Using Internet Tools to Enhance Mulitcultural Education Presentation

Graduate students enrolled in ED638: Teaching with the Internet presented at the University of Guam’s 22nd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held November 6 and 7 at the University of Guam and Guam Marriott Resort & Spa. The theme of the conference was Multicultural Approaches in Language Arts Education. The students’ presentation titled Using Internet Tools to Enhance Multicultural Education explored web sites aimed at enhancing multicultural education, including reading, writing, collaboration, professional development, instructional technology, WebQuests, and more. Pictured L-R first row: Angela Sablan; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; and Marife Fernandez. Second row L-R: Darlene Quichocho, Ceria Santos, Tessa Pfahler, Yolanda Tabayoyong, Nadine Cruz, and Josephine Mesa Cruz. Back row L-R: Alan Jamison and Devin Paciente.

Family Literacy in the Pacific

Check out the new Family Literacy in the Pacific website at
http://familyliteracypacific.blogspot.com/

Felis Pasgua ~ Feliz Navidad

May the Lord richly bless you with a memorable Christmas to cherish with family and friends. Felis Pasgua! Feliz Navidad! Have a blessed Christmas filled much love, joy, peace, and happiness!

Guam IRA's 10th Annual Community Book Fair - Agana Shopping Center - December 12

The Guam International Reading Association's 10th Annual Community Book Fair be held on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the Agana Shopping Center from 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Bring the entire family for a fun day of literacy filled with books, Read Alouds, raffle prizes, and more! There will be exciting student performances including Maria Ulloa Elementary School’s Head Start students and the St. Francis Honor Choir. A special appearance of Clifford the Big Red Dog will also be available.

A special presentation of IRA’s Community Book Baskets will benefit the following: University of Guam’s School of Education Literacy Lab, Guam Memorial Hospital’s Pediatric Ward, Erica’s House, Department of Youth Affairs, and the Alee Shelter in order to promote literacy.

There will be an array of books just for you! There will be paperback and hardcover books, young adult literature, and an assortment of professional books—all at affordable prices. There will also be software, novelties, and brand new Read-A-Thon 2010: “Go Green, Go Read” stocking stuffers. Books for IRA’s upcoming visiting author, Eric Ode, will also be on sale. There will be items from Southern Creations, PBS Guam, School Essentials, and Scholastic. Other features include the make-n-take children’s craft table, face painting by ACEI, gift wrapping stations, and more! You won't want to miss this event!

29th Annual International PIBBA Conference - June 22-25, 2010

29th Annual International PIBBA Conference - June 22-25, 2010, Republic of the Marshall Islands. Read details below.

Image source: http://www.rmiembassyus.org/

29th Annual International
PIBBA Conference


KUBWIJ BUNI EO
REVIVING THE LANGUAGES AND CULTURES OF THE PACIFIC

Tuesday-Friday, June 22-25, 2010
Marshall Islands High School

Sponsored by:
Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) International and RMI Chapter



Download Registration Form

Download Presentation Form

Download Exhibit Form

Download Indigenous Teacher of the Year Packet

Download Pioneer of the Year Packet

The PIBBA Conference is an annual event in which Western Pacific educators are provided with opportunities for professional growth and cultural enrichment. This year's conference offers a wonderful selection of traditional, innovative, and practical workshops, presented by creative and imaginative educators and cultural leaders from the Pacific islands.

PIBBA Conference Chairs:

Cheta N. Anien, President-Elect, PIBBA International
Emman Rokjan, President, PIBBA RMI Chapter

For information, contact Cheta N. Anien at (692) 625-5261/5262 or e-mail chetaanien@rmimoe.net or pibba.international@gmail.com

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE 28TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL PIBBA CONFERENCE HELD IN GUAM

Pictured above: Proclamation signing for the 28th Annual International PIBBA Conference at the Governor's Conference Room. L-R front row seated: Carmen Weaver, Rosa Salas Palomo, Lt. Governor Mike Cruz, Governor Felix Camacho, and Dr. Jose Q. Cruz. Back row L-R: Teresita Flores, Maria Cruz, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Carol Cepeda, Marife Fernandez, Mye Ganan Flores, Risa Salas Miguel, Zander Refilong, Joseph Mafnas, and Antonia Salas.

