Research

Research at the Center

The Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices has decades of experience conducting rigorous research as well as research-informed programming and evaluation initiatives across educational contexts. Our research collaborators and client partners include school districts, schools and institutions, professional development providers, educational content and curricula creators, university consortia, health educators, industry- and discipline-specific associations, workforce development entities, and learning-related practitioners.​​​​​​​

Drawing on expertise in study design, mixed methods research, and data analytics, the center regularly leads and collaborates on multidimensional projects that address diverse professional needs. Our research services target problems of practice – as well as opportunities – related to program management, assessment, and organizational effectiveness, among other areas.

We are in constant pursuit of greater understanding about research and evaluation best practices, and we critically assess our own work so as to continuously optimize our research value and to support the field of research overall. Explore our research publications and presentations in the sections below. Contact us to discuss research topics or collaboration opportunities.

Featured Research

Multi-Stakeholder Readiness for School-Based Depression Screening_result

Multi-Stakeholder Readiness for School-Based Depression Screening

This presentation shared findings from a mixed-methods readiness assessment of parents, school mental health professionals, and advocacy organizations to inform universal adolescent depression screening in schools.

2026 Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting

Multi-Stakeholder Readiness for School-Based Depression Screening_result

Six-Year Study of High School Computer Science Participation

This research brief shares an analysis of high school computer science participation among seven U.S. schools over six academic years.

Rutgers CESP Research Brief

Lit Review Explores Online Professional Learning Communities_result

Lit Review Explores Online Professional Learning Communities

Insights from a literature review on online professional learning communities and their advantages, challenges, and emerging best practices are discussed in this report.

