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The CNMI PSS started a new program called "Keeping Up with CNMI PSS" using Social Media.

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Tiyan High School Designated as Career Academy Model School in Region

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Tiyan High School Designated as Career Academy Model School in Region

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First Career Academy Model School in our Region

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Tiyan High School gets ‘model career academy’ recognition from National Career Academy

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Tiyan High School received recognition from the National Career Academy Coalition as a model career academy, according to the Guam Department of Education in a press release.

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R18CC: SEL: Play & Art Education 4-day session July 29th through Aug 1st

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R18CC: SEL: Play & Art Education 4-day session July 29th through Aug 1st

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Guam - DOE Teacher Academy (July/August 2024)

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Guam - DOE Teacher Academy (July/August 2024)

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School Administrator & Supervisor Capacity Building

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SPCSC continued planning beginning with learning and reflection on July 19.

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CNMI Strategic Planning Institute

June 2024

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Majuro RMI hosted the 2024 Micronesian Games

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$3.5 million to hire 10 kaiapuni teachers and three curriculum specialists.

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$3.5 million to hire 10 kaiapuni teachers and three curriculum specialists.

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Hawaiian language immersion education is getting a boost in funding to create new positions for kaiapuni teachers and curriculum specialists with the state Department of Education.

Gov. Josh Green signed off on a measure to appropriate $3.5 million to hire 10 kaiapuni teachers and three curriculum specialists.

The measure also mandates the DOE develop a strategic plan for kaiapuni education to monitor the academic success of approximately 1,400 students in the program. The kaiapuni program has seen a 60% increase in enrollment in recent years.

"I want to express our gratitude and appreciation for the support of HB 2074, which provides much-needed resources to our kula kaiapuni and the growth that we're experiencing," said Kaʻiu Kimura, director of the College of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

"In 2019, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court affirmed through Article 10, Section 4 of Hawaiʻi's state Constitution that imposes a duty on the state to provide for educational programming focused on the revival of our language," she said.

HB 2074 was one of 13 bills recently signed into law by Green, marking his renewed commitment to the Native Hawaiian people.

"As we continue these revitalization efforts, accomplishing our goal of a living language here in Hawaiʻi, its native language, this will depend on the contribution of many and particularly those of you here in these halls at our state government," Kimura continued.

Other key bills signed into law help strengthen Native Hawaiian housing, promote sustainable tourism, and better protect Native Hawaiian burial sites.

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New law boosts funding for Hawaiian language immersion education

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HB 2074 was one of 13 bills recently signed into law by Green, marking his renewed commitment to the Native Hawaiian people.

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Gov. Green Signs 16 Bills to Enhance the Protection and Care of Hawaiʻi's Keiki and Kūpuna

Posted on Jul 1, 2024 in Featured, Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases
JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS 16 BILLS TO ENHANCE THE PROTECTION AND CARE OF HAWAIʻI'S KEIKI AND KŪPUNA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Governor Josh Green, M.D., today signed 16 key bills to enhance the protection and care of Hawaiʻi's keiki and kūpuna and to ensure safety in Hawaiʻi's schools.

"These legislative measures represent a significant step forward in safeguarding our most vulnerable populations - our keiki and kūpuna," said Governor Green. "Our schools need to be safe environments for learning and our kūpuna need to have access to the services they need."