Pictured above: The 30th Guam Legislature presented a legislative resolution commending the celebration of the 28th Annual International PIBBA Conference on June 22, 2009 at the Guam Marriott Resort and Spa. Pictured above L-R: Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG President and first PIBBA President; Masa-Aki Emesiochl, first PIBBA President-Elect; Juanita Manibusan, PIBBA Conference Co-Chair & 2008-2009 President of PIBBA Guam Chapter; Rosa Salas Palomo, PIBBA Conference Co-Chair & 2008-2009 PIBBA International President-Elect; Senator Tina Muna-Barnes; Frances Sablan, CNMI head delegation; Marilyn Salas, 2008-2009 PIBBA International Secretary; Alister Tolenoa, Kosrae head delegation; and Shelten Neth, 2008-2009 PIBBA International President.

Pictured above L-R: Zander Refilong, PIBBA steering committee member; Lt. Governor Bill Tosie of Kosrae; PIBBA President Shelten Neth; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA steering committee member.

Pictured above L-R: Teresita Flores, PIBBA steering committee member; Joe Mafnas, PIBBA steering committee member; Frances Sablan, PIBBA secretary; Alister Tolenoa, Kosrae delegation; and Carmen Weaver, PIBBA steering committee member.

Pacific Educator Fall 2009 Issue

The Fall 2009 issue of Pacific Educator is now available via PDF download at http://www.prel.org/products/pacific-educator.aspx As mentioned in PREL's announcement, the "Pacific Educator features articles focusing on the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) legislation, classroom applications for teachers, and PREL program updates from throughout the U.S.-affiliated Pacific and continental United States."

In particular, this issue includes topics dealing with standards for Guam and FSM, professional practice in Palau, preparing principals in the Pacific, Pohnpei's digital library training, social entrepreneurship & the arts, special tributes to Drs. Tom Barlow and Rita Inos, and Yap's transitional year of grade 5! Enjoy!

UOG's 22nd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference a Success!

The University of Guam's 22^nd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference (LAC), which was held Friday and Saturday, November 6 & 7, 2009 at UOG and the Guam Marriott Resort and Spa was a success! The theme of the conference was "Multicultural Approaches in Language Arts Education." The LAC is an opportunity for professional growth and enrichment in literacy for educators in the Western Pacific region. Presentations focused on reading and writing across the content areas with particular attention on approaches in the multicultural context. Thus, it offered workshops and presentations that promote creative multicultural approaches to language arts, technology, assessment, literacy, and more!

The participants were treated to insightful speeches conducted by Keynote Speakers Drs. Nancy Updegraff and Nancy Hayward. Updegraff, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Special Consultant, proudly holds three doctorate degrees and eight master's degrees in the areas of Urban Education, English, Learning Disabilities, Reading Psychology, and Professional Development. Hayward is Professor of English at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and on the faculty in the Composition and TESOL Graduate programs. Her professional expertise includes composition theory and practice, multiculturalism, and sociolinguistics.

The various meaningful presentations and workshops included the following:

*Digital Storytelling Made Easy! By Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, & Professor Julie Fee

*The (His)Story Of English & The Language Arts Teacher By Dr. Clarisa Quan

*Conceptualization Of High And Low Cultures On The Island Of Guam: A Case Study With Micronesian Educators On Their Perceptions, Attitudes, Beliefs, And Performance Of Multi-Cultures In School And Community Contexts By Dr. Ye Kyoung Kim

*Class Exercise Tools On The Internet: Quia By Toyoko Kang

*What All Teachers Need To Know About English Language Learners By Elizabeth Hamilton

*Kairos & Multiculturalism By Mr. Tom Maxedon

*Using Internet Tools To Enhance Multicultural Education By Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, With UOG Students Josephine Mesa Cruz, Nadine Cruz, Marife Fernandez, Cindy Galvez, Alan Jamison, Devin Paciente, Tessa Pfahler, Darlene Quichocho, Angela Sablan, Ceria Santos, & Yolanda Tabayoyong

*Engaging With Google Interactive Docs By Dr. Jacqui Cyrus

*Mathematics - The Universal Language. Is It Really? By Grazyna Badowski

*A Panel Of Poets By Dr. Chris Schreiner, With Travis Brown, Joanna Caqsi, Jolene Mendiola, Jajae Sabangan, Heather Peredo, Faith Realica, Johnavan Tamayo

