About

In 1984, Rutgers University established the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education. Our mission is to improve mathematics, science, and computer education programs in New Jersey and across the nation.

The Center fosters collaboration among educators, business leaders, practitioners, and researchers. Their goal is to enhance the learning and teaching of mathematics and science and to show how technology can contribute to these goals. Rutgers partners with other colleges, universities, industry, and local school systems. Each partner contributes and reaps significant benefits from the collaborative relationship. School systems support their teachers' efforts throughout the academic year. Companies

encourage their scientists to contribute technical expertise to Center-sponsored activities. The University contributes faculty expertise to the Center. School districts gain well-trained highly motivated practitioners and become models to other districts. Corporations and their scientists enjoy visibility, recognition, and good will for their contributions. The University, in turn, fulfills its public outreach and research mission.

 

Teachers and students from two-thirds of NJ school districts have participated in the Centers projects for over a decade. The leadership cadre inspired by these programs improves the teaching and learning of mathematics, science, and technology statewide and across the United States.

Through collaborative research and customized instruction, The Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education (CMSCE) contributes to the improvement of mathematics, science, and computer education programs in New Jersey and in schools throughout the country.  The CMSCE fosters collaborations among university and K-12 educators, business leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers for the betterment of STEM education.

STEM education, however, does not exist in a vacuum. Most schools do not produce students who excel only at STEM subjects, nor should they seek to. There are many ways to reach one’s full potential and to make valuable contributions to one’s community. Supporting students to thrive and develop their unique talents and aptitudes ensures that a capable and growing contingent of the next generation will excel in STEM subjects and competencies. Responding to the needs of the whole person, posing meaningful challenges fueling growing interests, and supporting individuals to successfully reach their goals thereby inspires the pursuit of missions that draw on STEM. STEM disciplines, much like other disciplines, thrive by virtue of healthy individuals, supportive learning environments, and nurturing communities interacting productively. All parts of this equation are equally essential.

The CMSCE strives to ignite the passions of students and teachers alike with respect to the wonders of the natural universe, the joy of solving complex problems, and the thrill of discovery and invention. An important and worthy challenge for educators is how to develop the constellation of dispositions

 

and skills needed to formulate, test, and evaluate physical and theoretical models for solving real world problems and fashioning new tools and innovations. Through teacher professional development and outreach programs, we support teachers and students to strive for deep understanding, to ask new questions, and to show that more pages are still possible where others had closed the book.

 

We are entering a new world of education in mathematics, science, and computer science – a new era in terms of how people learn and utilize information. Our youth are leading a quiet revolution in a way. To them, the initiative they demonstrate is not only about how they learn today; it is about who they are, what they know, and what they can do. They are embracing new technologies, showing their preference for active and dynamic modes of exploring and communicating – together with peers by their side as well as on the other side of the globe.

We seek to match creative and productive individuals with the education and training needed to make dreams become a reality. We thereby provide individuals and organizations with opportunities and resources today and hope for tomorrow. Working closely with valued partners to accomplish these goals, we hope to contribute to new advances in STEM education. And we would like nothing more than for you to join us. 

David J. Shernoff, Ph.D.
Director, CMSCE