The new laws include:
HB 2400: ADDRESSING TEACHER MISCONDUCT
HB 2400 requires teachers who resign or retire during an investigation into allegations of sexual assault, harassment, or physical abuse, to forfeit their teaching licenses. This forfeiture must be reported to the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, which closes the loophole that allows teachers accused of serious misconduct to continue teaching elsewhere if they resign or retire in lieu of being disciplined. The new rules take effect upon approval, ensuring immediate action to protect students and to maintain the integrity of the teaching profession.
HB 2224: COMPREHENSIVE LONG-TERM CARE PLAN
HB 2224 r equires the Executive Office on Aging, in coordination with the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to create a comprehensive long-term care plan to accomplish certain long-term care policy goals that ensure the availability of a full continuum of institutional and community-based services for Hawaiʻi's growing elderly population in Hawaiʻi with disabilities and chronic conditions. The bill emphasizes the preference for home-based care and aims to develop a comprehensive long-term care plan to ensure a continuum of care services. The bill also appropriates $79,872 for FY 2024-2025 to establish a long-term care planner position.
SB 2305: ESTABLISHMENT OF A SILVER ALERT PROGRAM
To protect vulnerable seniors and individuals with cognitive impairments or developmental disabilities who go missing, this program will utilize systems like the emergency alert system and wireless emergency alerts to disseminate information quickly and efficiently. The Department of Law Enforcement will develop and implement the program, with activation conditions including age, cognitive impairment, or developmental disability and a credible threat to the individual's health and safety. The act appropriates $250,000 for FY 2024-2025 to establish and operate the program, effective July 1, 2024.
SB 2475: CREATION OF A "HARM TO STUDENTS" REGISTRY
SB 2475 establishes a "harm to students" registry to prevent school employees, contractors or volunteers who have inflicted harm on students from gaining employment in schools. Reporting institutions must certify due process, consult the registry before hiring, and share investigation information. The registry is exempt from public disclosure laws, and institutions must defend and indemnify the Department of Education from related liability.
HB 2430: ESTABLISHMENT OF A SUMMER EBT PROGRAM FOR OUR KEIKI
HB 2430 aims to maximize participation in the federal summer electronic benefits transfer (EBT) for children program. The Department of Education will work with the Department of Human Services to share necessary data and comply with federal regulations. The bill appropriates $53,500 for the Department of Education and $2,050,000 for the Department of Human Services for FY 2024-2025, contingent on matching federal funds.

"Ensuring that our keiki have access to nutritious meals during the summer months is my administration's utmost priority. This program will make sure that as many families as possible are participating to enhance our state's food security and promote healthy development for our keiki," Green said.

The complete list of bills signed included the following:

Click links to see full details of bills enacted into law.

RELATING TO THE CHILD PROTECTIVE ACT

RELATING TO MINORS

RELATING TO CHILD CARE

RELATING TO THE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT CENTRAL REGISTRY

RELATING TO RELATIVE RESOURCE CAREGIVERS

RELATING TO EDUCATION

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING

RELATING TO THE PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS PROGRAM

Photos from today's ceremony, courtesy Office of the Governor, will be uploaded here.

Governor Green presented this slide deck during the event.

Video of the event can be viewed here.
Media Contacts:

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Gov. Green Signs 16 Bills to Enhance the Protection and Care of Hawaiʻi's Keiki and Kūpuna

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JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS 16 BILLS TO ENHANCE THE PROTECTION AND CARE OF HAWAIʻI'S KEIKI AND KŪPUNA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2024 HONOLULU [...]

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Filomenaleonisa Iakopo has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics where she will be running in the sprint events.

There's a catch though as she won't be donning the CNMI flag in the quadrennial event but that of American Samoa.

She admitted that she has mixed feelings not being able to represent the CNMI, as she was born and raised in the Western Pacific territory of the US - 3635 miles away from her father's home islands of American Samoa.

"Unfortunately, the CNMI does not have an Olympic seat, therefore is unable to compete in the Olympic Games. I am blessed that the American Samoa Olympic Committee, through the American Samoa Track and Field Association, has given me this opportunity.

"Although I am unable to wave the CNMI flag on the Olympic track, I hold the CNMI in my heart. I truly hope that one day, the CNMI can be represented in the Olympics.

"While there's a part of me that feels torn, I see it as an opportunity to bring pride to both regions. My accomplishment of competing in the Olympics does not only belong to me but to everyone in the CNMI. It's a chance to showcase the talent and determination of Pacific Islanders on a global stage, and I am deeply proud to carry the hopes and dreams with me."

Iakopo assured despite representing American Samoa, she is still from the CNMI through and through.

"I have worked very hard to achieve this goal of mine. I am extremely grateful that I am not only Chamorro but I am also Samoan and I am equally proud to carry both cultures. Who I am is deeply rooted in being both being Chamorro and Samoan."

Iakopo, who's the daughter of US Air Force veteran Stanley Iakopo of American Samoa and Priscilla Maratita of Saipan, said she was beyond shock when she learned she got the ticket to Paris.

"When I got the news, I was overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. It felt like all my hard work and sacrifices had finally paid off.