Published by the Institute of Education Sciences

Research Archive

YearTitleAuthorsDescription
2026Assessing Implementation Readiness of Key Stakeholders for Universal School-based Depression ScreeningCynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Itzhak YanovitzkyThis presentation shared findings from a mixed-methods readiness assessment of parents, school mental health professionals, and advocacy organizations to inform universal adolescent depression screening in schools.
2026Parental Beliefs and Support for Implementation of School-Based Adolescent Depression ScreeningItzhak Yanovitzky & Cynthia L. BlitzThis poster shared findings from a national survey of 1,207 U.S. parents on their beliefs about and consent to school-based adolescent depression screening.
2026Designing for Translation: Leadership Learning that Leads to ActionCynthia L. Blitz & David J. AmielCollaborative professional learning inspires, but too often stays in the notebook. This report explores a practical framework for designing leadership learning that translates into sustained action.
2025Readiness Assessment as a D&I Strategy: Informing Universal Depression Screening Implementation in SchoolsCynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Itzhak YanovitzkyThis presentation shared results of a pre-implementation readiness assessment for universal depression screening in schools and its function within dissemination and implementation research.
2025The Middle-to-High School Transition: Key Factors Shaping 9th-Grade Computer Science EnrollmentDavid J. Amiel & Cynthia L. BlitzThe study identifies key factors influencing 9th-grade computer science enrollment, revealing persistent participation gaps and providing actionable strategies to promote equity during the middle-to-high school transition.
2025Evaluating and Selecting CS Curricula: How to Make Informed, Equitable DecisionsCynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Vivian AllenThis presentation provides educators with a systematic framework for evaluating computer science curricula, addressing resource overload through practical guidance on content relevance, feasibility, and contextual fit.
2025The Scratch Arcade: Deeper Learning & Authentic Engagement through Sustained Design & CollaborationDavid J. Amiel, Fran P. Trees, & Kristen HickmanA 12-day middle school project where students design, build, and showcase arcade games using Scratch, culminating in a class game fair; promotes relevant, sustained, and engaging CS learning.
2025An In-Depth Exploration of Mathematics Teaching Tools: Practical Insights for EducatorsJennifer Vradenburgh, Cynthia L. Blitz, & David J. AmielA comprehensive exploration of five widely used mathematics teaching tools providing educators with practical insights for selecting and integrating digital resources effectively.
2025Technology Course-Taking in High School: Insights for Underrepresented PopulationsTeresa G. Duncan, Cynthia L. Blitz, Nedim Yel, & David J. AmielThis study examines how student and school characteristics influence high school technology course enrollment, highlighting persistent disparities among underrepresented groups in computer science education.
2025Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, and Design – An Enticing Approach!David J. Amiel, Cristin Sedelmaier, & Frances P. TreesA creative, hands-on project where middle schoolers design ice cream shops while learning computer science, entrepreneurship, data analysis, website creation, and 3D modeling.
2025Cohort Dynamics and Longitudinal Trends in High School Computer Science ParticipationCynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Teresa G. DuncanThis study tracks CS participation across high school cohorts, finding modest overall growth but persistent demographic disparities, suggesting current trajectories won’t achieve equity without targeted interventions.
2025A University-led Computer Science Education Summit: Meeting the Moment with Actionable, Relevant, and Timely ExplorationsCynthia L. Blitz, Fran Trees, David J. Amiel, and Daryl DetrickThis paper explores the development of the 2024 Rutgers University Computer Science Summit and how it’s content and structure were designed meet its goals.
2025High School Computer Science Participation: A 6-Year Enrollment StudyCynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Teresa G. DuncanThis research brief shares an analysis of high school computer science participation among seven U.S. schools over six academic years.
2025Building Elementary Computer Science Educators’ Capacity: A Workshop to Improve Content and Pedagogical KnowledgeDavid J. Amiel, Cynthia L. Blitz, & Taylor G. CloughPlanning a professional development workshop for elementary educators who are delivering computer science education as part of their school-based curricula is the focus of this journal article.
2024Integrating Curricular Resources into Computer Science ClassroomsDavid J. Amiel, Frances P. Trees, & Cynthia L. BlitzHow to find, select, use, and share computer science education lesson plans, worksheets, activities, slides, projects, and other curricular resources is the focus of this presentation.
2024Virtual Leadership Summit Design and Impact: Advancing K-12 Computer Science EducationCynthia L. Blitz & David J. AmielThis in-depth analysis reviews a virtual summit to engage school and district leaders for advancing K-12 computer science education, with emphasis on promoting inclusive practices and strategies to navigate educational disruptions.
