FSM SPED Press – In a week-long series of meetings held from September 11 to 15, 2023, special education coordinators from across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) convened in Chuuk State, marking a crucial moment for the future of special education in the nation. The FSM Special Education Coordinators Meeting served as a platform for educators, officials, and stakeholders to address pressing issues and set the nation\’s priorities for the upcoming school year.
The outcomes of this gathering hold the potential to reshape special education in FSM, impacting the lives of numerous students with disabilities throughout the nation.
One of the most significant achievements of the meeting was the unanimous decision to update FSM\’s general supervision integrated monitoring procedures. These revised protocols are scheduled for implementation during the forthcoming school year, 2023-2024. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of special education services, providing better support for FSM\’s students with disabilities.
Meeting participants also meticulously outlined the roadmap for the development of FSM\’s FFY 2022 State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR). This comprehensive report, due to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) by February 1, 2024, encompasses the submission of the state-level Local Performance Plan and Quarterly Reports. The successful preparation of this report is instrumental in securing federal support and resources critical for the continued improvement of special education programs.
In an effort to ensure compliance with federal regulations and maintain the quality of special education services in FSM, the coordinators devoted significant time to planning for the US Department of Education (USDOE) Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Differentiated Monitoring and Support (DMS 2.0) process.
A notable highlight was the commitment to enhancing the knowledge and skills of special education personnel and coaches. This initiative focuses on equipping them with the necessary expertise to effectively use the Education Learning Management System (ELMo) and navigate the complexities of the progress monitoring component within Project LIFT. This skills upgrade is expected to lead to improved support and better educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
In an act of unity and purpose, special education coordinators identified and prioritized national and state focus areas for transformation. These priorities include bolstering readiness for the OSEP Differentiated Monitoring and Support (DMS) process, furthering the implementation of Project LIFT activities, and incorporating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process into the development of high-quality educational programming tailored to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
The FSM Special Education Coordinators Meeting in Chuuk State showcased the dedication and collaboration of a diverse community committed to advancing the cause of special education in FSM. Their unwavering commitment to improvement and adherence to federal standards underscores FSM\’s pledge to provide an inclusive and quality education for every student. Armed with these transformative priorities, FSM is positioned to make significant strides in the realm of special education in the upcoming school year and beyond.