Regional education experts join McREL's Pacific Region Advisory Board

Denver—Four education experts from the Pacific region have joined the Pacific Region Advisory Board of Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL), which held its first meeting at McREL’s offices in Denver, Colo., on May 3–4.

Members include: Mr. Henry Falan, speaker of the Yap State Legislature; Dr. Rita Sablan, commissioner of education, Public School System of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Mr. Asterio Takesy, senior advisor to the Federated States of Micronesia; and Dr. Patrick Tellei, president of Palau Community College and member of the Pacific Postsecondary Education Council.

The board members were chosen for their expertise in and knowledge of education and education systems in the region. “We look forward to working with the board members, who will help inform, confirm, clarify, and direct McREL’s efforts in meeting regional needs, making connections with agencies and individuals, and responding to opportunities to serve,” said McREL President and CEO Tim Waters. “They will contribute to McREL’s goal to help the Pacific educational community in the most appropriate and effective ways possible.”

McREL opened an office in Honolulu, McREL's Pacific Center for Changing the Odds, in November 2010. The Center’s director, Nolan Malone, and other Honolulu-based staff members, will work with board members in crafting an agenda to carry out the center’s mission to improve the academic achievement and life options for students throughout the region.

“The Pacific Center team will benefit greatly from the collective wisdom and insights of the board members,” said Malone. “Our initial meeting reinforced our dedication to changing the odds for learners and educators throughout the Pacific.”