PRISM provides in-district K-12 science workshops and coaching experiences in standards-based teaching and pedagogy that are tailored to each district’s needs and curriculum. Contact our consultants to design a program that addresses your district’s issues and concerns about teaching to the NJ state standards as they embrace the NGSS. District teams attending three-day institutes are prepared to take leadership in the design of NGSS-style assessments and curriculum. In-class coaches are available to work with individual teachers as needed. Typical in-service topics have included:
- Administrators: What to Observe in Science Classes
- NGSS Fundamentals
- NGSS Assessment Design for K-8
- NGSS-Aligned Engineering Challenges
- Argumentation: Claims-Evidence-Reasoning
- Cross-Cutting Concepts and the Frameworks of Science
- Phenomena, Models and Constructing Explanations
- Designing Investigations, Gathering and Analyzing Data
- Using Authentic Data to Teach Science Practices
- How Science and Engineering Practices Drive the Standards
- Systems and Systems Thinking
- Formative Assessment Design and Implementation
- Asking the Right Questions
- Curriculum Alignment and Unit Design
- Science Notebooks and Journals to Teach Content, Practices and Communication Skills
- The 5 E’s and Pedagogy in Science
Our facilitators and coaches are experienced working both in districts and with the NGSS.
Call 973-655-7753 or email prism@montclair.edu to request services and fee schedules.
About the Facilitators
Dr. Jacalyn Willis, director of PRISM and research biologist, is a member of the NJ State Leadership Team that advised the NJDOE and the Governor on the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). She has been a participant in national trainings in NGSS-aligned curriculum development, as well as trainings in teaching pedagogical practices crucial to implementation of the NGSS. The PRISM team has been closely involved in the development of the NGSS and the design of effective PD that follows on 12 years of US Department of Education Math-Science Partnership programs and National Science Foundation initiatives directed by Dr. Willis.
Christopher Hunninghake has been working in the field of education for 30 years. After earning a BA in biology from the University of Virginia, Christopher taught a variety of science courses in both public and private schools in New Jersey. He then earned an MA in educational administration from Rider University and began serving as a high school building administrator and science/math supervisor. Christopher then obtained a Teacher of the Handicapped certificate and returned to the classroom teaching science to students with special needs.
Joanne Kornoelje started teaching science after 20+ years in business. Having now taught middle school science for 16 years, Joanne’s teaching style is rooted in the discovery method, where students act as scientists. Asking questions, gathering data, developing evidence-based conclusions and defending them were a regular part of the class environment. This approach is a natural fit with the NGSS where the science practices are an integral part of the standards. Joanne holds a BA in English and theater from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and an MA in environmental education from Montclair State University.
Jean Myers has been teaching science for 35 years, beginning in a rural school while in the Peace Corps in Kenya, then in inner-city New York and in suburban New Jersey. She has worked with high school and elementary, engaging them in inquiry-based practice of doing science and making authentic discoveries with evidence based in student-generated data. Jean holds a BA in biological sciences from Mount Holyoke College, MA in teaching secondary science sducation from Teachers College, MEd in curriculum and instruction from Teachers College and supervisory sertification from Montclair State University.
Karen Woodruff is currently pursuing her PhD in teacher education and teacher development. Karen is a STEM professional development specialist with 15 years of experience in K-12 education. As a teacher educator, she serves as a director for the NASA Endeavor STEM Teaching Certificate Project. Karen holds a BA in environmental science and an MA in secondary science in technology-based teacher education.