Policy issues play a vital role in the sustainability of reform efforts. Local, state, and national policy decisions about issues such as teacher preparation and certification, district financial allocations, student assessment, standards, and curricular materials have a dramatic impact on the ability of teachers and administrators to implement reform efforts in their schools and districts.

In working with partner districts the National Science Education Standards are a frequently used reference when planning professional development, selecting instructional materials, or developing local curriculum frameworks.

The Merck Institute for Science Education contributed resources and expertise for the July 2002 revision of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science. The New Jersey Science Standards have proven valuable as districts work to reform local science instructional programs. Linking the Standards to the assessment of student learning is an emphasis of current work.

The policy efforts of the Merck Institute for Science Education have taken several forms such as serving on committees and boards, equipping educators with information, and communicating with Merck employees about policy decisions in their local school districts. The reputation of the Institute in the areas of professional development and support for science reform has often opened doors for its participation in policy discussions.

The Merck Institute for Science Education has also been active in the development of the Professional Teaching Standards Board in New Jersey. An index to information about this Board can be found on the New Jersey Department of Education web site for Professional Development. The Standards for Required Professional Development of Teachers are especially significant given the Institute's focus on this area of school support. Copies of the Board's newsletter, Compass, can also be found on the web.