Iakwe!
This year the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) greatest challenge
was to provide quality education for all students in the Marshall
Islands. The MOE is responsible for providing both basic and
quality education that will prepare students to be productive
members of our country. The MOE’s mission statement is:
“We aim to prepare ALL students to be literate and successful,
reach their greatest potential, be critical thinkers and problem
solvers, and be culturally and globally competent and responsive.
Thus, we are committed to developing effective partnerships
with parents and community, placing qualified teachers in all
schools, creating safe and conducive learning environments,
and equipping our schools with vital learning resources.”
The MOE acts upon its mandate as stated in the mission statement.
Let me share some of these major challenges with you.
This is the third
year that the MOE has purchased English and Math textbooks
for students in grades K-4. In order for the Ministry to purchase
textbooks in all subjects, it will take more funding, but
we are prepared to achieve this goal. With the lack of qualified
teachers in classrooms, the Professional Development Department
is diligently working to improve teacher qualifications. With
the new curriculum in place, the MOE is striving to meet benchmarks
and standards by training teachers in the new curriculum.
New classrooms and better maintenance of the current infrastructure
is another challenge to having the proper facilities for the
students to grow and learn. With highly qualified teachers,
proper curriculum and satisfactory facilities, I believe that
student test results will continue to improve. This is indicative
of this year’s testing results.
I am excited to report
that through the Performance Based Budgeting System, these
challenges are being measured to ensure that the Ministry
works on each of them. Below are the 4 primary objectives:
Objectives Outcomes
1. Curriculum Development Continue to improve the curriculum
at all levels of education
2. Staff Development Improve effectiveness of all RMI education
staff and teachers in all educational areas
3. Program Delivery and Student Services Improve student performance
and learning outcomes through improved program delivery and
community involvement
4. Infrastructure and Maintenance Implement infrastructure
development and maintenance plan and target available supplies
as needed
The MOE will continue
to meet challenges head-on in order to deliver the highest
quality education. Kamolol
to all of our partners in this education system, including
teachers, staff, parents and students in both public and private
schools, local higher learning institutions, both on and off
island donors, consultants, local communities and all other
stakeholders. I would especially like to express thanks to
the landowners and traditional leaders for your support for
the education of Ajiri in Majol.
Kom Emol tata!
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