The Merck Institute for Science Education (MISE) and the Elizabeth, N.J, School District announced a new partnership to improve science education in grades K-12. New Jersey Governor James McGreevey, Merck & Co., Inc. chairman, president and CEO Raymond Gilmartin, and state and local education leaders joined the two organizations to celebrate this new initiative and encourage public/private partnerships in education.

“The best partnerships between New Jersey businesses and our schools are ones in which financial support is only part of the picture,” said Governor McGreevey. “MISE is a great example of the public and private sectors working together to respond to the educational needs of our communities. I encourage more businesses in New Jersey to become involved in similar endeavors.”

MISE is a non-profit organization created 10 years ago to improve student performance and participation in science in the communities that are home to Merck's largest U.S. operations. Since 1993, MISE and its partner districts have improved the teaching and learning of science among an estimated 2,000 teachers and 25,000 students.

In recognition of the Institute's anniversary, Merck is pledging continued support of an additional $15 million over the next five years. This money will be invested in continuing relationships with current partner school districts, and in forging new partnerships, such as the one with Elizabeth, in the interest of building self-sustaining learning environments focused on science education.

“When Merck created MISE 10 years ago, we set out to improve science literacy, and to spark student imagination, excitement and passion for science in our local schools,” Gilmartin said. “MISE and its partner districts have achieved all they set out to accomplish, and we look forward to similar successes with this new partnership with Elizabeth.”

The Elizabeth School District is the fourth largest in the state of New Jersey, making it the largest MISE partner district. Classified by the New Jersey Department of Education as an Abbott district – a legislative designation mandating that students in non-wealthy districts receive a fair and equitable education – Elizabeth has done a great deal in the last ten years to improve and enhance the education it is offering to its students at all grade levels.

“To fulfill our promise to pave paths for success for all Elizabeth students, the Elizabeth School District is pleased to partner with MISE because of its proven track record in helping educators reinvent science education,” said Thomas G. Dunn, Jr., superintendent of schools, Elizabeth, N.J. “We know that our partnership with MISE will offer our teaching staff the training and support they need to get our students involved in hands-on, inquiry-based science lessons.”

Dr. Carlo Parravano, executive director of MISE said, “Our expansion into Elizabeth builds on the shared goal of the Elizabeth School District and Merck to raise understanding and awareness of science among children and educators. This partnership is an important step in addressing the educational needs of students who have traditionally been under-served in science and mathematics.”

The new partnership between MISE and Elizabeth will address five major areas over the next five years:
· Provide professional development for teachers and administrators
· Implement effective curriculum and instruction
· Improve student achievement
· Build a culture of continuous learning
· Develop parent and community support

In all its partnership activities, the Elizabeth School District and MISE will focus on developing leadership, building capacity, and ensuring sustainability.

Bringing to life the hands-on element of science education emphasized by MISE, Gov. McGreevey, Gilmartin and the Westminster Academy 4th graders kicked off the partnership by conducting an inquiry-based science investigation using observation and prediction skills in examining a common garden animal – the snail.

“We made a conscious decision to take a new approach to science,” said Pablo Muñoz, assistant superintendent of schools, Elizabeth, New Jersey. “We look forward to building this relationship with MISE, and bringing about lasting change in our district so that our students have the keys to open any career door they wish.”

The Elizabeth Public School District, one of New Jersey's 30 Abbott districts, is the fourth largest district in New Jersey with more than 21,000 students enrolled in its 26 schools. Elizabeth's school facilities include one Early Childhood Center, 18 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and Elizabeth High School, the largest in the state with a student population of more than 5,000 youngsters.

Established by Merck & Co., Inc. in 1993, the Merck Institute for Science Education (MISE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the participation, performance and interest in science among children in grades K-12. MISE is a one-of-a-kind public/private partnership that couples financial resources and technical assistance with a long-term, focused commitment to positively impact educational policies and practices.