2023Accessible Data Dashboards & Visualizations as Pragmatic Planning Tools for EducatorsDavid J. AmielThrough real-world examples and case studies, this presentation demonstrates ready-to-use techniques, tools, and dashboards for infusing informed data use into educational decision making.
2023Community-Engaged Pedagogy by Design: Practical Strategies for Promoting Transformative LearningCynthia L. Blitz, Itzhak Yanovitzky, & David J. AmielThis exploration of two models of community-engaged pedagogy reviews learning outcomes, learning experiences, and community benefits as well as practicalities of planning, designing, and executing.
2023Building Computer Science Education Capacity in Middle Schools: A University-District PartnershipCynthia L. Blitz & David J. AmielThis paper presents processes for a university-district partnership that responsively supports schools’ development, implementation, and refinement of middle school computer science education.
2022Enabling Responsive and Adaptive Implementation of Evidence-Based Health Policies by Assessing Implementation Readiness of Key StakeholdersItzhak Yanovitzky & Cynthia L. BlitzThis presentation discussed assessing implementation readiness of key stakeholders to enable responsive and adaptive implementation of evidence-based health policies in schools.
2022Computer Science Teacher Capacity: The Need for Expanded UnderstandingDavid J. Amiel & Cynthia L. BlitzCombining K-12 statewide survey results and recent literature, this research distills actionable needs that can guide professional development toward expanding educators understanding of computer science.
2021RPPforCS Spotlight: Rutgers Computer Science Teaching and Learning CollaboratoryPerspectives from Cynthia L. Blitz, Vivian Allen, Ria Galanos, Terri Evans, Nicole Norfles, & Frances P. TreesA spotlight on the CS-TLC, an NSF-funded researcher-practitioner partnership (RPP) formed to address persistent disparities in student participation and performance in computer science education.
2021Navigating and Selecting Tools for Distance EducationCynthia L. Blitz, Vivian Allen, David J. Amiel, & Margaret IncantalupoFramework for CS teachers to find, adapt & use online resources effectively in distance learning, emphasizing equity & systematic advocacy for tools that promote engagement across diverse populations.
2021An Immersive Virtual Experience to Drive Change in Computer Science EducationDavid J. Amiel & Cynthia L. BlitzThis paper details the center’s experiences implementing a five-day professional development retreat that includes strategic planning on issues of equity and rigor in computer science education.
2021Recruiting Diverse Learners to High School Computer ScienceCynthia L. Blitz, Vivian Allen, & David J. AmielConference presentations describe evidence-informed strategies for improving recruitment and engagement of under-represented students into high school computer science.
2021Exploring Job-Embedded Professional Learning in Rural SchoolsNicole Martin, Earl Legleiter, Cynthia Blitz, Rachel Smith, & Michelle KendrickThe results of a national survey addressing professional development in rural schools are explored. Themes include decision-making, job-embedded programming, learning objectives, quality, and school culture.
2020Recruiting Diverse Learners to Computer Science EducationCynthia L. Blitz, Vivian Allen, & David J. AmielThis presentation discussed practical strategies for recruiting diverse learners to CS education, covering communication, institutional practices, outreach initiatives, and instruction.
2020A Researcher Practitioner Partnership: The Computer Science Teaching & Learning CollaboratoryCynthia L. Blitz, Vivian Allen, & David J. AmielThis presentation discussed the CS Teaching and Learning Collaboratory, an NSF-funded researcher-practitioner partnership that brings together educators and university partners to improve CS education.
2020Improving Use of Research Evidence: Insights from Communication ScienceItzhak Yanovitzky & Cynthia L. BlitzThis article reviews factors associated with use of research evidence in policy and practice and advocates for an audience-centered approach to enable users to integrate research into their decision making.
2020Partnership and Progress: The Computer Science Teaching & Learning CollaboratoryCynthia L. Blitz & David J. AmielFindings from the Rutgers Computer Science Teaching and Learning Collaboratory informed these recommendations for K-12 school districts looking to provide rigorous and inclusive computer science education.
2019New Online Course for New and Young Workers on Occupational Safety, Health, Wage and Hour Laws, and Soft SkillsLauren Gonzalez, Maryanne Fakeh, Cynthia L. Blitz, & Derek ShendellThis poster discussed a new online course for young workers covering occupational safety, health, wage laws, and soft skills, developed by the New Jersey Safe Schools Program.
2019From Here to There: Beyond the Common MetricsCynthia L. BlitzThis presentation for NJ ACTS explores the scientific approaches that transform how researchers understand, assess, and improve complex interventions in clinical and translational studies.
2019A Case Study of a CS Research Practice Partnership: The Computer Science Teaching & Learning CollaboratoryCynthia L. BlitzAn overview of the Rutgers Computer Science Teaching and Learning Collaboratory describes the partnership between school districts and Rutgers’ Center for Effective School Practices and Department of Computer Science.
