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)
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.
New Jersey Alliance for Clinical and Translational Science (NJ ACTS)
National Institutes of Health
In the capacity of internal evaluator for NJ ACTS, the center works within the large-scale project that involves health care providers and clinical researchers across Rutgers Health, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Princeton University.
The Latest News
New Presentation
CESP Showcases Computer Science, Partnering Educator, and Ice Cream at NSTA
Ever wondered how to blend ice cream, computer science, and design into a hands-on experience for students? Through the Rutgers EIR project, Rutgers University and Roselle Park Middle School joined forces to create an exciting - and delicious - project that does just that! They share this lesson with educators from across the country at the 2025 National Conference on Science Education.
Partner Spotlight
Isolation to Innovation: The CESP Network That Revitalized One Teacher’s Career
A high school computer science teacher transforms challenges into opportunities through the CS-TLC RPP. By connecting with a statewide network of educators, accessing professional development, and creating hands-on learning experiences for students, she reinvigorated her passion for teaching while helping students see the real-world impact of computer science.
CESP Events
Rutgers University Hosts 7th Annual Computer Science Summit
Rutgers CESP and the Department of Computer Science hosted the 7th Annual Computer Science Summit, gathering educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals to discuss emerging trends, best practices, and the future of computer science education.
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.
