With support from Rutgers EIR, Randolph Middle School reimagined computer science education through hands-on lessons, cross-curricular integration, and teacher-led innovation, tripling student enrollment and transforming how CS is taught.
During the first two weeks of Randolph Middle School’s introductory computer science course, students don’t even touch a keyboard. Instead, they rewrite stories using emojis, analyze familiar music in 8-bit quality, and watch videos ranging from low- to high-definition. “This teaches them core computer science lessons like data storage and abstraction using concepts they already understand,” explains Science Supervisor Melissa Strype.
This creative, accessible, and interdisciplinary classroom approach is just one element of the school’s new computer science education strategy, developed in partnership with the Center for Effective School Practices (CESP) at Rutgers University. For the past three years, CESP has contributed professional development, curriculum, and assessment support for Randolph’s teachers and administrators alike. And the results speak for themselves: enrollment in the school’s elective computer science extension course has tripled, and what was once a barely filled section has grown to nearly 80 students. “That’s a success,” says Strype, “and it’s a direct result of the changes we made to our courses, thanks to the Rutgers EIR program.”
Rutgers EIR, formally known as “Extending the Computer Science Pipeline,” is a six-year federally funded research grant that partners diverse CESP experts with New Jersey middle schools to modernize computer science instruction from the inside out. CESP’s approach is deeply collaborative and relationship-focused, working side by side with teachers and administrators to define goals, co-create implementation plans, and make data-informed adjustments along the way. “They are wonderful to work with, always available, knowledgeable, and helpful,” says Strype. “They understand our time and budget constraints. And they’re honest. If something isn’t working, they tell us. That kind of honesty is what leads to real improvement.”
Education Transformation
CESP hit the ground running at Randolph Middle School with institution-wide professional development centered on computer science education. As the school’s first training of this kind, it focused on what computer science is, why it matters, and how it can be integrated across disciplines. Then, teachers collaborated to identify how they were already using computer science principles, often without realizing it, and brainstorm simple, meaningful ways to go even further. “At one point, computer science was taught in isolation,” says Strype. “Now, thanks to CESP’s support, every teacher in our district—from physical education to English—has been trained to embed computer science into their lessons.”
Next, CESP helped teachers and administrators interpret new computer science curriculum standards, led an audit of existing programs, and held more than 20 sessions over the summer to rework the school’s curriculum into something both rigorous and engaging. “Then, they worked with teachers to develop lessons so they were empowered to teach the new material once they went back to the classroom,” Strype adds.
Now in its third year, the partnership includes robust data collection and analysis to refine the improvements made so far. For example, administrators are now tracking which classes best prepare students for advanced computer science coursework, where roadblocks appear, and how to make recruitment even more inclusive. “Schools shouldn’t overlook the gift of time, expertise, and one-on-one support,” Strype says. “It’s not just about funding—it’s about having the right people beside you.”