Pacific Resources for Education and Learning
Enhancing community well-being through partnerships in education
Products
Alphabetical Index
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
A
ABCDs of HIV/AIDS, The
The ABCDs of HIV/AIDS : A partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), PREL adapted and translated the ABCDs of HIV/AIDS cartoon booklet into six major Pacific indigenous languages. This culturally and linguistically appropriate story was developed for teachers, librarians, counselors, health service providers, and community leaders.
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ABCDs of HIV/AIDS: Glossaries of Common HIV/AIDS/STDs Terminology for Pacific Islanders
The ABCDs of HIV/AIDS: Glossaries of Common HIV/AIDS/STDs Terminology for Pacific Islanders: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) terminology card with English/Carolinian translation. These terms were carefully selected for use with Pacific teens in a classroom setting.
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Adult Learning and Learners
The topic of adult learners in the Pacific has been overlooked in educational research. To fill this void, faculty at Palau Community College conducted a survey of adult learners. This briefing paper examines the results of this survey and offers suggestions about how to better accomodate and understand these nontraditional students.
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An Island Invaded
(Available on DVD Only)
Five local residents give powerful first hand accounts of their experiences as children before, during, and after the Japanese invasion and occupation of Guam. Vintage World War II footage and photographs accompany their compelling stories during this 50-minute documentary.
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Assessing Reading Fluency
This booklet is intended to assist practitioners in monitoring students' fluency development. Assessments are discussed in terms of three components of fluency: Accuracy - accurate decoding of words in text; Automaticity - decoding words with minimal use of attentional resources; and Prosody - appropriate use of phrasing and expression to convey meaning. Sample assessments are included.
Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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B
By Word of Mouth: A Storytelling Guide for the Classroom
This selection of classroom resources is useful for teachers seeking to develop literacy skills in elementary school students through storytelling. Information and classroom activities from three unique perspectives on speech and performance are included.
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C
Canoes of the Marshall Islands
(Available on DVD only)
This 30-minute video presents a history of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and how the sea binds the people and islands together. Interviews with elders detail the construction of the Marshallese outrigger canoes through a local boat-building program that encourages youths to carry on their cultural traditions.
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Checklist for Helping Your Child With Homework - Poster
Checklist for Helping Your Child With Homework-Poster: This 11 x 17 poster of tips for parents to help their children with homework is available in seven Pacific languages and in English.
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Clean Water in the Pacific
(Available on DVD only)
Preserving precious water resources, protecting the environment, preventing water pollution, and ensuring availability of potable water for future generations are all concerns shared by many Pacific Islanders. This DVD examines those issues and can be used for interactive instruction in grades 6-12 science classes or for viewing by the general public.
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Cosmos Chaos!
Cosmos Chaos!™ is an educational game for the Nintendo DS console that targets 4th grade vocabulary learning in science, social studies, and mathematics. The game embraces the strengths of the DS platform to create a unique experience that highlights:
• Diverse interactive environments
• Exciting turn-based robot battle system
• Vocabulary –building mini-games
• Built-in assessment
If you want to learn more about Cosmos Chaos! ™ visit www.cosmoschaos.info. Cosmos Chaos! ™ is currently available where games are sold or order directly from Amazon.
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Culturally Responsive Schools for Micronesian Immigrant Students
This briefing paper provides background information about the geography, language, culture, and political history of the Micronesian region with a focus on educational challenges facing immigrant students. It offers suggestions for educators and includes answers to frequently asked questions.
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D
Damien Video and Teacher Resource Guide
(Video Available on DVD only)
This video of the restored 1940s film Damien is a dramatic portrayal of the life and work of Father Damien. The legendary Belgian priest died in 1889 after 16 years of ministering to Hansen's Disease victims exiled on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. The teacher resource guide is available online and includes instructional modules, resources for the classroom, plus an annotated bibliography.
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Discipline-Based Art Education
(Available on DVD only)
Join Dr. Lori Phillips as she explains classroom techniques for teaching discipline-based art education. This five-part video series can be incorporated in professional development for elementary school teachers. It includes a hands-on art lesson for classroom use.
