers were on hand to share information about their products and services. Of particular interest were the new GSAT displays featuring Visitability and the AT Loan programs, the “Guam Options for Alternative Loans – Assistive Technology” and “Get Guam Teleworking.” Photos with caption: June Timpe, Guam CEDDERS support staff, answers questions at the Assistive Technology display table during the GSAT fair. Lynnette Mendiola and Ovita Perez, Social Work Interns, man the GOAL-AT & GGT display they helped create. Evelyn Claros, President of the Autism Parent Group, and Chairperson of the Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council, takes information from two interested fair attendees. Able Industries Staff Attend Employment Power Training ABLE Industries of the Pacific is following the precepts of inclusive work environments by being proactive in the training of their managers and supervisors who supervise a workforce primarily comprised of individuals with significant disabilities. On May 11, Guam CEDDERS staffers Terrie Fejarang and Ginger Porter delivered the first of several training components from the EMPLOYMENT POWER curriculum to a group of 18 individuals at the Magellan Inn on Anderson Air Force Base. The training opportunity emerged from conversations and networking at the recent GSAT Conference. Franklin Sablan, Human Re-sources Manager, who attend-ed one of Ms. Fejarang’s Employment Power presentations for a Managerial Communications class while attending the University of Guam several years ago, stated, “By attending the Disabilities Awareness Training, I was able to refresh my skills and knowledge in professionally dealing with persons with a disability. I have been very blessed to work with such a wonderful team.” ABLE Industries indeed has a wonderful team. Their managers and supervisors are interested in more training to provide them with additional tools to help maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities. Mr. Sablan, along with project manager, Marie Leon Guerrero, have been enthusiastically pursuing their re-quests. Six managers who interview applicants participated in a second session of training on “Module II, Disability and Law,” on May 23. This proactive training is targeting middle managers to be proficient in their know-ledge of the law and ADA guide-lines, as well as building awareness of the communication and accommodation needs of their employees. ABLE Industries, as a NISH employer, provides employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities. Photo with caption: Able Industries line supervisors and Human Resource Manager, Franklin Sablan, at right, listen intently during the Employment Power training held on May 9 at the Magellen Inn on Andersen Air Force Base. Page 8 Easter Seals Brings Project Action to Guam Grass roots concerns about the quality of transportation services spurred action from a Guam Team to seek participation in the Easter Seals Mobility Planning Institute held in Washington, D.C. in March 2005. The initial step spawned a partnership between Guam CEDDERS, the Guam Public Transportation Division, and transportation providers. This group has been meeting regularly since September 2004 to build up momentum to address the immense need for a reliable transportation system for the island community. A peak in the momentum occurred on March 30, 31 and April 1 as Guam continued to profit from the Easter Seals link with three days of beneficial meetings between Project Action Technical Assistant, Mr. Auturo Jackson of the Houston Metro-Lift, and key individuals involved in the delivery and planning of public transportation services. The timing could not have been better. On the second day of meetings, the Guam Supreme Court ruled on a procurement dispute that should end the month-to-month emergency procurement that has beleaguered the public transit system since January 2003. With opportunity to develop a new proposal for services, the technical assistance provided by Mr. Jackson provided timely information on strategies for an improved Scope of Services. Mr. Jackson engaged in roundtable discussions regarding issues of operational details, converting to functional assessments for paratransit eligibility, detailing specifications for contractual services, and planning flexibility to reduce ride denials. Participants included individuals from the Public Transit system, the Transportation Commission, Division of Senior Citizens, Guam CEDDERS, riders, two service providers, and advocates for individuals with disabilities. Local governmental leaders also met with Mr. Jackson to discuss his observations and impressions and recommendations based on the input and interactions that took place