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Enhanced student performance is only possible with well-prepared, knowledgeable teachers guiding student instruction. With this in mind, NJ SSI has developed a state-wide professional development network stressing quality teaching skills along with strong science and mathematics content knowledge, and the use of exemplary curriculum and assessment materials. In Phase I (1993-98) the NJ SSI PARTNERSHIPSHIPSHIPShip provided in-depth professional development (over 120 hours) for K-8 teachers and administrators in over 40% of the public schools. Other standards-based professional development (up to 60 hours) for teachers reached approximately 50% of the schools. In Phase II, 85% of schools and close to 30,000 of the approximately 40,000 teachers of mathematics and science were reached. In 2000, NJ SSI developed a Partnership Program in which district educators are provided with 12 days of professional development.
New Jersey's Core Curriculum Content Standards, Frameworks, and Assessments help to clarify what needs to be taught, and how instruction should be delivered. For example, the Standards call for hands-on, problem-solving and inquiry-based activities using mathematics manipulatives and science materials and equipment. NJ SSI professional development deepens science and mathematics knowledge, strengthens teaching practice, enhances understanding and use of standards-based assessments, and builds leadership skills. Teachers learn as their students will learn, and use this experience to transform their own classrooms.
Both the NJSSI Regional Centers and the Specialty Sites serve as professional development providers. In addition, many other SSI PARTNERSHIPS such as The New Jersey Mathematics Coalition, Fairleigh Dickinson University and the Liberty Science Center, provide such services to teachers and administrators. Several professional development resources are provided in the Resources section of this web site
The New Jersey Department of Education is a long-term partner and supporter of NJ SSI. Effective in September 2000, the Department mandated that teachers complete 100 hours of professional development every five years consistent with the New Jersey Professional Development Standards. Many NJ SSI professional development partners have registered with the NJDoE to provide services to district people in the Core Curriculum Content areas of science and mathematics. They can search for providers in these areas at various grade levels at the NJ DoE web site.
NJ SSI has developed a K-12 Partnership Program with a significant professional development component to help districts with mathematics and science improvement. All the NJ SSI Regional Centers began offering this program in 2000-01. The program seeks to improve local district mathematics and science test scores on statewide assessments and provide districts with coherent, consistent support for implementing standards-based curricula. Through strategic planning, participating districts will identify professional development needs, use data for decision-making, develop more effective instructional methodologies and build capacity for reform. Information is a key to success, and the new program will help districts analyze existing student achievement patterns and plan appropriate reform strategies.
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