New Jersey Statewide Systemic Initiative (NJ SSI) was a statewide effort of unprecedented scope to achieve excellence in mathematics, science and technology education in elementary, middle and secondary schools through out the state. NJ SSI was a collaborative effort of the New Jersey Department of Education, Rutgers University, Rowan College, other institutes of higher education, individual schools, school districts, professional organizations, statewide resource groups and representatives of the state's business community.

Recognizing that education technology is a critical factor in realizing the NJ SSI goals, the National Science Foundation also awarded New Jersey a $2.9 million grant, administered by Stevens Institute of Technology, to help bring participating teachers, students and schools into the Information Age. The state supported the grant with an appropriation to help schools fund the purchase of educational computer technology. The project, known as "Networking Infrastructure for Education," or NIE, trains teachers and librarians in the use of e-mail and the Internet for educational purposes. Teachers learn to access real-time information and network with each other, sharing resources and new instructional projects they then bring into their classrooms.

NJ SSI and its impact can best be understood through the experiences of the people involved day-to-day --site directors at partner institutions, teachers, administrators, students, parents, business partners and members of the community. Their stories and comments are the best examples of the NJ SSI Vision in action - Achieving Excellence in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education.

NJ SSI was funded by:

National Science Foundation

New Jersey Department of Education