"I was filled with immense pride and gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France," said the 18-year-old who recently graduated in the Top 10 of her class at Kagman High School.

Iakopo said she qualified for the Olympics by competing in multiple qualifying events and achieving the required times in sanctioned competitions.

"My first international competition was in 2022 at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Mackay, Australia. Followed by the Pacific Mini Games 2022, Oceania Cup 2023, Pacific Games 2023, World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland and in June 2024 I competed in the Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji.

"Throughout my track and field career, I broke the 100m and 200m records of American Samoa making me the current national record holder for both events. My consistent performance and dedication in training allowed me to hit these benchmarks and earning me a spot to represent American Samoa at the Olympic Games."

Iakopo, who will be attending Baylor University majoring in Neuroscience this coming school year, said she really had to work hard to train for the Paris Olympics.

Her training days involves a mix of sprint, strength and conditioning exercises, and technique work.

She trains twice a day, starting with a warm-up in the morning, followed by specific drills to improve her start and acceleration and intense sprint intervals.

In the afternoon, she is at the gym for strength training and plyometrics. She finishes with a stretching routine and ice bath for recovery.

"Nutrition and rest are also critical parts of my daily regimen," she said.

Iakopo said she will definitely learn something from the experience regardless of how she fares in the Olympics.

"After every competition, there is always room for improvement. I'm excited to see how and what I will run in the Olympics because it will determine what I need more work on and how I can better execute my race."

She thanked everyone who made her Olympic journey possible.

"I would firstly like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ. All glory to God. My parents (Stanley and Priscilla Maratita Iakopo), my siblings, and partner for believing that I can achieve my dream. My coach, Peter Pulu, for his knowledge, expertise, and dedication to reaching the highest level in my track and field career.

"My Maraflo family, who has always supported me throughout my whole life. My late grandparents, Leonisa Flores Maratita and Mametto Ulloa Maratita, and my adopted Refaluwasch grandparents Angie and Manny Mangarero."

Iakopo also extended her thanks to the American Samoa sports bodies that also supported her all the way.

"I'd like to give my deepest gratitude to the American Samoa National Olympic Committee and its president Ed Imo and the American Samoa Track and Field Association and president and vice president Don and Deanna Fuimaono for selecting me to represent our nation, American Samoa, in the 2024 Olympic Games located in Paris, France.

As for her parents, her dad Stanley said they were extremely proud of what their daughter has achieved.

"Glory always to God for all the blessings through all the struggles, and difficult times. It's always been her dream...and my wife and I along with all our children all worked together and train together as a family support system and we help push one another."

Stanley added he coached and helped train her daughter and all their children in various sports.

"They all excelled competitively, performance wise, in every discipline. I coached all my kids since they were young until I knew and recognised that my kids (daughter) are at a different level of training required to perform at the highest level competitively...which is why my wife and I decided to hire coach Peter Pulu."

Pulu is a two time-Olympian from Papua New Guinea.

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Chamorro-Samoan sprinter Filomenaleonisa Iakopo to fly American Samoa flag at Paris Olympics

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CNMI's Filomenaleonisa Iakopo has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics where she will be running in the sprint events representing American Samoa.

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I grew up on a small island called Manu'atele, one of the islands making up the American Samoa archipelago. We are very isolated from our motherland, Tutuila, the largest island in the archipelago. With the forest being my backyard and the ocean being my front yard, I've spent 100 percent of my time exploring nature, which is where I feel most at home. Manu'atele is a very small island with not that many people, so everyone knows each other and we are all family. Our main food sources, myths, folklores, and our culture aspects and practices are derived from the land, air, and ocean.

Alphina Liusamoa at the 2024 Oceania Regional meeting during the International Sea Turtle Symposium held in Pattaya, Thailand. Credit: Josefa Munoz

What is your science and education journey?

I graduated from Manu'a High School in 2017 with an interest in marine science. I attended the American Samoa Community College where I graduated with an Associates of Science in marine science in 2019. Then I attended University of Hawai'i at Hilo, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in marine science in 2021.

How did you come to work at the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources?