during the previous meetings. The meeting provided an educational forum for the Governor’s key staff and legislators to understand the need for enhanced capabilities within the government to improve contractual services which meet ADA standards. The technical assistance was one of several benchmarks achieved in the plan generated by the Guam Action Team in March of 2005, which was incorporated into the recommendations of the Transportation Task Force report to the Governor in June 2005. The wealth of information provided by Mr. Jackson is presently supporting the Transportation Commission in guiding and monitoring the progress and performance of the Guam Public Transit system. Next steps include implementing a functional assessment as part of the paratransit eligibility process, activating the Public Transit Grievance Review and Appeals Board, and reviewing recommendations for change to the fixed route schedules. Project Action has been, and continues to be, an excellent source of information and educational materials that are utilized by Guam CEDDERS in the quest to improve accessible public transportation for the Guam community. Easter Seals exemplifies what is locally identified as having a true Siña (can do) spirit. Photos with caption: Participants of roundtable discussion on transit issues engage in idea sharing. Clockwise starting at top left corner (L-R): Erskin Sanchez, Fleet Services; Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS; Joseph C. Manibusan, DOA; Thomas Manglona, Transportation Commission; Art Jackson, Project Action consultant; Lisa Ogo, rider; Evelyn Duenas and Mrs. Roseann Ada, Transportation Commission; Joseph C. Flores, Guam DDC; Brenda Leon Guerrero, Guam CEDDERS; & John Limtiaco, Fleet Services. Auturo Jackson shares his expertise with Guam transportation partners. Text in colored box: Key Ideas Agreed for Immediate Action ? Addition of an administrator/manager for the Public Transportation Division, ? Assessment, review, and update of fixed route schedules, and ? Implementation of functional assessment for paratransit eligibility. Page 9 CRP’s Complete Supported Employment Course Eight more Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) now have better working knowledge of supported employment with the recent completion of on-line coursework supported by both Guam CEDDERS and San Diego State University. Of the ten budgeted for this year’s activity, seven individuals finalized their coursework with one applying for CRCs, continuing rehabilitation credits. This term provided the unique opportunity to engage in supported employment issues for individuals with mental illness. Since the participation in the on-line offering, seventeen individuals now hold certified training, providing Vocational Rehabilitation with improved quality assurance of services from individuals and community organizations providing job coaching services. Congratulations to Guam Vocational Rehabilitation Center, Guma Mami, Inc., Asmuyao Community School, Elim Ministries of the Pacific, and Catholic Social Services for their commitment to advance supported employment practices. Draft Teacher Standards Ready for GPSS Board Review; Pilot Mentor Program Begins In Fall; Mini Grants Awarded Project Håtsa has shifted into high gear these last three months. Focus Area 1: Policy & Curriculum Alignment Focus Group completed the “Draft Teacher Standards and Performance Indicators” and have been reviewed by the Guam Public School System (GPSS) and community stakeholders. The Standards are now awaiting review, edits, and adoption by the Guam Education Policy Board. This Focus Group has also just completed a final draft on initial certification for teachers. Focus Area 2: Mentoring & Professional Growth, has completed the development of a “Mentoring Toolkit”, that includes a program overview and a literature review of mentoring. “Emerging Competencies of Beginning Teachers”, which is also part of the Toolkit, are based on standards of planning, instruction, management, and professional development and will drive the support provided by mentors. Roles and responsibilities of mentors and mentees, “Helpful Hints” on topics like classroom management and parent involvement are included. Two Mentor District Coordinators and 16 mentors have been hired. The Mentoring Program will be piloted this fall with an anticipated 100 mentees participating. Developing the “Draft School Administrator Standards and Performance Indicators” is the task being addressed by Focus Group 3. Anticipated completion of the draft is slated for August. Thirty five of the eligible 37 schools submitted applications by the March deadline for Mini Technology and Professional Development Grants. Twenty