First Implementation Results

The program originated at Bergen County Technical Schools in Teterboro. According to research done by Dr. Robert Goodman, a science teacher at the school, and now Director of the New Jersey Center for Teaching & Learning, performance on Advanced Placement (AP) Science tests grew dramatically. By 2009, students were taking AP Physics B at twenty two times the state average and passing it at twenty four times the state average (y-axis in the chart below). Results are shown below for all sciences at the school through 2009.

More information about these results and the corresponding study by Dr. Robert Goodman, can be found in his dissertation, which received the 2006 Delta Xi Award for outstanding dissertation award.

Download Dr. Robert Goodman’s dissertation on PSI:  ”A New High School Science Program and Its Effect on Student Achievement in Mathematics and Science”

Download an article on PSI published in the journal, “The Physics Teacher”

Program Expansion

In just one year since expansion began, PSI has grown to 35 schools in New Jersey, New York, and Vermont with over 110 teachers having been trained. Polling of students in participating districts has led to an interest in taking AP Physics B in nearly one third of students. This year many of those students are being given the opportunity to take this course while also continuing in AP Physics B.

Download the 2009-2010 evaluation done by an independent researcher.

View media coverage of PSI.

How can you become a PSI teacher?

If you are a currently certified New Jersey teacher, CTL offers endorsement programs in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Read more.

Otherwise, if you are a currently certified Physics, Chemistry, or Biology teacher, professional development opportunities are available. Read more.