 FSM DOE Holds English Curriculum Development Workshop in PohnpeiPalikir, Pohnpei (FSM Department of Education): September 30, 2009 - In order to address declining levels of student achievement in English Language Arts, the FSM National Department of Education has embarked on a program of curriculum development and training. Staff of the National Education Department's Division of Basic Education and Accreditation conducted a workshop on the development of Student Learning Outcomes for the English Language Arts National Curriculum in Pohnpei from Monday 21st September to Friday 25th September 2009. Specialists from all four State Departments of Education, as well as a representative from PREL, attended the workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to further develop and elaborate on the existing National Curriculum Standards and Benchmarks for English Language Arts. These provide an outline of what students are expected to achieve in English Language Arts at Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 12. The existing benchmarks were scrutinized and unpacked to produce detailed Student Learning Outcomes for each grade level. These Student Learning Outcomes will provide more specific guidance to teachers about the learning expectations for students in English Language Arts at all grade levels from ECE to Grade 12. As an example, approximately 50 Student Learning Outcomes were developed for ECE students, all based on the existing 14 Grade Three benchmarks. A similar number were developed for all grades. These Student Learning Outcomes will greatly assist teachers in planning grade-appropriate, relevant, active, multi-sensory and enjoyable learning experiences for students learning English as a second language. The workshop facilitators clarified the status of English as a Second Language in the FSM, in accordance with the FSM Bi-lingual Education Policy. The facilitators also reminded participants that it was important that students gain literacy skills in their first language first, before transferring these skills to English and that each first language should be taught in all public schools from ECE to Grade 12. The revised and expanded English Language Arts curriculum document will contain guidance to teachers on bi-lingual education and second-language teaching and learning methodologies as well as recommendations on suitable textbooks, student assessment and lesson planning. It is hoped that a first draft of the Student Learning Outcomes will be ready within the next few weeks for public consultation. |