McSiip

Project SMART (1996 - 2001)

What is Project SMART?

Science And Math Achievement Rising Together
Intensive, sustained professional development for teachers of science, mathematics and world languages in grades K-6, funded by the Eisenhower Higher Education Professional Development Grant Program. Project SMART began in February 1996 as a joint project of Rowan University, Gloucester City Schools, and Pennsauken Public Schools.

GOALS

Teachers who participate in Project SMART gain in the following ways:

Familiarity with NJ Core Curriculum Standards in science math & world languages
Better understanding of science, math & world languages content
Improved understanding of innovative teaching strategies

 Project Activities

Major activities for Project SMART participants include workshops for teachers during the academic year, summer institutes, and on-going in-school support. In both workshops and institutes, grade-level teams of teachers review and discuss the standards, relating them to district curricula and exploring hands-on activities designed to motivate students. The workshops and institutes will also focus on using technology to learn science, mathematics and world languages; exemplary resources, cooperative learning; alternative assessment; ensuring student success for all students, especially those from historically unrepresentative and underserved groups; and integrating science, mathematics and world languages with each other and with other subjects.

On-going Support

Project facilitators visited each participating school at least once each month, meeting with teachers informally to share ideas about teaching science and math, working with students and teachers in classrooms, and talking with principals and supervisors about the project. 

Mentors (teachers in the district who have taken on leadership roles in the project) helped to facilitate communication with the facilitators and provide assistance in locating resources and planning.In addition, Rowan has established a resource center and loans books and videos to project participants.

Mentors

Camden  Emily Ford, Wanda Little, Joy Boehm, Pamela Brown, William Dietz, 
Stella Nwanguma, Kristina Riley

Gloucester City  Wally Blessinger, Ann Hull

Pennsauken   Sentia Appling, Nancy Bowmaster, Kim Chwastyk, Sandy DeSimone, 
Tim Gilbride, Azalee Doane, Rachael Kinsler

Project SMART was funded by:

Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Grant - Higher Education

Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education