Education

Tips for Supporting Pacific Islander Students, University of Hawai'i-Hilo (PDF)

Pacific Students Media (YouTube Channel) - Pacific Students Media was created by Vid Raatior to highlight the work of the Pacific Students Media team at the Pacific Islander Student Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Pacific Students Media's mission is to combat negative stereotypes about Pacific Islanders living in Hawaii and the US by producing programs that showcase the positive contributions, challenges, successes of our people from our perspectives and in our own voice.

Education Statistics & Languages of Micronesia (PREL) - PREL is an independent, nonprofit organization with staff in Hawai‘i, American Sāmoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Through their work, they collaborate with schools and school systems, families, community organizations, and government agencies to transform education and promote dynamic reciprocal learning communities built on strong social and cultural capital.

Culturally Responsive Schools for Micronesian Immigrant Students, Dr. Hilda Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands - This briefing paper provides background information about the geography, language, culture, and political history of the Micronesian region. Extensive information on the FAS is given in order to put into context the migration of the FAS people to the U.S. and its island territories. The paper closes with a focus on educational challenges facing Micronesian students from the FAS states and offers suggestions for teachers and other educators who work with them.

https://www.nihiguam.org/resource-library NIHI’s Educational Resource Library - featuring culturally-relevant, place-based learning materials.

REL Search This page from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) offers resources and infographics from the Regional Educational Laboratory Pacific, focusing on Pacific Islander education. The materials highlight key data and insights on educational challenges and successes within Pacific Islander communities. These resources are designed to support educators, policymakers, and researchers in enhancing educational outcomes.

Getting to Know Pacific Island Students from the Freely Associated States of Micronesia This infographic provides an overview of Pacific Island students from nations with Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the U.S., such as the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. It highlights educational statistics, migration patterns, and unique challenges these students face, including mixed citizenship and limited access to certain U.S. services. The infographic aims to increase awareness and support for these students' educational and social needs. 

TESOL's 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners - TESOL International Association has defined a core set of principles for the exemplary teaching of English learners. The 6 Principles are universal guidelines drawn from decades of research in language pedagogy and language acquisition theory. They are targets for teaching excellence and should undergird any program of English language instruction.

Culturally Responsive Teaching Handout, Dr. Mary Hattori, Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai'i-Manoa - Culture is an important factor in many aspects of education. Geneva Gay, one of the progenitors of culturally responsive teaching, defines it as "using the cultural knowledge, prior experiences, and performance styles of diverse students to make learning more appropriate and effective for them; it teaches to and through the strengths of these students."

Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, Dr. Django Paris, Michigan State University - Culturally sustaining pedagogy seeks to perpetuate and foster—to sustain—linguistic, literate, and cultural pluralism as part of the democratic project of schooling. In the face of current policies and practices that have the explicit goal of creating a monocultural and monolingual society, research and practice need equally explicit resistances that embrace cultural pluralism and cultural equality.

Autonomy, Belonging and Competency, adapted from Elementary Classroom Management, a student-centered approach to leading and learning by Kerry Curtiss Williams - “People of all ages need autonomy, belonging, and competency. When a problem occurs in a classroom, teachers need to ask themselves what is missing: autonomy, belonging, or competency?”

A Lost Secret: How to Get Kids to Pay Attention (Engagement, Motivation and Autonomy)

What is School Like (in the Freely Associated States of Micronesia)? This infographic explores the unique school experiences of Pacific Island students from the Freely Associated States (FAS) in the U.S., such as the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. It highlights how island geography, diverse education systems, and cultural practices shape their learning environments and daily school life. The infographic also offers insights for educators to support these students' transitions into new educational settings through culturally responsive practices.

Chuukese common greetings

Marshallese common greetings

Kosraean common greetings

Pohnpeian common greetings

Yapese common greetings

Palauan common greetings

Chamorro common greetings