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Distance Learning in Micronesia
Participants' Perspectives
This briefing paper examines participants' perspectives of a distance learning course taught in Pohnpei and Ebeye. The course utilized emerging synchronous technologies to provide a "virtual class" environment along with asynchronous technologies. The paper addresses cultural issues, learning styles, and learning preferences, and provides recommendations for distance learning providers in Micronesia.
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Distance Learning in the Northern Pacific
This briefing paper provides an overview of distance learning opportunities that were provided in the northern Pacific region as a result of a U.S. Department of Education Star Schools grant from 1997–2006. It addresses the regional telecommunications infrastructure, characteristics of effective distance learning courses, future trends, and successful strategies.
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Diversity in Action: Improving Educational Research in the Pacific Region
Educators should not be expected both to teach and to solve the major problems facing education. This paper illustrates the value of educational research and provides strategies by which educators and researchers in diverse settings can find reliable answers to real-life questions.
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E
Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series
Little Books: Assessment for Learning: A Teacher's Story
This booklet, part of the Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series, provides a brief overview of assessment for learning and is designed to familiarize Pacific teachers with classroom assessment and its link to teaching in support of student learning and growth. Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series
Little Books: Exploring Comprehension through Retelling: A Teacher's Story
This booklet, part of the Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series, shares a teacher's experiences creating opportunities that enhance comprehension through narrative retelling.
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Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series
Little Books: Letter Knowledge: A Teacher's Story
This booklet, part of the Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series, shares a teacher's experiences in creating a rich learning environment that enhances letter learning for young students. Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series
Little Books: Little Honu's Journey
This illustrated children's book accompanies Exploring Comprehension through Retelling: A Teacher's Story, part of the Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series. It describes a baby turtle's adventures on his journey to the ocean.
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Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series
Little Books: Print Literacy: A Teacher's Story
This booklet, part of the Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series, shares a teacher's experiences learning how to create a rich learning environment that enhances literacy for young students.
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Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series
Little Books: Word Identification: A Teacher's Story
This booklet, part of the Early Literacy and Assessment for Learning (K-3) Series, shares a teacher's experiences creating a rich learning environment that enhances accurate and automatic word identification for young students. Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Educational Needs in the Pacific Region: The REL Client Interview Report (Research Report)
In January 2006, 42 semistructured telephone interviews were conducted by PREL staff with educators in the Pacific region. Trained interviewers asked them about the two most critical needs, the root causes behind those needs, solutions to meeting those needs, and PREL's role in the solutions. This report discusses the content analyses of the expressed educational needs of the region, as well as potential solutions and ways in which PREL could be of assistance in addressing these needs.
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Effective Instructional Strategies Series
Text Structure: Cause and Effect
The Effective Instructional Strategies Series is a collection of six booklets based on the components used in Pacific Communities with High-performance In Literacy Development (Pacific CHILD), a principles-based professional development program consisting of research-based teaching and learning strategies proven to help improve students’ reading comprehension using informational text.
Text Structure: Cause and Effect is intended to assist practitioners on how to build students’ knowledge on using text structure to improve comprehension. Practitioners will learn about research that supports the use of text structure and what they must include in their instruction so they can be prepared to explicitly teach cause and effect in reading and writing.
Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Effective Instructional Strategies Series
Text Features
The Effective Instructional Strategies Series is a collection of six booklets based on the components used in Pacific Communities with High-performance In Literacy Development (Pacific CHILD), a principles-based professional development program consisting of research-based teaching and learning strategies proven to help improve students’ reading comprehension using informational text.
Text Features is ubiquitous in nonfiction and informational texts. This booklet will explain the research supporting text features as an important tool to help students better comprehend content area text. The booklet contains several strategies and examples for practitioners to try in their classroom.
Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Effective Instructional Strategies Series
Interactive Tasks
The Effective Instructional Strategies Series is a collection of three booklets based on the components used in Pacific Communities with High-performance In Literacy Development (Pacific CHILD), a principles-based professional development program consisting of research-based teaching and learning strategies proven to help improve students’ reading comprehension using informational text.
Interactive Tasks is an instructional approach that promotes the use of language by the teacher and students. Practitioners will learn about research supporting interactive tasks as an effective way for students to learn from each other and how teachers’ use of specific strategies can increase language development and achievement for all students.
Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Effective Instructional Strategies Series
Growing Professionally
The Effective Instructional Strategies (EIS) Series is a collection of six booklets based on the components used in Pacific Communities with High-performance In Literacy Development (Pacific CHILD), a principles-based professional development program consisting of research-based teaching and learning strategies proven to help improve students’ reading comprehension using informational text.
Growing Professionally by Jennifer F. M. Padua provides strategies for job-embedded professional development based on teachers’ needs, which is important to support teachers’ growth. Practitioners learn how school-level activities, principles of adult learning, and key findings from research can be implemented to design a professional development program at their school.
Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Effective Instructional Strategies Series
Question Generation
The Effective Instructional Strategies (EIS) Series is a collection of six booklets based on the components used in Pacific Communities with High-performance In Literacy Development (Pacific CHILD), a principles-based professional development program consisting of research-based teaching and learning strategies proven to help improve students’ reading comprehension using informational text.
Question Generation by Sharon M. Look shows why questioning is an important tool for all learners. Questioning helps readers fully engage the text, leading to better comprehension. Practitioners learn how to create a questioning environment and use the Question Generation strategy to help students ask text-based questions, turn these ideas into integrative questions, and answer the questions.
Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Effective Instructional Strategies Series
Teaching Vocabulary Explicitly
The Effective Instructional Strategies (EIS) Series is a collection of six booklets based on the components used in Pacific Communities with High-performance In Literacy Development (Pacific CHILD), a principles-based professional development program consisting of research-based teaching and learning strategies proven to help improve students’ reading comprehension using informational text.
Teaching Vocabulary Explicitly by Susan Hanson & Jennifer F. M. Padua offers a systematic approach to implementing effective vocabulary instruction in the classroom. Students face an increased amount of academic vocabulary as they progress through schooling. Teaching Vocabulary Explicitly explains the research supporting vocabulary instruction to support students’ with their reading comprehension.
Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Evaluation of the Outcomes and Impact of the Pacific CHILD Professional Development Model
(Research Report)
The Pacific Communities with High-performance in Literacy Development (Pacific CHILD) Professional Development Model research project was initiated in response to an overwhelming need in PREL's Pacific service region for improvement of teachers' knowledge and instructional practices in early reading. This report examines the question of the quality of the professional development provided through Pacific CHILD, how quality of this model program was measured, and the findings on the quality of professional development.
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F
Focus on Comprehension, A
Research Based Practices in Early Reading Series
A Focus on Comprehension is the third booklet in the Research-Based Practices in Early Reading series published by the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) at Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL). The purpose of this booklet is to examine what research tells us about factors that affect reading comprehension and about what instruction must contain and what it must do to help students better comprehend the content they read.
Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Focus on Fluency, A
Research Based Practices in Early Reading Series
Intended for practitioners, A Focus on Fluency is the first booklet in the Research-Based Practices in Early Reading series published by the Regional Educational Laboratory at PREL. The 31-page report summarizes research on fluency and fluency instruction and describes strategies for fluency instruction. It also explains various ways of conducting repeated oral reading, the use of independent silent reading, an integrated fluency instruction approach, the role of texts, and fluency assessment.
Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Focus on Professional Development, A
Research Based Practices in Early Reading Series
A Focus on Professional Development is the fourth in the Research-Based Practices in Early Reading Series published by the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) at Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL). Because reading proficiency is fundamental to student achievement across all subjects and grades, the preparation of the teachers and administrators who are responsible for providing early reading instruction is of special importance. This booklet examines what research tells us about professional development and about the role that effective professional development plays in improving both teacher performance and student achievement.
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Focus on Vocabulary, A
Research Based Practices in Early Reading Series
This second booklet in the Research-Based Practices in Early Reading Series explores vocabulary development as a component of reading comprehension. The text examines research results on students' vocabulary acquisition and instruction that helps them develop the kind of vocabulary knowledge that will contribute to their reading success.
Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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G
H
I
Image to Word - Word to Image
Literally a Vision
Image to Word - Word to Image professional development workshops are offered by PREL's Pacific Center for the Arts and Humanities in Education program, which provides teaching strategies that assist visual learner students in attaining literacy. This paper includes teachers' observations and student artwork that illustrates the techniques and tools available in this program.
