The Voorhees Township School District was recently recognized by the State Department of Education as an innovative school district. INNOVATE NJ is New Jersey’s initiative to support innovation and practice by fostering sharing and collaboration, cultivating projects and convening practitioners and partners.
The hope is that New Jersey School Districts’ active participation in INNOVATE NJ will help facilitate next-generation instructional practices that will promote and heighten the college and career readiness levels of our students.
The DOE’s Office of School Innovation recognized 18 school districts on April 22, 2015. These school districts are part of Cohort 2, emphasizing the idea that the initiative is based on collaboration and partnering. Voorhees was recognized as one of just 38 out of 604 school districts and one of only six in the South Jersey Region, making Voorhees School District a leader in educational innovation.
At the meeting on April 22, educational leaders from across the state presented the results of their partnering projects. These included a program that empowers parents in their child’s reading and language development and a hands-on science program to enrich and promote aptitude and interest in science. Voorhees will partner with Linden School District in the 2015–2016 school year on a data-based innovation initiative.
Dr. Diane Young, Assistant Superintendent for Voorhees Schools, also presented at the Cohort 2 meeting. She outlined the school district’s plan and current innovative practices, including the 1:1 iPad initiative, teacher partnering and creating a brand. Dr. Young has spearheaded this movement in Voorhees, guiding and supporting students and staff throughout the district. She initiated and directs the district’s Innovation Committee where administrators and staff convene to share ideas and learn about the latest practices.
More information can be found at the Voorhees School District Website www.voorhees.k12.nj.us/site/default.aspx?PageID=1 and on the Innovate New Jersey website www.nj.gov/education/innovateNJ/