*Myths About Dyslexia By Dr. Deane Jesse-Jones

*Putting The Spotlight On Readers’ Theater By Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, With Faye Kaible, Mary Jane Alegre, Christine Joy Borja, Marife Fernandez, & Geraldine Sablan

*Second Language Teaching Methodology: A Discourse Analysis Siop Teacher Talk In Secondary Classrooms Based Ona Text Coding Method By Dr. Ye Kyoung Kim, Julia Shore, Toni Salas, & Roy Leon Guerrero

Project Håtsa and UOG’s English Curriculum: Course Objectives and Motives To Teach As Predictors Of Pre-Service Success By Professor Sharleen Santos-Bamba & Dr. Kyle Smith

Interdisciplianry Reading Strategies Through The Use Of Technology By Dr. Kelle Murphy & Dr. Sweeter Sachuo

*Using Culture to Teach Comprehension by Dr. Nancy Updegraff

*The Problem With Word Problems Is The Words! By Maria C. Gozum, Cecilia Padios, Arleen B. Suplido

*The I-Search Process: A Culturally Responsive Approach To Develop Student Writing Skills By Dr. Velma Sablan

*Three Essential Practices For Teaching English Language Learners Effectively By Elizabeth Hamilton

*Pronunciations: Common And Humorous Mistakes By Dr. Mike Griffin

*UOG’s M.A. In English Program: An Introduction To The University Of Guam’s Master Of Arts Program In English By Dr. Jason Vest

*Critical Reading And Effective Writing In The Multicultural Classroom By Grace Griffin

*Teaching And Learning, Up Close And Personal: When Technology Is Not Enough! By Professor Pauline Baird

*Assessing Student Achievement: The Tamuning Elementary School’s, Reaching For Excellence Award By Dr. Jose Q. Cruz & Mrs. Kathy Reyes, Principal, Tamuning Elementary School.

*Secrets Of Success On The English Placement Test By Rick Zimmerman

*Language Backpack: Using Culture To Develop Strategies For Second Language Learners

*Sociolinguistics Of Language Teaching: Issues & Polemics

*Teaching And Learning Language Arts In Diverse Populations:

*What Is Unique And Special About It? By Dr. George Kallingal

*What Every Teacher Should Know About Criminal Law By Professor Mylene Lopez, Esq.

*Teaching Literature To High School Students By Dr. Yao Xin Chang

A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO ALL THE EDUCATORS, PRESENTERS, SPONSORS, COMPANIES, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO MADE THE LANGUAGE ARTS CONFERENCE A SUCCESS!


LAC SNAPSHOTS...



IRA Donation to LAC: The International Reading Association (IRA) Guam Council donated $1,500 to the Language Arts Conference. Pictured above L-R: Grace Griffin, IRA Guam Council President; Dr. James Sellmann, Acting Dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS); Dr. Clarisa Quan, LAC Co-Chair; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, LAC Co-Chair. Not pictured are LAC Co-Chairs Dr. Catherine Stoicovy; Dr. Beth Somera; Troy McVey, CLASS Associate Dean; Dr. Elizabeth Hawthorne, SOE Dean; and Debbie Respicio, LAC Administrative Coordinator.





LAC Volunteers: Pictured above L-R: Frederick Varias, LAC Volunteer; Isabella Dendy, LAC Volunteer; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, LAC Co-Chair and Presenter; Kaori Isozaki, LAC Volunteer; and Robert Kilgore, LAC Volunteer.

UOG’s Language Arts Conference Offers 2 Graduate Credits/3 CEUs

The University of Guam’s 22nd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference (LAC) will offer 2 graduate credits for those who possess at least a bachelor's degree or 3 CEUs for those who do not hold a degree. The conference will be held Friday and Saturday, November 6 & 7, 2009 at the University of Guam and Guam Marriott Resort and Spa. As part of the course requirements, students must complete the following: Full attendance at the conference, classroom application of one or more of the strategies/techniques learned at the conference, write a brief summary for each session attended, and write a five-page, typed, double-spaced paper explaining how the Language Arts Conference has increased their knowledge and understanding of using multicultural approaches in language arts education.