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Island Alphabet Books
Island Alphabet Books: Each book of the series, which features languages and children’s artwork from the U.S.-affiliated Pacific, contains the complete alphabet for the language, examples for each letter, and a word list with English translations. Published by PREL, the books are available in Carolinian, Chamorro, Chuukese, English, Hawaiian, Kosraean, Marshallese, Palauan, Pohnpeian, Sâmoan, Satawalese, and Yapese. Available via download or order directly from Bess Press.
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J
K
KidScience: Climate Change
(Available on DVD only)
This KidScience Special investigates how global climate conditions change our environment. Clips feature production segments in Alaska, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in Townsville, Australia. Topics covered include the greenhouse effect, El Nino, weather monitoring, and coral bleaching.
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KidScience: Destination Space Station
(Available on DVD only)
In this special three-part KidScience series, students meet with engineers, scientists, and astronauts involved in the construction and readying of the International Space Station. Part 1: Constructing in Space; Part 2: Living in Space; Part 3: Working in Space.
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KidsScience: Entire Set
Order the entire Kids Science series totaling 19 programs.
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KidScience: Eyes of Hawaii
(Available on DVD only)
Astronomy Hawaiian Style -- the audience will visit the largest observatory in the world, the Keck observatory located on the summit of the highest mountain in the world, Hawaii's Mauna Kea. Astronomers, scientists, educators, and astronauts guide the audience on amazing journies to outer space -- all through the eyes of gigantic observatories. Part 1: Astronomy Hawaiian Style; Part 2: Tools of the Astronomer; Part 3: Astronomers at Work.
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KidScience: FishQuest
(Available on DVD only)
Students visited traditional fishing villages in American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, and Saipan during this taped episode from the KidScience distance learning series.
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KidScience: Fragile Environments
(Available on DVD only)
Produced by Teleschool, the Hawaii Department of Education, and PREL, this three-part television series explores different types of ecosystems. The 60-minute segments are: "Life in a Fragile Environment," "Researching Fragile Environments," and "Protecting Fragile Environments."
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KidScience: Habitat Comeback
(Available on DVD only)
This KidScience Special features live, interactive programs broadcast by satellite. Three 1-hour programs take students on a journey to Midway Island, an atoll located northwest of Hawaii. The program studies the effects of man, machine, and outside species on a once-uninhabited island and the efforts to return the atoll to its natural state after the military left it 5 years ago. Teachers' guides are available.
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KidScience: Humpback Whales of the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary
(Available on DVD only)
In this KidScience special, students joined scientists on research vessels following the Hawaiian migration of thousands of humpback whales.
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KidScience: Islands in the Pacific
(Available on DVD only)
This KidScience three-part series features islands in Micronesia, American Samoa, and Hawaii. Geology, natural resources, the impact of introduced species, cultural events, and island lifestyles are covered.
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KidScience: Kids and Reefs
(Available on DVD only)
In this three-part KidScience Special students are taken on a snorkeling and diving journey. They visit the uninhabited Northern Hawaiian Islands, the heavily populated Hawaiian Islands, the waters of American Samoa, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Students participate in virtual reef research and study the importance of coral reefs, why and how they are being destroyed, and what is being done to protect them.
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KidScience: KidScience in American Samoa
(Available on DVD only)
This KidScience Special allows students to visit American Samoa, its island environment and society, through a three-part series: Fa'a Samoa-the Samoan Way, Island Ecosystems, and Island Challenges. Each program features live videoconferences between elementary and high school students from American Samoa, the KidScience studio classroom, and children across the nation.
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KidScience: Living on a Volcano
(Available on DVD only)
Join scientists as they explore volcanoes such as Mt St Helens in Washgton State, volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii, in New Zealand, and New Mexico. This series includes: Part 1: Fire from Below; Part 2: Taking the Volcano's Pulse; Part 3: Reading the Landscape; and Part 4: Life in the Red Zone.
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KidScience: Messages from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
(Available on DVD only)
This three-part television series produced by Teleschool, the Hawaii Department of Education, and PREL follows a journey to these remote islands. The titles of the 60-minute segments are: "The Voyage," "The Land to Sea Connection," and "Continuing the Voyage."