schools have already been awarded their grants. Text in colored box: Samples of Awarded Mini Grant Projects JFK High—Project Ayuda * Aims to expand the teaching skills of faculty to better meet the educational & social skills of 9th graders by —raising the 9th graders’ achievement levels on the SAT 10 by 3% —decreasing the number of 9th grade “repeaters” by 10% * Approach: Over a three-year period, 50 9th grade teachers & administrators will complete —2 classes that cover research based best practices in classroom teaching & management (Foundations of Effective Teaching I & II) —1 class on research based strategies to decrease student misbehavior to increase academic learning time (Managing Anti-Social Behavior) JLG Rios Middle-Project Voyagers: Making the Grade * Aims to improve the writing skills of 6th, 7th, & 8th graders by having them perform at grade level before they exit Rios. * Approach: Providing strategies to students who are below grade level in Language Arts, with an emphasis on writing across all subject areas using the Learning Strategies Curriculum under the Strategic Instruction Model. Photo with caption: (L-R) Ana Leon Guerrero, Aline Yamashita, Mina Salgado, Hannah Gutierrez, Connie Guerrero, & Mike Skinner attended the New Teacher Center Induction Institute held in Santa Cruz, California on April 24-28. Larry Kodiyanplakkal also attended the Institute. The Mentoring Program will be piloted this Fall. Page 10 Project Tinituhon Gains Momentum Project Tinituhon (“the beginning”), has moved forward in its initial stages of the strategic planning process. The goal of this planning grant, awarded to the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) in partnership with Guam CEDDERS, is to develop a strategic plan for an Early Childhood Comprehensive System (ECCS) for the territory. In February, Elaine Eclavea, Project Director and Kerina Oshiro, Project Coordinator, met with the Hawaii ECCS team to garner information about their experiences during their strategic planning process. These meetings provided information about the Hawaii ECCS planning grant structure, collaboration and coordination efforts between key agencies and organizations, alignment of the strategic plan with relevant projects (for example., Hawaii Medical Home Initiative, Head Start, etc), and an overview of the strategies that proved to be beneficial during their planning process. The Project’s core planning group, the Strategic Management Team (SMT), participated in orientation sessions in April and May that informed them about the Project’s goals and objectives and their roles in the planning process. The team will craft the Project’s mission and vision statements, and will help to lead the strategic planning work group sessions. The SMT is comprised of key stake-holders representing DPHSS, Guam Public School System, including Head Start, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Department of Labor, and the offices of Guam legislators Mike Cruz and Larry Kasperbauer. Additional members are from faith-based organizations, private business, the medical profession, and parents. The SMT will convene twice during the summer to develop the Project’s mission and vision statements and to plan for working group sessions. Other major upcoming activities will include the completion of an environmental scan and needs assessment, focus groups with consumers and service providers/professionals, and a “kick off” conference to publicize the project. Photos with caption: Kerina Oshiro, Project Tinituhon’s Program Coordinator (standing) presents information on Medical Home Indices for Families and Professionals during the Strategic Management Team meeting held June 1. Annie Unpingco, Ruth Leon Guerrero, Julie Celeste, & Abe Mora, members of the Project Tinituhon Strategic Management Team, review the summaries of a focus group survey. Text in a colored box: Project Tinituhon Strategic Management Team Barbara Benavente Prevention & Training Branch Supervisor, DMHSA Stasia Borja Parent Julie Celeste Management Analyst IV, Child Care Representative, DPHSS Terese Crisostomo Program Coordinator, Division of Special Education, Guam Public School System Elaine Dell’Isola Staff Assistant, Committee on Health & Human Services, 28th Guam Legislature Linda DeNorcey, MPH Health Services Administrator, DPHSS Estela Gapas President, Guam Caregivers Association Veronica Garrido Program Director, Head Start, Guam Public School System Ruth Leon Guerrero Executive Director, One-Stop Career Center, Department of Labor Desiree Losongco Parent Mary Meadowcroft Program Director, Mom to Mom Mentors Chris Perez, M.D. Family Practitioner, The Doctor’s Clinic Larry Kasperbaurer, Ph.D. Senator, Chair, Committee