LAC Forms are available online at http://www.uog.edu/languageartsconference

Students must register for the conference before they register for the graduate credits/CEUs at the Professional International Programs, 2nd floor/MARC/Computer Center/PIP Building, Room #217. For more information, students may call 735-2601 or fax 734-1233. They may also e-mail the instructor, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, at mnrivera1@yahoo.com.

This course is also eligible for the Dr. Antonio C. Yamashita Educator Corps (YEC) support available for qualified Guam Department of Education teachers who have officially been processed through the YEC. For additional information from YEC, participants may call 735-2470.

The LAC registration fee includes the following:
*IRA members, UOG students, presenters – $40
*On-site registration or after October 23 - $55

For additional information regarding the conference, participants/presenters may call Debbie at 735-2725 or e-mail her at languageartsconf@uguam.uog.edu.

PIBBA International Donation

Pictured above: PIBBA International donated a canopy gift set to the Mayor of Malesso, Ernest Chargualaf, on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Merlyn Cook School. The canopy will be used for various activities held in the village. PIBBA International donated the canopy set in gratitude to Mayor Chargualaf who graciously allowed the association to host its last day of the PIBBA Conference at the Merlyn Cook School in Malesso on June 25, 2009. Pictured L-R front row: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA International conference steering committee member; Julia Shore, PIBBA member; Mye Ganan-Flores, PIBBA International conference steering committee member; and Joseph Mafnas, PIBBA International conference steering committee member. Second row L-R: Antonia Salas, PIBBA Guam Chapter Historian; Mayor Chargualaf; Dr. Jose Q. Cruz, PIBBA International Historian; Teresita Flores, PIBBA International conference steering committee member; and Zander Refilong; PIBBA International conference steering committee member. Back row L-R: Carmen Weaver, PIBBA International conference steering committee member and Dr. Greg Tainatongo, PIBBA International conference steering committee member. Not pictured are PIBBA International President Rosa Salas Palomo; and PIBBA International conference steering committee members Maria Agulto, Maria Cruz, Toni Ramirez, Marie Castro, Carol Cepeda, Peter Onedera, Juanita Manibusan-Manglona, Julie Ulloa-Heath, Jovie Taimanao, Barbara Manibusan, Gene Dydasco, Faye Kaible, Marife Fernandez, and Risa Salas Miguel.

UOG's 22nd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference - Nov. 6 & 7, 2009

The 22nd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference (LAC) will be held November

6-7, 2009. The theme is “Multicultural Approaches in Language Arts Education.”

The LAC is an opportunity for professional growth and enrichment in literacy for

educators in the Western Pacific region. Presentations will focus on reading and

writing across the content areas with particular attention on approaches in the

multicultural context. Proposals for individual and panel presentations on innovative

reaching strategies, research reports, and practical workshops are welcome.

Presentations will be scheduled in forty-five minute blocks.

LAC Forms are available online at http://www.uog.edu/languageartsconference

Call for Proposals:

Call for proposals are being accepted now. Deadline for submissions was Sept. 30, 2009, but it is extended to the first week of October. If you have any questions, please call Debbie Respicio at 735-2725/6 or e-mail languageartsconf@uguam.uog.edu

Registration Fees:

Early Bird (by Oct. 9, 2009), Presenter, UOG Student, IRA Member - $40

Pre-Registration (By Oct. 23, 2009) - $45

On-site or after Oct. 23, 2009 - $55

Graduate Credits/CEUs:
Educators can also earn 2 graduate credits/CEUs. Students must register for the conference before they register for the LAC course at the Professional International Programs, 2^nd floor/MARC/Computer Center/PIP Building, Rm. #217. For more information, students may call 735-2601 or fax 734-1233. They may also e-mail the instructor, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, at mnrivera1@yahoo.com.

The LAC course is eligible for YEC support to qualified GDOE educators who have officially been processed through the Dr. Antonio C. Yamashita Corps (YEC). For additional information from YEC, participants may call 735-2470.

For additional information regarding the conference, participants/presenters may call Debbie at 735-2725/6 or e-mail her at languageartsconf@uguam.uog.edu.

Snapshots from last year's Language Arts Conference!*

*Note: Click on the pictures above to get a clearer view of the images.

Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference to be held in the RMI in 2010!

