WILMER JOEL
The Seventh Day Adventist School signed a memorandum of understanding with the College of the Marshall Islands earlier this month to prepare its students for college-level mathematics.
The signing ceremony took place inside the school gymnasium in the presence of faculty, staff, and students.
The Public School System, CMI, and REL Pacific addressed concerns regarding the gap in mathematics between high schools and the college in 2019, according to CMI instructor and SDA Board of Education member Dr. Rosalinda Sumaoang. Most public school graduates lacked the mathematical knowledge and skills to enroll directly in CMI credit courses, which resulted in students struggling to complete their degree.
In order to address this issue, REL Pacific and Carnegie Pathways collaborated with PSS and CMI to develop a mathematics course that would improve student engagement and learning.
“The project was successful in increasing the percentage of students entering credit-level courses directly,” she said. She added that the vision of the college is to bridge not only the public schools but also the private schools. “The Majuro SDA system is realigning its curriculum to fit into the curriculum that will prepare the students for entrance to the credit level of mathematics,” she said. SDA is the first private school to come into this agreement with CMI.
The pastor and head of the school’s board of education, Selvin Intong, stated that the administrators are constantly seeking fresh approaches to enhance math instruction. “Dream big and see what the math transition program can do.”
CMI Interim President Dr. Elizabeth Switaj told the students that this will create a lot of opportunities for them. “You’ll be able to get to the credit level and head towards a brighter future.”
Delap SDA Vice Principal Nelson Sisior referred to the event as a “monumental occasion.” He told his student not to wind up in the same situation as him, who had to complete a year of developmental coursework before moving on to his credit course and earning his academic credentials from Hawaii Pacific University. Sisior advised his students to take advantage of the program.
Kim Mielson and Soilanna Hainrick, senior class officers, told the Journal they viewed this opportunity as a pathway to gain a higher level of education and easier access to enter CMI. “This is important as it will help us and the future of other students,” said class president Hainrick. “As a student who does accounting, this will be a stepping stone to developing good working habits (through mathematics).”
“The curriculum will help us enter CMI easier and pursue higher education,” said class vice-president Mielson. He went on to say that this would teach the students to make the most of every chance they have to accomplish their goals.