During my high school graduation, I expressed my love and interest for marine science and the former Director of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, Mr. Henry Sesepasara, reached out to me. He offered me a 2-year off-island scholarship after my 2 years in American Samoa Community College. After I graduated from ASCC, Mr. Sesepasara contacted me again, and he introduced me to the 2019-2020 U.S. Pacific Territories Fishery Capacity-Building Scholarship, awarded by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. One of the requirements of this scholarship is that I return home and give back to the community-and in my case, to work for one of the local departments here in American Samoa. After graduating from University of Hawaii Hilo in 2021, I was offered a position at the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources in 2022. I am now working in the Wildlife Division as one of the Wildlife Biologists, where my main focus is sea turtles.

Alphina Liusamoa rescues one of the seven entangled hawksbills in the Pala Lagoon at Lyons Park in Nu'uuli, American Samoa. Credit: Michael Daskam, taken under USFWS Permit #TE72088A-3

What advice do you have for future students starting their career in marine conservation?

My parents always tell me and my siblings that if your profession requires you to do something that you are very passionate and interested in, then you are in the right place. If it is the other way around, then you are not where you are supposed to be. Do something because you want to, not because you need to. Marine conservation is not all pretty seashells and cute marine organisms. There is a lot more that has yet to be discovered and that is where we come in. Only 5 percent of the ocean is explored while the other 95 percent remains a mystery. That 5 percent is where our current conservation efforts are most recognized, even though that seems small, but in reality, it's a lot. You being a part of and contributing to these conservation efforts is really important because what you're doing today makes a big impact for tomorrow. Marine conservation is going to come with a lot of challenges, but remember you are not only helping them but also yourself grow.

Be like the corals: no matter how many of them are dying (bleaching), how many problems they are facing because of natural phenomena and human-causes, they still try to adapt and thrive because if they don't, then who will? To become a good marine conservationist, you have to learn how to adapt and thrive. But to be a better marine conservationist, you have to use what you learn and know, apply it to different research studies, spread the word to the public, and use your knowledge to make a change.

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Meet Alphina Liusamoa, Sea Turtle Biologist in American Samoa

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Where did you grow up? I grew up on a small island called Manu'atele, one of the islands making up the American Samoa archipelago. We are very isolated from our motherland, Tutuila, the largest island in the archipelago.

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The Office of Insular Affairs announced yesterday an investment of $8,486,000 in Compact of Free Association grant assistance in support of the of the Federated States of Micronesia government's efforts toward designing, developing and engineering a new hospital in Chuuk State.

"We are thrilled to contribute to and support the initial development of a much-needed healthcare facility to address health care needs on Weno and communities throughout Chuuk State," said Carmen G. Cantor, assistant secretary, Insular and International Affairs. "The collaboration efforts underscore our commitment under the Compact of Free Association to improve infrastructure in the region."

This marks a significant milestone in collaborations to enhance healthcare services in Chuuk and replace hospital infrastructure that was built prior to 1986 or the beginning of the Compact of Free Association relationship. (PR)

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The Office of Insular Affairs announced yesterday an investment of $8,486,000 in Compact of Free Association grant assistance in support of the of the Federated States of Micronesia government's efforts

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A little-known chapter of World War II history is being meticulously unearthed in Chuuk Lagoon, in research spearheaded by Dr William Jeffery, Associate Professor of Archaeology and Micronesian Studies at the University of Guam (UOG).

Chuuk Lagoon, once a significant Japanese military base during World War II, witnessed the sinking of dozens of Japanese military ships, becoming the final resting place for at least 50 to 60 major vessels.

The aftermath of US bombings, spanning over 18 months from February 1944, left a poignant legacy with over 5,000 Japanese and 1,000 Chuukese casualties.

While shipwrecks now serve as a major attraction for tourists and researchers, Dr Jeffery and his team aim to broaden the historical narrative beyond the underwater relics.

Focusing on Tonoas, an island in the lagoon that served as the Japanese wartime headquarters in Chuuk, the team is exploring sites beyond shipwrecks to provide a comprehensive view of the war in the area.

"The war remains are not just shipwrecks. There are all these other sites on Tonoas. It was heavily bombed. It had a submarine base. It had a seaplane base," explained Dr Jeffery.

Tonoas, with its small town of approximately 800 people, bore witness to significant historical events during the war.

The project, funded by a grant from the American Battlefield Protection Program, aims to generate outcomes that extend beyond documentation.