Image source: http://www.rmiembassyus.org/

The 29^th Annual International Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference will be held in Majuro in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, June 23 – 25, 2010! For more information, visit the PIBBA International website at http://pibbainternational.blogspot.com

The mission of PIBBA is to promote bilingual-bicultural activities in the Pacific islands areas of Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Hawaii, American Samoa, and the Federated States of Micronesia through the development of policies, dissemination of information, involvement of the community, and encouragement of quality education programs.

Snapshots from the 28^th Annual International PIBBA Conference: “Invigorating Languages and Cultures of the Pacific”

Pictured above: Proclamation signing for the 28th Annual International PIBBA Conference at the Governor's Conference Room. L-R front row seated: Carmen Weaver, Rosa Salas Palomo, Lt. Governor Mike Cruz, Governor Felix Camacho, and Dr. Jose Q. Cruz. Back row L-R: Teresita Flores, Maria Cruz, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Carol Cepeda, Marife Fernandez, Mye Ganan-Flores, Risa Salas Miguel, Zander Refilong, Joseph Mafnas, and Antonia Salas.

Pictured above: The 30th Guam Legislature presented a legislative resolution commending the celebration of the 28th Annual International PIBBA Conference on June 22, 2009 at the Guam Marriott Resort and Spa. Pictured above L-R: Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG President and first PIBBA President; Masa-Aki Emesiochl, first PIBBA President-Elect; Juanita Manibusan, PIBBA Conference Co-Chair & 2008-2009 President of PIBBA Guam Chapter; Rosa Salas Palomo, PIBBA Conference Co-Chair & 2008-2009 PIBBA International President-Elect; Senator Tina Muna-Barnes; Frances Sablan, CNMI head delegation; Dr. Marilyn Salas, 2008-2009 PIBBA International Secretary; Alister Tolenoa, Kosrae head delegation; and Shelten Neth, 2008-2009 PIBBA International President.

Pictured above L-R: Zander Refilong, PIBBA steering committee member; Lt. Governor Bill Tosie of Kosrae; PIBBA President Shelten Neth; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA steering committee member.

Pictured above L-R: Teresita Flores, PIBBA steering committee member; Joe Mafnas, PIBBA steering committee member; Frances Sablan, PIBBA secretary; Alister Tolenoa, Kosrae delegation; and Carmen Weaver, PIBBA steering committee member.

Pictured above: Steering committee members of the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) are hard at work during the 28th Annual International PIBBA Conference held June 22-25, 2009 at the University of Guam, Guam Marriott Resort, and Merlyn Cook School in Malesso.

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Pictured above: Steering committee members of the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) are hard at work during the 28th Annual International PIBBA Conference held June 22-25, 2009 at the University of Guam, Guam Marriott Resort, and Merlyn Cook School in Malesso. The conference theme was “Invigorating Languages and Cultures of the Pacific.”


Hafa Adai, and Happy Labor Day weekend! Hopefully, you’ll be able to enjoy the Labor Day holiday, since there’s no doubt that many of us have exerted much effort to contribute to the betterment of our island. Our genuine commitment to work hard and wisely should not go unnoticed. Kudos to all of you who sincerely strive to make a difference!

Upcoming UOG Language Arts Conference - November 6 & 7, 2009

Note: Click on the images above to get a clearer view of the pictures.

The 22^nd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference (LAC) will be held Friday-Saturday, November 6 & 7, 2009. The theme is “Multicultural Approaches in Language Arts Education.” The LAC is an opportunity for professional growth and enrichment in literacy for educators in the Western Pacific region. Presentations will focus on reading and writing across the content areas with particular attention on approaches in the multicultural context. Proposals for individual and panel presentations on innovative reaching strategies, research reports, and practical workshops are welcome. Presentations will be scheduled in forty-five minute blocks.

LAC forms are available online at www.uog.edu or visit http://www.geocities.com/uog_lac

Call for Proposals:

Call for proposals are being accepted now, and the deadline for submissions is September 30, 2009. If you have any questions, please call Debbie Respicio at 735-2725/6 or e-mail languageartsconf@uguam.uog.edu

Registration Fees:

Early Bird (by Sept. 30, 2009), Presenter, UOG Student, IRA Member - $40

Pre-Registration (By Oct. 23, 2009) - $45

On-site or after Oct. 23, 2009 - $55

Please make checks payable to “UOG Language Arts Conference”

Graduate Credits/CEUs:

You can earn two (2) graduate ED894 graduate credits/CEUs for attending the LAC. You must register for the conference before you register for the graduate credits at the Professional and International Programs (PIP), 2^nd floor, MARC/Computer Center/PIP Building, Room #217. The course is eligible for YEC support to qualified GDOE educators who have been officially processed through the Dr. Antonio C. Yamashita Educators Corps (YEC). For additional information about funding call YEC, call 735-2470. You may also e-mail the instructor, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera at mnrivera1@yahoo.com.

