WASC visits Pohnpei Island Central School (PICS)

Press Release #0409-36
Kolonia, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
April 22, 2009

This week (April 20-22) the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation team of seven educators across the Pacific Region is visiting Pohnpei State’s PICS for the school’s first attempt at achieving accreditation.  The team consists of WASC Chairman, Dr. Ron Needham, Dr. Marilyn Salas, Dr. Gayle Hendricks, Geraldine T. Ichimura, Patricia Parks, Ann S. Antal and Rebecca Pickett.

PICS accreditation team is demonstrating how their school is responding to four categories for student learning: a) Organization for student learning; b) Curriculum and Instruction; c) Support for Student Personal and Academic Growth; and d) Resource Management and Development.

Educators responsible for leading PICS Self-Study are: PICS Administrators: Joseph Villazon, Director of Education, Solipisio Salvador, Chief of Secondary Education, Pernis Diopulos, Acting Principal and PICS Accreditation Leadership Team consisting of the following members: Quincy Lawrence, Accreditation Self Study Coordinator, Solipisio Salvador, Benji Phillip, Mayson Fredrick, Neemia Bourea, Michaela Corr, Andy Brown, Sonster Edgar, Kenio Frank, Rickson Aldis, Carolyn Fredrick, Adarihno Hadley and Pete Leon Panuelo.

The WASC Team is reviewing the school’s Self-Study Report, holding discussions with various stakeholders (parents, students, teachers, administrators), observing classrooms, reviewing student work, and gaining insight as they interact with various school groups.