Plans include the development of tourism-related aspects, such as signage for specific sites, online informational content, and a brochure.

Dr Jeffery is also committed to highlighting the impact of the war on traditional Indigenous sites and cultural heritage in Chuuk.

"The other thing we're doing on Tonoas, which is very significant, is that the war and the bombings bombed traditional Indigenous sites on Chuuk and had a big impact on traditional cultural heritage. So, we want to bring that out," he said.

In addition to documenting historical sites, the project seeks to engage with the local community, training programs for Tonoas residents as tour guides and for potential employment in historical site preservation and diving are in the pipeline.

Dr Jeffery aims to connect with students from Chuuk, including those at UOG, to raise awareness about the war's local impact.

The project, initiated in 2021 and delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, finally saw a three-week survey conducted in July 2023.

Collaborating with local partners, such as the Tonoas mayor's office, members of the Chuuk community, and staff from the Chuuk Historic Preservation Office, the project strives to uncover and preserve the wartime past of Chuuk Lagoon, enriching our understanding of the Pacific's history and its enduring impact on Micronesia.

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UOG Professor Leads Efforts to Uncover Chuuk Lagoon's Wartime History

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A little-known chapter of World War II history is being unearthed in Chuuk Lagoon, spearheaded by Dr William Jeffery.

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(GENERAL-24-50) In-State Tuition and Title IV Eligibility for Citizens of the Freely Associated States Powered...

PDOE Press - Excitement is building as the date for the annual Student Takeover Day...

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION - SUPPLY OF GOODS CLICK TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATION...

PDOE Press - Pohnpei State Education celebrated Education Day 2023 with great enthusiasm and appreciation...

PDOE Announcements - Get ready for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience this Friday, 2/24/23 at 1:00PM...

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(GENERAL-24-50) In-State Tuition and Title IV Eligibility for Citizens of the Freely Associated States Powered... PDOE Press - Excitement is building as the date for the annual Student Takeover Day... REQUEST FOR QUOTATION - SUPPLY OF GOODS CLICK TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATION... PDOE Press - Pohnpei State Education celebrated Education Day 2023 with great enthusiasm and appreciation...

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The design of high-quality professional learning experiences for teachers, including access to four-year and graduate-level teacher preparation, is a complex and challenging issue in the Pacific region. The Pohnpei Partnership for the Improvement of Teaching is committed to focusing on the improvement of teaching (pre-service and in-service) at the state level.
[Return to Partnerships]

Development of a clearer model of effective instruction.

Improved professional learning opportunities for in-service teachers.

Development of pre-service teacher preparation experiences.

Please check our Events page often for information on the latest REL events.

Please check back often for information on upcoming reports.

This coaching project by REL Pacific supports educators in Pohnpei who want to deepen their understanding of Professional Learning (PL) in order to help increase teachers' ability to improve their practice and better engage diverse learners. The project also discusses the importance of using Professional Learning Standards to organize effective professional learning.

This partnership does not yet have any publications. See our Publications page to search all REL publications.

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educational improvement; excellence in education; educational research; statistics; statistical data; statistical surveys; regional educational laboratory program; rel; rigorous studies; fast response projects; no child left behind; american samoa; the commonwealth of the northern mariana islands; the federated states of micronesia (chuuk

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and yap); guam; hawaii; the republic of the marshall islands; and the republic of palau

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Pohnpei Partnership for the Improvement of Teaching

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REL Pacific is dedicated to promoting IES' goals to ensure the rigor and relevance of research studies and projects along with the widespread dissemination of research findings.

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Yap State Visitors Bureau and Tourism Resource

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Yap's continuous contact with the outside world began about a century ago when a German ship sailed into Tomil's Waneday Harbor to open a trading station on Nungoch Island. The visit meant little to the Yapese who watched in amazement as the ship unloaded in 1869. Ships had come to Yap before. A Portuguese explorer Diego DeRocha is credited with the discovery of Yap in 1526, and a number of other explorers and adventurers visited the island in the years that followed.

It was not the first time outsiders had settled in what is now Yap State. In 1731 a Catholic Mission was started by Spaniards on Ulithi Island. A supply ship returned to the island about a year later and to their astonishment discovered that the natives had massacred the 13-man colony. No nation ruled Yap when the Germans opened the Nungoch trading station. Though, Spain, Germany, and Britain all laid claim to the island, but none had ever bothered to challenge the others.

