As a non-profit organization, RBS has successfully provided educational improvement services for over 40 years to many educators in New Jersey and several other states. RBS' mission since 1966 has been to help improve student learning, teacher knowledge, and school operational effectiveness.
In its January 2006 meeting, the RBS Board of Directors approved the development of a Center for International Studies and Exchange, which would contribute to the improvement of U.S. curriculum, instruction, and professional development using international content and perspectives, with the ultimate goal of improving both school effectiveness and international understanding.
This section includes information on recent international project work and the profiles of four countries of particular interest in Central Europe.
Projects
RBS has developed a model the professional development of U.S. teachers in Central and Eastern European countries. The purpose is to enhance international relations through person-to-person interactions, to provide intensive professional development for the participants, and to develop web-based curriculum products aimed at improving international understanding that can be shared widely through the U.S. education system. Funding is currently being sought.
Also, the RBS Executive Director, recently led a delegation to participate in a conference on conflict, Konfliktusok, conducted in July 2007 in Hungary, engaging educators from seven countries. The purpose was to discuss RBS’ planned programs for U.S. educators, to provide information on U.S. culture and the political system, and to enhance international relations through person-to-person interactions.
Country Profiles
These profiles contain basic background information and more extensive historical summaries: