The Administration for R&D and Training at Israel's largest scientific and technological educational network develops superior pedagogical resources in raising the study and teaching standards for Israeli sci-tech schools. The Gorelnick Institute for Teaching and Learning and theMoshinsky Center for R&D and Training act to develop and implement educational programs as well as system-wide projects.
Unique and innovative programs include:
· The Ethiopian National Project (ENP) promotes scholastic achievements among Ethiopian students from seventh through twelfth grades, in 65 schools. Teachers, together with students, tailor individualized study assignments, allowing for measured progress coupled with enhancement of students’ abilities to succeed.
· "Talking Data" is a system-wide project designed to increase matriculation eligibility rates in 88% of the network’s schools. Local pedagogic coordinators utilize the model developed by the R&D administration to map school needs, create benchmarks for success, and ensure effective oversight.
· The LIBAM Project provides augmented tuition for weaker students to maximize their success in various matriculation subjects. The approach is based on teachers mentoring small study groups and receiving constant feedback from the students.
· School-Plus Program is a supportive framework where underprivileged students are offered a chance to improve scholastically while raising their confidence and sense of efficacy, thus lowering the potential for drop-out.
As part of its ongoing mandate, the R&D administration develops cutting-edge pedagogic resources and teaching techniques for the network’s engineering, technology and scientific study tracks, for both high schools and colleges. Some examples include:
· Biomedical Engineering , where studies include field trips to hospitals and high-tech industries, enabling students to encounter this realm first-hand and enrich their study experience.
· Engineering Sciences – the R&D administration has developed sub-specializations within the broad spectrum of engineering studies, enabling students to choose those realms that they feel most confident in succeeding at.
· Aeronautics and Space Science – a truly cutting edge curricula development that brings the world of flight and space travel into the classroom, while training youthful future aeronautic technicians. Studies include numerous field trips to space observatories, Israel’s satellite industry, and practical experimentation.
· Similar curricular approaches have been applied to nano-biotechnology and mechatronics studies.
Teacher In-Service Training
This core activity responds to the need for continually upgrading the teaching skills of the network’s thousands of teachers. Training is conducted both virtually and face to face, at local, regional and national levels.
Computer-Centered Teaching
The administration’s pedagogic operations are underpinned by the network’s website which serves as a multipurpose portal attracting more than 1.5 million hits per month. The portal supports dozens of professional and social forums, tailored for both teachers and students.
Creating the Virtual School
A highlight of the R&D administration’s achievements, the Aviv virtual school assists students in preparing for matriculation exams. The site includes enriched curricular materials, exercises and simulations, interactive quizzes and student-teacher forums. Some 12,000 students have taken advantage of this cyber-resource to date.
Cyber-Mentoring of Principals
Cognizant of the critical managerial roles of principals, the R&D administration focuses on mentoring principals’ computer proficiency across a spectrum of budgetary and organizational management assignments. The project also assists principals in defining a school-wide strategy for utilizing computer-aided teaching.
The R&D’s proven expertise in both creative pedagogy and comprehensive planning and evaluation, has gained it widespread national and international recognition.