The Yapese then had not the slightest idea of the outside world's politics. They had their own society, their own government, their own way of life. At that time Yapese were skilled navigators who raced their canoes south to Palau to quarry their treasured stone money. They were also skilled builders. Yapese huge thatched meeting and men's houses and stone paved paths around the island were as well engineered as many buildings and roads found in Europe and America.

Yap was an island of villages that fought wars against each other. After each war, the stronger village ruled the weaker village. As a result an elaborate caste system developed. Other high villages in Gagil Municipality such as Gachpar and Wanyan had a very strong influence over the outer islands of Yap that became known as the Yapese Empire. The German trading station brought little change to Yap. The trading station also had little success due to their failure to persuade the Yapese to produce large quantities of dried copra. This remained for a shipwrecked American sailor, David Dean O'Keefe, to develop the copra trade and perhaps cause the most changes in Yap's way of life.

Timeline of Yap History

1500 B.C. Yap populated by migrants from Eastern Indonesia or the Philippines. Archaeologists are still studying the migration issue and have not conclusively determined when or how the islands of Yap were settled. The arrival of settlers may have occurred as far back as two-three thousand B.C.

1525 On October 1, the Portuguese explorer Dioga Da Rocha arrives in the islands of Yap, probably Ulithi, and stays for four months. Over the next two centuries more than twenty other explorers and traders of Spanish, British, Dutch and American origin passed through the Yap Islands.

1731 Father Jan Cantova and Father Visitor Walter bring Catholicism to the island of Mogmog, Ulithi. After several months Father Walter returned by ship to Guam. Shortly thereafter Cantova and his party were massacred, perhaps by local priests opposed to the new religion.

1800 -1860 Intermittent trading between Yapese and Europeans for bech-de-mer (sea cucumbers). Britain's Andrew Cheyne was perhaps the most well known trader during this period. Outer island residents began making regular voyages of their own during this time to Guam and the Marianas.

1818 One hundred Outer Islanders from Lamotrek sail to Guam and a year later establish a colony in Saipan.

1869 Germans establish the first permanent trading station, Godeffroy & Son, under the management of Alfred Teten. By 1874 its holdings included 3,000 acres of land, a cotton plantation and a ship repair operation.

1871 David Dean O'Keefe, and American sailor on a pearl diving expedition aboard the Belvedere, is shipwrecked on Yap and rescued by the Yapese people. He was later taken to Hong Kong on a German trading ship.

1872 O'Keefe returns as skipper of a Chinese junk named Catherine, after his American wife, and begins his famous trade of stone money for copra and bech-de-mer.

1874 Spain claims sovereignty over Yap.

1876 Germany sends a warship to Yap to map the island and protect German interests.

1880's Yap is established as commercial center of Caroline Islands. During this period Yap serves as the major regional source of copra, home to four trading companies, and a coaling station for Spanish steamers.

Raising the German Flag1885 Spanish-German feud reaches climax. On August 21st, two Spanish ships arrive with a governor, two priests, soldiers, convict laborers, horses, water buffalo, cattle and stones for a governor's house and a mission. Four days later, the German gunboat Litis drops anchor and a small party races ashore to raise a German flag and claim the island-just prior to the formal colonization ceremony the Spanish are planning.

1886 Pope Leo XII settles ensuing feud between Germany's Bismarck and Spain's King Alfonso. the Pope awards Yap and the other Caroline Islands to Spain, but grants Germany and other nations commercial rights. Spain sets up a small garrison and begins building first of six Catholic churches.

1899 Spain sells Yap and the remainder of Spanish Micronesia to Germany for $4.5 million. First German delegation includes a governor secretary, doctor, police chief and 11 Malay police.

1900 -1906 Disease ravages Yap. Population declines from 7,464 to 6,641. Influenza and leprosy are especially potent killers.

1901 O'Keefe disappears at sea. Tagreng Canal opens.

1902 Germans select one boy from each municipality for training as medical officer, and establish municipal medical stations.