Postsecondary Education Council (PPEC) Training

Dr. Catherine Stoicovy and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera provided staff development for faculty from regional post-secondary institutions that are part of the Pacific Postsecondary Education Council (PPEC) during the week of the Pacific Educational Conference (PEC) held July 14-17 on Guam. In particular, we provided ESL second language acquisition skills training titled, Scaffolding Academic Literacy Skills for Asian-Pacific Islanders at the Post-Secondary Level.





















Pictured above L-R: Judy Torres, Northern Marianas College instructor; Midori Mersai, Palau Community College instructor; Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, PPEC instructor; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (back), PPEC instructor; Rosemary Kohama, Palau Community College instructor; and Rennetta Meyar, Palau Community College instructor. Not pictured is Cynthia Deleon Guerrero, Director for School of Education at Northern Marianas College. Please note that other members attending the PEC were not available at the time this picture was taken.

Happy 65th Liberation Day, Guam!

Happy 65th Liberation Day, Guam! Biba Guam! Biba UOG! Thank goodness the weather cooperated with us! It was wonderful being able to wave to our family, friends, and UOG alumni while on the UOG Liberation Day trolley! The UOG Liberation Day float was also very impressive and symbolic with its eagle wings, canoe, paddles, plumerias, ocean, significant UOG logo, paddlers, Tritons, palm leaves, latte stones, academic book, and so much more! A lot of cultural work and ingenious creativity went into the development of it! Way to go Tritons!

Here are a few snapshots I took during the parade. Enjoy!

















Tritons pictured above L-R: Peter Duenas, UOG Alumni; and Vincent Salas.

















Pictured L-R: Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG President; and Dr. Helen Whippy, UOG Vice President. Back row, UOG Alumni Triton, Peter Duenas, Class of 1976.

















Triton pictured above: Peter Duenas, UOG Alumni, Class of 1976, performing the traditional call of the Kulu.

Why Graphic Organizers?

Graphic organizers convert complex information into manageable chunks. They make content area information more accessible to English Language Learners (ELLs). They include webs, Venn diagrams, charts, and other visual tools that enable your ELLs to better comprehend and organize information that is taught. This will further allow your ELLs to develop their higher level thinking skills and promote their creativity.

Each week I will share the different graphic organizers that teachers can effectively utilize in their classroom instruction. The first graphic organizer I will introduce is a modification of the KWL Chart that many teachers have heard of. The visual is self-explanatory. This is certainly a useful tool! Enjoy!

Note: Click on the image above to get a clearer picture of the graphic organizer.

Join Us for Another Engaging Cultural Conference: PEC

We will soon be treated to yet another cultural Pacific conference, namely the Pacific Educational Conference (PEC), to be held next week. Last month, we had a meaningful cultural experience during the 28th Annual International Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference with its engaging theme, “Invigorating Languages and Cultures of the Pacific.” It is a cultural learning experience I will always cherish.

This year’s theme for the 26th Annual PEC is “Preparing the Pacific Child for Life.” It will be hosted July 14-17 at the University of Guam. It is co-hosted by the Guam Public School System, University of Guam, Guam Community College, and the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning. Like the PIBBA Conference, it is an annual event in which Western Pacific educators are provided with opportunities for professional growth and cultural enrichment in a variety of academic areas. In particular, the PEC conference will focus on preparing the Pacific child for life. Educators will be given an opportunity to gather ideas, strategies, and best practices for lifelong learning.

Educators seeking recertification can earn one graduate credit by attending the conference and completing ED894 PEC course requirements. However, before you can sign up for the course, you must be a registered PEC participant.

If you missed the PIBBA Conference, then here’s another opportunity to attend an engaging cultural conference you won’t want to miss! We hope to see you there!

28th Annual PIBBA Conference a Success!