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KidScience: Mountains of Fire
(Available on DVD only)
Students in this KidScience video experienced interactive monitoring and predicting volcanic activity on the Big Island of Hawaii and in California.
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KidScience: Ocean Talks
(Available on DVD only)
This four-part KidScience Special focuses on threats facing our oceans, ocean policies, what's working, and what needs fixing. Titled The Fragile Ocean, Clean Waters, Healthy Ocean, From the Mountains to the Sea, and Fishing for Solutions, the videos show fishing industries in Maine, Hawaii, American Samoa, and Alaska. The Pew Oceans Commission, appointed by Congress, shares its findings with students and encourages them to develop their own recommendations.
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KidScience: Reef Detectives
(Available on DVD only)
This 3-DVD, 12-part marine curriculum for grades 4-8 was recorded from live classroom experiences through the KidScience distance learning series. Content focuses on reef ecosystems and features virtual snorkel trips and scuba dives.
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KidScience: The Explorers
(Available on DVD only)
KidScience takes the audience on journies to outer space, on and under the ocean, and earth's surface to understand why humans have explored and the roles technology and science play in man's journies to discovery. This three-part series features scientists, engineers and astronauts. Part 1: Challenges of Exploration; Part 2: Exploring our World; Part 3: Exploring other Worlds.
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KidScience: Turtle Tracks
(Available on DVD only)
This series of interactive programs on the evolution and adaptation of sea turtles takes students to the coast of Georgia and to the Hawaiian Islands to investigate the loggerhead and green sea turtle populations. Scientists share their research and are available for questions via the Internet; students can follow the turtles' movements via satellite tracking devices.
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KidScience: Underwater Classroom
(Available on DVD only)
This program features underwater experts from whom students learn about marine life, physical oceanography, and underwater geology. These experts explore the ocean using SCUBA gear and research submersibles.
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KidScience: WaterWatch
(Available on DVD only)
This KidScience 4-part series explores where water comes from, life in a watershed, water quality and what impacts it, and protecting our watersheds.
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L
Language Cards
Each of these cards represents the language native to a Pacific entity in PREL's service region. Useful greetings are provided with English translations and phonetic pronunciations. The printed cards feature colorful artwork by children and are packaged in sets of 10, one card for each language.
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Language of Instruction: Choices and Consequences
As English becomes the language of wider communication in the Pacific region, changes in culture and language-use are increasingly apparent and of concern to Pacific educators and community members. This briefing paper focuses on the choices of instructional language in Pacific classrooms, as mandated by national or state policies, and discusses consequences of such choices on students' achievement and career preparation.
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Language Use at Home and School
Language Use at Home and School: A Synthesis of Research for Pacific Educators
Indigenous languages are spoken at home in American-affiliated Pacific Island communities, yet instruction at school is carried out in English. Are home and school languages compatible, and if not, how can they become compatible so children can learn? This paper discusses the complex issue of language compatibility in the Pacific.
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Let's Do Homework - Brochure
Let's Do Homework: This brochure, which provides parents with tips on how to help children with homework, has been translated into several Pacific languages.
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Let's Talk Story
Professional Development in the Pacific
Directed toward professional development (PD) providers working in the Pacific region or anywhere outside their own cultures, this booklet gives actual field examples in the talk story style. The article's framework uses the principles of the National Partnership for Excellence and Accountability in Teaching (NPEAT) for the design of effective PD.
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Lost in Translation: From English to Pacific Languages in Early Reading Assessment
(Research Brief)
Are the skills and knowledge to be learned by early readers of English the same as those to be learned by early readers of the vernacular (L1)? Bringing together language and literacy in English and the L1 is difficult. Much can be “lost in translation.” We explore issues that surface when using English early reading assessments as the frame for developing L1 assessments.
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M
Measuring the Effectiveness of Professional Development in Early Literacy
Lessons Learned (Research Brief)
This Research Brief focuses on the methodology used to measure professional development (PD) effectiveness. It examines the needs that generated this research, what PREL did to meet those needs, and lessons that have been learned as a result. In particular, it discusses the development of a new instrument designed to measure the quality of PD as it is being delivered. Available online and in print.