1903 Germans open the island's first hospital near Tarang Island.

1905 German communications station finished, linking Yap with Guam and Shanghai.

1908 Last Spaniards leave.

1909 Phosphate mines open at Angaur, Palau. Germans recruit 98 Yapese to work there.

1910 Pohnpeians who revolted against Germans are exiled to Yap and Palau.

1914 World War I begins. British shelling destroys German communications center, and Japanese Expeditionary Squadron occupied the island on October 7 in a bloodless takeover.

1919 Secret treaty agreement between Japan and Britain guaranteeing Japanese control over all Pacific islands north of the Equator announced to the world in the Treaty of Versailles.

1920 -1940 Rapid Japanese settlement in Yap. Population of Japanese on Yap Islands jumps from 97 to 1,933.

1920 Typhoon kills seven.

1921 Japan and United States sign treaty recognizing American rights to use Yap's cable station.

1922 Japanese civilian administration begins under League of Nations Mandate. Tattooing banned.

1925 Typhoon destroys nearly all homes on Yap.

1935 Japan leaves League of Nations. Begins fortification of Yap.

1938 -1939 Military preparations begin. Yapese are forced to work in labor gangs. Nickel mine opens in Gagil. Strip mining for bauxite and phosphate on Yap and Fais.

1941 -1942 World War II begins. Japanese build lighthouse in Gagil and intensive gardening begins in a large part of southern Yap.

1944 Allies begin bombing Colonia, the Japanese airfield at the southern end of the island, and the airfield under construction in Tomil.

1944 allies U.S. Army 323rd Infantry, 81st Division seizes Ulithi unopposed. Island is rapidly turned into a massive staging area. At one point over 1,000 ships were anchored in the Ulithi Lagoon.

1945 Americans occupy island after Japan's surrender.

1947 Chamorros, who had moved to Yap during the Japanese administration, are resettled on Tinian by the U.S. Navy.

1948 First Protestant church opens.

1952 Navy administration ends. Interior Department takes over the island on June 21st, and King W Chapman is named Yap's first civilian administrator.

1957 Yap votes to allow sale of alcoholic beverages for the first time to Yapese.

1963 Loran station built. Airport opens.

1964 Bridge across Tagreng Canal linking northern and southern Yap for the first time since World War II opens.

1965 First General Election in Yap for Congress of Micronesia.

1966 Yap High School graduates its first class. U.S. Peace Corps volunteers arrive.

1967 Outer Island High School graduates its first class.

1968 -1969 District legislature organizes.

1969 Congress of Micronesia and U.S. begin first round of negotiations on future political status of Trust Territory Districts.

1978 Micronesia-wide referendum on the establishment of the FSM Constitution. Yap's approval margin of 95% is highest in Micronesia.

1979 Yap's Petrus Tun elected as first Vice President of FSM. John Mangefel elected first Governor of Yap.

1979 Yap State Hospital completed.

1986 Compact of Free Association between U.S. and FSM goes into effect. The Compact establishes security and economic agreements between the U.S. and FSM through the end of the 20th Century.

1987 John Hagelelgam of Eauripik, Yap, is sworn in as the second president of the FSM.

1990 September 17, the FSM is formally admitted as a member state of the United Nations General Assembly. Jesse Margelaw of Yap is appointed as the first FSM U.N. Ambassador, on an interim basis.

1992 In January, Martin Yinug of Yap is appointed as the first Micronesian to serve on the FSM Supreme Court.

1995 The Yap Visitor's Bureau is established to serve the tourism needs of Yap State and its entrepreneurs.

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The History of Yap Island from 1500 B.C. to Present

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Yap's continuous contact with the outside world began about a century ago when a German ship sailed into Tomil's Waneday Harbor to open a trading station on Nungoch Island. The visit meant little to the Yapese who watched in amazement as the ship unloaded in 1869. Ships had come to Yap before.

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Yap State Education, Yap State Department of Education, Yap State Department of Educ atio Director,Yap State Schools, Yap High School, Yap DOE, Yap State

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Circles of Success and WASC accreditation

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Circles of Success and WASC accreditation

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The R18CC team has been supporting the MOE Teacher specialists in their capacity to conduct the "Circles of Success" process which is aligned to the WASC accreditation process. Several schools have been going through accreditation this year. The work they have done with Circles has helped them with WASC. They are currently reporting in SPM and have embraced the tracking system.