Clark Schools Staff Present Programs at Annual Conference

Three staff members from the Clark Schools were selected by the Professional Development Committee of the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) to present their innovative curricular programs at the New Jersey School Boards Association/New Jersey Association of School Administrators/New Jersey Association of School Business Officials state-wide Workshop in Atlantic City this past month. 

The workshop, the largest gathering of school board members, superintendents, educational leaders, and school business administrators in the state, is attended by approximately 10,000 educators each October.

The first presentation was made by Carl H. Kumpf Middle School Mathematics Teacher Krista Chapman along with Assistant Superintendent Ed Grande, titled “Enhancing the Delivery of Mathematics Through the Progressive Mathematics Initiative.”  The Progressive Mathematics Initiative (PMI) is currently the vehicle being used to deliver mathematics in grades 6-10 in the Clark Schools. It is an innovative, uniform teacher-designed curriculum, which allows students to investigate, collaborate and master the concepts of mathematics. 

PMI is a multidimensional program which allows students to engage with the material through a technological medium. Instruction is collaborative and interactive, with students in the role of engaged learners. Teachers utilize specifically developed SMART Board presentations for each topic, which include responder questions to allow students to respond to posed questions and thus receive immediate feedback. The program has been very well received in the district by students, staff and parents, says Superintendent Ken Knops.

The second presentation was made by Frank K. Hehnly Fourth Grade Teacher Nicole Parlavecchio.  Parlevecchio developed a skype-based program between her students and members of the National Football League’s Tennessee Titans.  Parlavecchio, whose father, Chet, is the linebacker coach of the Titans, plans lesson plans and accompanying learning activities between her fourth graders and Titan team members. The program promotes student self-esteem, stretches the learning environment beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom for iGeneration students, promotes higher level and critical thinking skills, and exposes impressionable students to positive role models who stress the value of education.

Due to the popularity of each program, the Clark presenters were asked to make three separate presentations over the course of the two-day workshop.

“I had the pleasure of attending both presentations made by our staff members.  It was evident there was a lot of interest in each program with numerous school officials expressing the desire to adopt the programs in their districts," said Superintendent Ken Knops. "I applaud Miss Chapman, Miss Parlavecchio, and Mr. Grande for their efforts in developing and implementing the programs and for the inspiring presentations they made at the Workshop.”