Teachers from Iakina Adventist Academy in American Samoa are strengthening their focus on school improvement and Adventist identity following three days of Quality Adventist Schools Pacific (QASP) training.
Held from August 11 to 13, the training was part of the wider QASP rollout across the Trans Pacific Union Mission. It was aimed at addressing growing challenges facing the school, including declining enrolment and the need to strengthen the school’s Adventist identity and educational quality.
It addressed these challenges by focusing on continuous school improvement, the creation of thriving learning environments, stronger leadership and accountability, and enhanced accreditation and quality assurance processes.
According to the training co-facilitator and TPUM education director, Talonga Pita, teachers were guided through practical school review and improvement processes that enable the school to identify strengths, address areas for growth and improve student outcomes. He noted that these improvements are essential for building community confidence and attracting more students to Adventist education.
One teacher participant expressed that the training gave her practical skills to nurture an engaging culture of learning where students can flourish academically, spiritually, socially and physically.
Key facilitator and South Pacific Division (SPD) education director Dr Elisapesi Manson said the training emphasised that QASP is more than an accreditation and school improvement tool.
“As the rollout continues across the TPUM, the QASP framework is expected to play a significant role in helping teachers deliver quality Adventist schools,” Dr Manson said.
“The American Samoa QASP training marked another important step in equipping teachers with the knowledge, skills and practical tools needed to promote quality Adventist education in the region that is not only mission-focused but also sustainable and responsive to the needs of students, families and communities.”
The QASP framework was developed from the long-established Quality Adventist Schools model that is used in Adventist schools across Australia. This model was adapted to support the unique contexts of Adventist schools throughout the Pacific. It aims to address accreditation and continuous school improvement challenges while remaining aligned with Adventist educational philosophy and quality standards.
The training formed part of a broader SPD effort to equip Adventist educators with practical tools and strategies for fostering thriving Christ-centered learning communities.
