The task force set up by Governor Lolo to review the status of public education in the territory begins community meetings today to collect recommendations from the public on ways to improve the public school system.
The task force, which was established last year by executive order, is in response to the low scores of high school graduates in core subjects such as Math, Science and English, which result in a high number needing remedial courses when entering the American Samoa Community College.
Governor Lolo said in his executive order setting up the Task Force on the Future of Education in American Samoa “It’s time to review the local public education system from a view that includes broad spectrum of society, to bring in fresh thinking of qualified and successful individuals from outside the traditional field of education and promote the idea of new and, if need be, non-traditional solutions to what are now old problems.”
The task force is chaired by ASPA Executive Director Utu Abe Malae and members are Port Director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Tuia Poumele a former DOE Director, DOE Director Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga; former ASCC Vice President and now director of the Governor’s Drug and Alcohol Control Program, Dr. Mikaele Etuale; former DOE Director Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau; Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale; and the Governor’s Chief Legal Counsel Steve Watson.
The task force is presenting its recommendations today at 5pm for the Mid West District at Tafuna High School, Music Room.
For the Western District: Leone High School, next Wednesday, at 4 pm @ Leone Gym
Eastern District: Fagaitua High School, Thursday March 22 @ 4:30 @ Fagaitua Gym
Meetings for the Central District and Manu’a High School will be announced later.
