While the Merck Institute for Science Education (MISE) concentrates its efforts in local school districts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, it seeks to have a broader impact on state and national education reform through its public policy and stakeholder efforts.

State Level

• Members of the MISE team are playing a leadership role in the revision of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in Science.
• From 1998-2007, MISE was instrumental in the development of the State of New Jersey's Professional Development for Teachers Initiative through Executive Director Dr. Cario Parravano's role on the Professional Teaching Standards Board.
• MISE contributed to the development of the New Jersey state-wide Mathematics and Science Coalition, comprised of educators, policymakers, representatives from business and parents.
• As a member of the New Jersey Commissioner of Education’s Taskforce on Teacher Quality, in 2006 Dr. Parravano chaired a committee that provided recommendations to improve the quality of the teacher workforce.

National Level

• In August 2008, Education Week featured the Academy for Leadership in Science Instruction as an exemplary program.
• In April 2008, MISE disseminated new research on teaching and learning through leading and supporting the development of the National Academy publication, Ready, Set, Science!
• In July 2008, Dr. Parravano testified before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Education and Labor Committee(PDF*) as part of a hearing to examine how business/education partnerships can help drive innovation and strengthen math and science education in America's schools.
• In 2007, Dr. Parravano served as a Resource Expert at the National Governors Association winter meeting and assisted governors and staff in 35 states in developing initiatives to improve science education (PDF*).

International Level

In Thailand, Dr. Parravano had several meetings with government officials to discuss education reform including with the Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Education, the Director of the Institute for the Promotion of Science Teaching, and the Head of the Office of Basic Education. As a result of these meetings, there is significant awareness of and interest in expanding the IN-STEP program beyond the original targeted province to an additional 12 provinces.

The content on this page was last modified on September 15, 2009.

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