on Education, 28th Guam Legislature Susanne Sison, M.D. Chief Public Health Officer, DPHSS Annie Unpingco, LCSW Administrator, Children & Adolescent Services Division, DMHSA Elaine Eclavea Project Director, Project Tinituhon, Guam CEDDERS Kerina Oshiro Project Coordinator, Project Tinituhon, Guam CEDDERS Liz Borja Research Training Associate, Project Tinituhon, Guam CEDDERS Page 11 Photos with caption: Guam CEDDERS produced two 30-second TV ads aimed at increasing disability awareness and accessible parking. Shown here are the camera crew and actors as they prepare for a take for the second ad which was filmed at the University of Guam. After a round of screenings and input sessions with several audiences, the spots will be aired in June. Guam CEDDERS & DPHSS representatives met in April to discuss linking databases to maximize information collection capabilities in preparation for the eventual transfer of the Guam Early Hearing and Detection Intervention (Guam EHDI) Project to DPHSS. (Seated L-R): Dr. Velma Sablan, Guam EHDI Project Director, Arlene Kloppenberg, Program Coordinator, Children with Special Health Care Needs, Art San Agustin, Acting DPHSS Director, Dr. Susan Sison, DPHSS Acting Chief Dental Officer. (Standing L-R) Elaine Eclavea, Guam EHDI Project Coordinator, & Vicky Ritter, Guam EHDI Screener. Guam CEDDERS Articles To maximize dissemination efforts on best practices in early childhood education to a wider audience, selected articles published in Nene News are also published in Mañagu (“Birth” in Chamorro), a bi-monthly magazine for parents. Shown above are the first two articles which appear in the March-April and May-June issues, respectively. Page 12 Calendar of Upcoming Events June 2006 ? Jun 2 - Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Mtg, GSAT, 3:30 p.m. ? Jun 5- Project FO’NA Summer Program Begins ? Jun 6-8-CNMI TA Visit, Saipan ? Jun 9&10-Child Care Leadership Institute, 9 a.m.-3p.m., CSS Conference Room ? Jun 12-15-FSM National TA, Pohnpei ? Jun 17-Model Child Care Center Training, CSS Conference Room, 8:00 a.m.-2 p.m. July 2006 ? Jul 3-Nene News (3) Dissemination ? Jul 6-8-PAC-6, Initial LAT Training, Guam ? Jul 8-GSAT Walk, Wheel, Run Event, Tiyan Softball Field, 4:00 Show time ? Jul 17-Project FO’NA Courses EDSP222 ”Seminar in Language Disorders II” & EDSP259 “Seminar in Language Disorders in Children” Begin ? Jul 19 & 20-CNMI TA Visit, Saipan ? Jul 29-Family Child Care Training, Catholic Social Services (CSS) Conference Room, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Day 1 September 2006 ? Sep 1—Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council Meeting, GSAT, 3:30 p.m. ? Sep 9-Child Care Training Institute (Early Learning Guidelines 0-3 yrs.) ? Sep 16-Child Care Training Institute (Early Learning Guidelines 0-3 yrs.) ? Sep 29-Nene News(4) Dissemination August 2006 ? Aug 5-Family Child Care Training, Catholic Social Services Conference Room, -8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.-Day 2 ? Aug 16—UOG Fall Semester Begins Photos with caption: GOAL-AT Loan Recipient Snapshots Thomas Borja is the first recipient of a GOAL-AT (Guam Options for Alternative Loans for Assistive Technology). Mr. Borja used his loan to purchase a modified bush cutter, which he uses in his general maintenance and lawn care business. The loan program, is operated through a collaborative partnership between Guam CEDDERS, the Pacific Islands Micro-Credit Institute, and the Bank of Guam. For more information on the loan program, contact Mike Terlaje at (671)735-2490. GSAT Conference Photo with caption: Melanie DeGuzman and Steven Santos, ham it up with props from the Video Relay Service (VRS) presentation. University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter Guam CEDDERS Office of Academic & Student Affairs University of Guam, UOG Station Mangilao, Guam 96923 Phone: (671) 735-2480/1 Fax: (671) 734-5709 TTY: (671) 734-6531 Email: heidisan@uog9.uog.edu I Tellai is a quarterly publication of Guam CEDDERS. Director: Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D. Editors: Terrie Fejarang, June De Leon, & Ginger Porter Layout & Design: Margaret Johnson This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from the following Guam CEDDERS staff members: Liz Borja, June De Leon, Elaine Eclavea, Terrie Fejarang, Mary Kidd, Kerina Oshiro, Ginger Porter, June Quitugua, & Mike Terlaje. Alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print, or audio tapes) of I Tellai will be made available upon request. Please contact Margaret Johnson at (671) 735-2477 (v), (671) 735-6531 (TTY), or (671) 734-5709 (fax) for more information. The University of Guam is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.