NJ School Districts Improve Mathematics, Science, & Technology Education

The New Jersey Statewide Systemic Initiative (NJ SSI) will distribute approximately $300,000 to over 20 districts in an effort to implement successful, education enriched programs, focusing primarily on the professional development of teachers.

“NJ SSI has distributed these grants since 1997, which have helped schools and school districts from every section of New Jersey and have led to increased student achievement in participating schools,” says NJ SSI Project Director, Deborah Cook of Rutgers University. “Due to continued state and federal funding, we can build upon NJ SSI’s mission of excellence in mathematics, science, and technology education throughout New Jersey.”

NJ SSI invited local districts of New Jersey to submit proposals, including charter and vocational schools, as well as urban and smaller schools. Almost 60 districts applied for the grants. Those selected will receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 which will go towards improving professional development, supporting models of successful standards implementation, and using hands-on, problem- solving approaches to learning.

The goal of the Standards Implementation Grants is to promote effective instruction in schools through the implementation of standards-based curriculum programs and effective methods of assessment for evaluating students and informing instruction. The grants lead to increased student achievement in participating schools, including lower-achieving students and those belonging to groups traditionally under-represented in science, mathematics, and technology.

The New Jersey Statewide Systemic Initiative (NJ SSI) is a unique partnership of schools, districts, colleges, universities, science centers, museums, businesses and industry focused on improving the performance and participation of students in science and mathematics throughout New Jersey. Administered by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, NJ SSI is funded through grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and by the State of New Jersey.#

For further information call (732) 445-2241 or visit the NJ SSI website at http://njssi.rutgers.edu.

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