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Middle Grades: Putting All Students on Track for College
The focus of this briefing paper is to help middle grades educators close the opportunity gap for underserved students. The author provides reasons these grades are so critical to postsecondary preparation, background, examples, and recommendations for building school capacity to increase student performance for college access.
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N
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the Pathways to College Network Framework: Mutually Supportive Visions and Complementary Goal
This paper describes how the NCLB Act and the Pathways Framework can be partnered when developing and evaluating comprehensive programs for schools interested in preparing children for the next steps in their educational careers.
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O
Our Pacific Region
This four-page brochure describes the Pacific region served by PREL. It outlines the organization's mission, guiding beliefs, and services and includes maps and descriptions of the region.
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P
Pacific Area Language Materials (PALM)
(CD-ROM)
This CD-ROM is an archive of more than 700 educational materials that were developed for classroom use under a U.S. Department of Education grant in the 1970s. Eleven Pacific languages are represented with original text and illustrations.
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Pacific Early Literacy Resource Kit
(CD)
The Pacific Early Literacy Resource Kit was developed from PREL's research-based work performed with early literacy teachers in US-affiliated Pacific islands. The contents of the Resource Kit represent information, products, and processes we found beneficial as we worked to support literacy teachers in their efforts to improve student literacy achievement.
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Pacific Language Early Readers
(CD)
This CD was created in response to the need for early reading materials in Micronesian languages from teachers in Hawaii and in the Pacific regions serviced by PREL. The CD contains 10 books translated into nine languages. Audio narrations for selected books (in six languages) are included on the CD. The books and audio books are appropriate for K-3 level. Educators can print out book files and listen to the accompanying audio tracks.
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Pacific Standards for Excellence
(CD-ROM)
Teachers can improve students' mathematics and science learning, refine their teaching skills, and align their curriculum with this useful CD-ROM, which includes Pacific Standards for Excellence in Mathematics, Pacific Standards for Excellence in Science, and Pacific Standards for Excellence in Teaching, Assessment, and Professional Development. For Macintosh and PC operating systems.
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Pacific Standards for Excellence in Mathematics
(CD-ROM)
The purpose of Pacific Standards for Excellence in Mathematics is to lay the foundation for the Pacific child's mathematics education program that will build tools to help the child become a contributing member of society.
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Pacific Standards for Excellence in Science
(CD-ROM)
These standards for excellence in science education directly address the diversity of island environments, cultures, values, resources, and needs of Pacific students.
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Place Names of Pohnpei Island
Published by Bess Press in coordination with PREL, this book identifies Pohnpei Island (including And/Ant and Pakin Atolls) locations, their names, histories, and cultural significance. 169 pages.
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PREL Areas of Service
PREL Services
In both informal and formal settings, PREL brings expertise in bilingual education, mathematics, science, literacy, early childhood education, standards and assessment, workforce development, and teacher and leadership development. PREL’s partners in this work include state and local agencies; nonprofit organizations; schools; libraries; community groups; child care programs; universities; business; foundations; and local, national, and regional associations.
While you will find particular areas of service described here, PREL has the capabilities and resources to provide customized services to meet your community’s education needs.
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R
Reading Aloud to Children
(CD)
Reading Aloud to Chilldren: This CD uses local legends to model ways in which parents can read with their children. The CD comes in 11 different languages.
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Reading Instruction for Older Struggling Readers
As students progress through the grade levels, the demands of academically rigorous subject matter combined with greater dependence on informational text make it imperative for students to attain age-appropriate reading skills. Yet increasingly, numerous less proficient readers are found in grades four through eight. Although most have a command of social English, many students experience difficulties in reading and writing academic English. This briefing paper discusses possible reasons for the high number of older struggling readers, what teachers can do, and the importance of matching instruction to meet children's needs.
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Reading the Wind: Navigation and the Environment in the Pacific
(Available on DVD only. Includes Teacher's Guide)
This educational DVD covers traditional Polynesian and Micronesian voyaging. Aimed at students in grades 4-8 and the general public, the program is available in both English and Satawalese. The accompanying teacher's guide can be used to structure pre- and post-viewing activities.
