In 1964 some of the teachers that started PPSI in 1984, created the first Test Maker in the United States on the mainframe computer at the Suffolk County BOCES. The science, math, and social studies databases were made available to all Long Island middle and high schools in Suffolk County and Nassau County, New York State from there local BOCES.

Founder

If ever there is an individual on a quest for excellence, Joseph Maurer is that person.

A fine leader in science education and blessed with a diligent pursuit for logic, learning,
and the intelligence to recognize the importance and dedication it takes to educate our Children.

He is credited as an associate and chief of the Bureau of Science Education in the New York State. As chairman of the Science Department, Joseph Maurer ‘s expertise has been called upon as a writer
for the New York State Regents Chemistry Exams. He has been in several prestigious committees including the committee who writes the AP exam in Chemistry for New York State. He has been the driving force behind the original implementation of the first mini-science courses in the country. Under his leadership, the mini-grant award by Boces III and the State Education Department in 1974- 75, “Individualized Computer Physics Project” has produced the first Regents physics computer bank of questions which is available for use in traditional and individualized Regents physics courses for any school in New York State. He has been selected as one of the 100 National Finalists in the Tandy Technology Scholars program for Outstanding Mathematics, Science and Computer, and Science Teachers. He has also been associated with the revision of the New York State Periodic Table, a collaborator - writing in Science Safety in Laboratory workshops in the NYS Education Department. Joseph Maurer is the first Lindenhurst science teacher to receive the Fellows Award from New York State. His learning program design dates as far back as 1968 and is constantly being updated to meet today’s learning standards. In 1983 he received a Special recognition Award from Suffolk County Science Teachers Association for his program that has been recognized as helping students “Learn How to Learn”. The association stated that the program helps children grow in the ability to think logically and to provide them with the basic skills, concepts and understandings applicable to the logical analysis of problem solving. The search for excellence in Science Education that was sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the Council of State Science Supervisors (CSSS) has citied their individualized instruction program in Biology as one of the top ten exemplary programs in our nation. The program addresses many different modes of instruction. His program includes activities coded to the science learning objectives and pre and post tests. It has been tested and proven by students in classrooms to be a fun and informative educational tool. In a science students review, a student named James exclaims, “I Love it! We thought we would hate it, but we love it, instead. It’s fun”. At the time of this study (1983), the classrooms were supplied with slide projectors, movies, and booklets. Today, computers have opened a brand new world, making it easier than ever to educate our children effectively and still offer the entertainment children crave. Although Joe is now of retirement age he continues to tenaciously put forth his efforts in updating his Learning program. He has never lost site in the importance of education. His high standards for himself have inspired those who have had the pleasure of working with him. For those who may wonder what Joe does in his spare time, he enjoys golf, gardening, and his family and relishes in memories of accomplishments as a concert pianist as well.