The Center for Effective School Practices
Rutgers CESP is a research and evaluation center within the Graduate School of Education dedicated to facilitating the translation of research into best practices and building the capacity of the educational community through collaborative structures that capitalize on short-cycle improvement and ongoing evaluation. With over 25 years of expertise, Rutgers CESP has a record of excellence and integrity in research and evaluation across educational contexts.
Research
Drawing on expertise in study design, mixed methods research, and data analytics, Rutgers CESP regularly leads and collaborates on projects to output high-quality research.
Evaluation
With expertise in the application of many evaluation frameworks, Rutgers CESP partners with organizations to understand outcomes, drivers of success, and areas for growth.
Education
For over 25 years, Rutgers CESP has reached across educational contexts to facilitate collaboration, create learning opportunities, conduct educational audits, enrich practice, and more.
Development
Through strategic planning, needs assessments, project management, and more, Rutgers CESP is a strong partner in planning, implementation, scaling, and dissemination.
Meaningful Projects
Rutgers CESP's work cuts across levels and domains. From K-12 and higher education, workforce development, training programs, and beyond, our work has included computer science, public health, biomedical training, translational research, and more.
Our center has a proven history of applying a deep understanding of best practices in research in education across contexts. As an agile team, we stand ready to respond to the evolving needs of our communities, our partners, and our society.
Biomedical Excellence Achieved through Coaching Networks (BEACON)
National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis-driven research examines the impact of individualized coaching on biomedical Ph.D. students in terms of short-term outcomes (e.g., self-efficacy, resilience, reduced anxiety, depression) and sustained positive effects (degree persistence, goal attainment, ease in career transitions, tangible scholarly outputs).
Extending the CS Pipeline: Enhancing Rigor and Relevance in Middle School CS
U.S. Department of Education
Rutgers researchers are collaborating with partner schools and industry and education experts to develop and implement a technical assistance framework that involves tailored, purposeful professional learning in the integration and expansion of middle school computer science (CS), with a focus on universal access to computer science education.
Employment, Development, Guidance, and Engagement (EDGE) Program Evaluation
N.J. Commission for The Blind
As the external evaluator, the center collaborates with EDGE stakeholders to assess the program’s efficacy and impact. The comprehensive evaluation involves detailed reviews of program implementation, mentor and staff engagements, student achievements, and overall outcomes.
The BRIDGE Initiative, Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities
N.J. Department of Education, OSE
In partnership with the NJ Department of Education, The BRIDGE Initiative works to improve the engagement of parents and caregivers of students with disabilities by providing curated, actionable resources and technical assistance to educators and families.
The Latest News
Now Available!
A New Way to Look at Online Math Platforms: Our Reference Sheets!
The new "Math Platforms at a Glance" Reference Sheets give teachers a clear look at major digital math platforms like Khan Academy, IXL, and DreamBox.
This free resource offers practical comparisons, classroom insights, and tips to find the best fit for every teaching style and purpose.
Meet the Team
Welcome to the CESP Team: Solangel Troncoso
We’re excited to welcome Solangel Troncoso to the team. A published scholar whose work spans gender, adolescence, and resilience, Solangel brings experience in qualitative research and community engagement to CESP's applied research, outreach, and resource development work.
New Grant Award
Rutgers CESP Awarded $1.2 Million from NJDOE for The BRIDGE Initiative
Rutgers CESP receives three-year, $1.2 million NJDOE grant to develop accessible resources, provide technical assistance, and enhance support for Special Education Parent Advisory Groups statewide, strengthening meaningful partnerships between schools and families of students with disabilities across New Jersey.
Informed Services
Rutgers CESP is your trusted partner for work that matters. The dynamic, cross-cutting nature of Rutgers CESP's work makes our center an excellent partner in many scenarios. At the heart of all our services lies authentic collaboration, ensuring there is meaning and purpose to our work, and fostering and maintaining open and honest channels of communication. If you are interested in partnering with us on your next project, big or small, or are looking for more information on any of our services, please reach out! We look forward to learning more and moving forward, together.
Our research and evaluation work generates new knowledge through rigorous investigations and enables informed decision-making. We also welcome partners for research projects/grants.
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Grant Services
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Program Evaluation
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Research Project Partnerships
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Research & Evaluation Design
Research & Evaluation
Partner with experts to uncover knowledge and insight through high-impact studies.
Our development services empower educators, leaders, and professionals through targeted, flexible learning opportunities.
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Professional Development
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Leadership Development
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Educator Learning
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PLC/Collaboration Facilitation
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Data-Use Capacity
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Evidence-based Decision Making
Development & Training
Build capacity through customized training and professional growth.
With educational audits, we offer a wide array of services to understand educational access, participation, and outcomes.
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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
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Response to Intervention (RTI)
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Program Audits
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Scheduling
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Graduation Rates & Pathways
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Curriculum Audits
Educational Audits
Understand the efficacy of educational programs and their impacts on learners.
We collaborate with clients to plan, implement, sustain, and scale high-impact work through tailored support and guidance.
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Needs Assessments
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Strategic Planning
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Grant Planning
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Program Conceptualization
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Policy Implementation Support
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Communication & Dissemination Strategy
Planning & Implementation
Understand the efficacy of educational programs and their impacts on learners.