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Reading the Wind: Navigation and the Environment in the Pacific
(Available on DVD only. Includes Teacher's Guide)
This educational DVD covers traditional Polynesian and Micronesian voyaging. Aimed at students in grades 4-8 and the general public, the program is available in both English and Satawalese. The accompanying teacher's guide can be used to structure pre- and post-viewing activities.
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REL Pacific Issues & Answers: Comparing the Achievement Patterns of Native Hawaiian and Non-Native Hawaiian Grade 8 Students in Reading and Math (REL 2012-No. 120)
Over 2003/04-2008/09, grade 8 Native Hawaiian students had lower proficiency rates than non-Native Hawaiian students in both reading and math. The achievement gap narrowed in reading but widened in math from 2004/05 to 2008/09. This study reports on the gaps and trends in overall reading and math proficiency of grade 8 Native Hawaiian students and grade 8 non-Native Hawaiian students.
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REL Pacific Issues & Answers: Nutrition and physical Education Policy and Practice in Pacific Region Secondary Schools (REL 2012-No. 117)
Obesity is a physically and emotionally debilitating condition that profoundly affects public health and education systems. Increasing concerns about health issues and dietary considerations in the Pacific Region reveal a need to study education programs that disseminate information about health, physical activity, and nutrition. This study responds to regional requests for information on health issues and dietary considerations in the Pacific Region by providing relevant statistics and references to health education programs, policies, and practices in secondary schools in Hawai‘i, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap) and the Republic of Palau.
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REL Pacific: A Status Report on Middle School Mathematics Assessment and Student Achievement in the Pacific Region
This study answers one basic question: What is the status of student achievement in middle school mathematics in the Pacific Region jurisdictions? The findings provide a portrait of the types of mathematic assessments used in grades 7 and 8 and of how well students are performing.
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REL Pacific: English Language Proficiency Assessment in the Pacific Region
Using various approaches to identify English language learners, several Pacific region jurisdictions are developing English language proficiency standards and assessments aligned with those standards. Others are working on content standards, including language arts, and have expressed interest in developing English language proficiency standards but lack formal assessment mechanisms.
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REL Pacific: Preparing and Licensing High Quality Teachers in Pacific Region Jurisdictions
The Pacific Region needs more highly qualified teachers, but current teacher preparation and training programs and certification and licensing processes are not meeting this need. Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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S
Storytelling
The Heart and Soul of Education
This briefing paper presents research on the importance of storytelling in human experience and explores the relevance of storytelling as an instructional tool in Pacific classrooms.
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Teacher Certification Systems
(Policy Brief)
The notion of "highly qualified teachers" is the backbone of recently enacted U.S. federal legislations such as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) and other similar initiatives. Teacher preparation is instrumental in improving performance of all students. This policy brief reviews current research, policies, and practices in teacher certification systems with the purpose of assisting regional policy makers in examining their own systems, addressing necessary changes, and proposing policy changes to their own legislatures, parliaments, or governing boards. Available for free download here. If you would like printed copies, please contact PREL at products@prel.org.
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Teaching Reading in the Vernacular
(Available on DVD only)
This video offers vignettes of initial reading instruction in Micronesian languages. Island educators and linguists discuss key issues in vernacular reading instruction, and curriculum development efforts in Yap are highlighted. 40 minutes.
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The Language Question in Pacific Education: The Case of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
(Research Brief)
This paper examines complex issues surrounding language-in-education policy in Micronesia. It analyzes the difficult questions that arise as a result of the interplay between local traditions and globalizing economic and political forces.
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Using Standards-Led Policy to Align Assessment and Accountability Systems
This paper presents two strategies designed to meet increased accountability requirements for student achievement: 1) Standards-Based Accountability Systems and 2) Alignment With Standards.
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Weaving Standards Into Learning
This guide to the meaning, key features, and indicators of Hawaii's Content and Performance Standards II provides practical support for teachers as they tackle the challenges of planning and implementing lessons, units, and assessments that energize student learning and progress toward standards. Weaving Standards Into Learning offers ideas, examples, worksheets, and processes for bringing standards to life in the classroom.
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