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National education summit to convene

POHNPEI, Palikir (FSM Information Service): August 2000 - FSM educational leaders will meet next week, September 5-8, to address specific ways to improve the nation's education system.

The Nationwide Education Summit will address strategic areas needed for improving education in the FSM based on policy directives developed at the Second FSM Economic Summit held recently.

Accountability and the quality of education will be the prevailing themes running throughout the summit breakout sessions that will be held in numerous locations in the Kolonia Town vicinity, said Jimmy Hicks, FSM director of Federal Programs and Educational Planning.

The summit is expected to set priorities for goals and objectives, identify specific intervention strategies and programs, and place responsibility for meeting goals to improve the quality of education in the FSM.

Among the key issues to be discussed include continual improvement of education, the quality of education, and the establishment of nation-wide goals to lead to greater accountability for educational improvement.

Summit organizers hope to develop action plans to increase support for education and increase the recognition of the role education plays in the nation's economic growth and social development.

Participants to the summit include educators, parents, and political and community leaders. Anyone else interested in the nation's education system are invited to attend.

Keynote speakers and the opening session will be at Misko Beach. Plenary sessions and luncheons will be held at Club Cupid; breakout sessions will meet at Micronesian Seminar, Skylite Hotel, Oceanview, Club Cupid, Pohnpei Special Education facilities, and other sites, according to a FSM Department of Health, Education, and Social Affairs paper.