|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Outcomes, Challenges, and Resources
Outcomes
- There was increased enrollment in science courses as well as higher performance on measures of science achievement (state tests, SAT II, Advanced Placement).
- The quality of Professional Development for science teachers improved. There has been an increase in the use of technology in the classroom as teachers become more at ease with computers, interfacing devices and the Internet.
- Career aspirations for students has included a significant jump in the area of science and technology when compared to the beginning of the grant period.
Challenges
- Initially, this grant was for five years. This was a good target timeline for effecting systemic change in science curriculum. Unfortunately, it is also enough time for staff changes in the participating districts. A key figure in one of the participating school districts - the science supervisor - resigned in the middle of the grant period. His replacement did not wish to continue with the project. Probably a grant for two years would have had a better focus.
- Changing state expectations for science assessment make it difficult to articulate science curricula across the grade levels. New Jersey has dropped science assessment from the sate mandated assessements at the fourth and eleventh grade levels. This sends a message to teachers and parents that science is not important. You test what you value, and obviously we seem not to value science in this state.
Resources
- Beyondbooks.com This is a source for science texts on-line. It is very inexpensive when compared to the cost of a science text. The book is interactive and is updated more frequently than a paper text can be.
- ImagiProbe - A device that can be attached to a Palm Pilot (PDA)to collect laboratory data (temperature, pH,etc)from electronic probes.
Back to University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
|
|
| | |