Pictured above: Proclamation signing for the 28th Annual International PIBBA Conference at the Governor's Conference Room. L-R front row seated: Carmen Weaver, Rosa Salas Palomo, Lt. Governor Mike Cruz, Governor Felix Camacho, and Dr. Jose Q. Cruz. Back row L-R: Teresita Flores, Maria Cruz, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Carol Cepeda, Marife Fernandez, Mye Ganan-Flores, Risa Salas Miguel, Zander Refilong, Joseph Mafnas, and Antonia Salas.

















Pictured above L-R: Zander Refilong, PIBBA steering committee member; Lt. Governor Bill Tosie of Kosrae; PIBBA President Shelten Neth; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA steering committee member.

















Pictured above L-R: Teresita Flores, PIBBA steering committee member; Joe Mafnas, PIBBA steering committee member; Frances Sablan, PIBBA secretary; Alister Tolenoa, Pohnpei delegation; and Carmen Weaver, PIBBA steering committee member.


The 28th Annual Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference was a success! The conference theme, “Invigorating Languages and Cultures of the Pacific” was highlighted in each of the conference days from June 22-25, 2009. Each day featured the gathering of everyone singing the PIBBA song, which includes all the languages of the region, such as the following chorus: “Iokwe, Raan Annim, Kaselehlia, Alii, Aloha, Olomwaay, Hafa Dei, Tuwoh, Mogethin, Talofa.”

Among the entities that attended the conference are Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Chuuk, CNMI, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Guam. The mission of PIBBA is to bring these entities together to promote cultural and language activities by disseminating information, involving communities, and encouraging quality education programs through the western Pacific.

The first night of the PIBBA Conference was held at the Guam Marriott Resort and included the call of the Kulu conducted by Ronald Laguana, GPSS Chamoru Studies Division Administrator; Parade of Flags by each delegation; National Anthem; Guam Hymn; Fanohge CHamoru; I Inefresi; traditional chant; Invocation & Opening Remarks by PIBBA International President Shelten Neth; presentation of Legislative Resolution; dinner; and Keynote Speech by Dr. Robert Underwood, President of the University of Guam and the first PIBBA President.

The second and third days of the PIBBA Conference were held at the University of Guam, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences buildings. The second day featured speaker/storyteller, Silvina Charfauros-Cruz Taumomoa, followed by various cultural and educational /language workshops.

The third day featured a panel discussion with the founding PIBBA Officers, namely Dr. Robert Underwood, Masa-Aki Emesiochl, and Carmen Taimanao. The Hurao Academy cultural dance group performed, which was followed by a special awards ceremony for the Indigenous Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year for each of the entities. This was conducted by Dr. Jose Q. Cruz, Chairperson for the awards and PIBBA International Historian. Additional cultural and educational/language workshops were conducted, and the day ended with a silent auction of cultural arts, crafts, and more.

The final day of the conference was held at the Merlyn G. Cook School & Malesso Pier Park at the southern end of the island. It featured the traditional Chamorro cooking - Chinahan Ceremony of baking food in an earthen (underground) oven that was three-and-a-half deep, and one used by ancient Chamorros and their descendents until nearly the middle of the 20th century. Chants and prayers were sung as breadfruit, sweet potatoes, taro, bananas, mahi mahi, tuna, parrot fish, and other kinds of fish were placed on top of a thousand pounds of heated lava rocks & logs covered by coconut and banana leaves that burned to cook the food. Mark Benny Mendiola and Tony Ramirez, PIBBA steering committee members led the way for the Chinahan Ceremony. Additional cultural entertainment and activities took place, including the historic Malesso’ tour, Cocos Island boat ride, CHamoru games, dancing, weaving, and singing. A special panel of speakers from each of the entities also spoke to discuss the PIBBA goals of promoting language and culture. The PIBBA International Business Meeting was later conducted, and the new PIBBA officers were elected. Afterward, the special Chinahan dinner took place, followed by presentations and performances by each entity. The closing remarks were given by incoming PIBBA President and PIBBA Conference Co-chairperson, Rosa Salas Palomo.

Deep gratitude goes out to all PIBBA Conference steering committee members, and all the entities that joined us to make the 28th Anuual PIBBA Conference a memorable event that will always be remembered! Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu’os Ma’ase’! Kinissow! Kommol! Mesulang! Kalahngan! Kammagar!