2019Advancing Women in STEM: Assessment and Evaluation of ProgramsCynthia L. BlitzThis presentation reviews university-based programs and best practices and offers evidence-based assessment frameworks for initiatives promoting female participation and success in STEM fields.
2019Information Overload: Navigating Computer Science Resources without Reinventing the WheelCynthia L. BlitzStrategies for efficiently accessing relevant computer science education resources are presented with guidance for engaging users to design knowledge management and collaboration platforms.
2018Student Engagement as Effective Means to Knowledge Transfer and RetentionGerald Zahorchak & Cynthia L. BlitzThis presentation discussed student engagement strategies for knowledge transfer and retention, covering formative assessment, feedback, and service learning approaches.
2017Building and Measuring Effective Internal and External Collaborations to Advance Rural EducationCynthia L. BlitzHow to build and measure internal and external collaborations in rural education systems is the focus of this conference presentation.
2017The Capacity-Opportunity-Motivation (COM) Model of Data-Informed Decision-Making in EducationItzhak Yanovitzky & Cynthia L. BlitzThis paper describes the capacity-opportunity-motivation model for tracking and evaluating the mechanisms and processes that can support effective data-based collaborations in education.
2016The Capacity-Opportunity-Motivation (COM) Model of Data Use in TeamsItzhak Yanovitzky & Cynthia L. BlitzThe poster presents a COM (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation) model as a holistic approach to considering data use routines and integrating data-driven practices more effectively within organizations.
2016Measurement Instruments for Assessing the Performance of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)Cynthia L. Blitz & Rebecca SchulmanThis report compiles 49 measurement instruments for assessing the performance of professional learning communities in educational settings, aimed at helping education professionals evaluate and improve initiatives.
2016The Promise of Partnerships: Researchers Join Forces with Educators to Solve Problems of PracticeGail R. Meister & Cynthia L. BlitzUse cases, outcomes, and evaluation of partnerships between educators and researchers are the focus of this article, which also shares how these collaborations can help solve problems of practice.
2015Teaching to the Test: Impacts of Evaluating Teachers Through Student Growth MeasuresDessi G. Kirova, Anton Scherbakov, Cynthia L. Blitz, & William A. FirestoneThis study examined how teacher evaluation systems based on student test scores affected instructional practices, finding increased test preparation among certain teacher groups.
2015Predicting the Self-Efficacy of School Leaders: Trust MattersAnton Scherbakov, Cynthia L. Blitz, & Dessi G. KirovaThis study examined the relationship between trust and self-efficacy among 297 school leaders, finding that trust significantly predicted administrator self-efficacy beliefs.
2015Using Research to Increase Teacher Efficacy: Outcomes from the 3-Year Excellent Educators for New Jersey (EE4NJ) PilotMichael Kuchar, Frank V. Auriemma, Cynthia L. Blitz, & Elizabeth JewettBergenfield NJ’s 3-year pilot study using the Danielson Framework shows how data-driven teacher evaluation can improve student outcomes. Research confirms moderate correlation between observation ratings and student growth.
2014Relationship Between Teachers’ Professional Efficacy Beliefs and Their Evaluation of a New Teacher Evaluation System in New JerseyCynthia L. Blitz, Dessi G. Kirova, & Anton ShcherbakovStudy of 2,760 NJ teachers shows professional efficacy beliefs predict acceptance of new evaluation systems. Teachers with higher confidence in their abilities view systems as fairer, leading to practice changes.
2013Can Online Learning Communities Achieve the Goals of Traditional Professional Learning Communities? What the Literature SaysCynthia L. BlitzInsights from a literature review on online professional learning communities and their advantages, challenges, and emerging best practices are discussed in this report.
2008Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Types and Sources of Victimization Inside PrisonNancy Wolff, Jing Shi & Cynthia L. BlitzThis study examines racial and ethnic patterns in prison victimization rates across different types of violence and perpetrator sources, revealing complex disparities that challenge assumptions about racism as the primary motivating factor.
2008Physical Victimization in Prison: The Role of Mental IllnessCynthia L. Blitz, Nancy Wolff & Jing ShiThis study examines physical victimization rates in prison, comparing inmates with mental disorders to those without, revealing significantly higher vulnerability among those with mental illness.
2007Rates of Sexual Victimization in Prison for Inmates With and Without Mental DisordersNancy Wolff, Cynthia L. Blitz & Jing ShiThis study examines sexual victimization rates among prison inmates, finding significantly higher risks for those with mental disorders, particularly among women and minority inmates.
2007Understanding Sexual Victimization Inside Prisons: Factors that Predict RiskNancy Wolff, Jing Shi, Cynthia L. Blitz & Jane SiegelResearch examining factors that predict sexual victimization risk in prison settings, analyzing data from approximately 8,000 inmates across multiple facilities to identify vulnerable populations.
2007Physical Violence Inside Prisons: Rates of VictimizationNancy Wolff, Cynthia L. Blitz, Jing Shi, Jane Siegel & Ronet BachmanThis comprehensive study examines physical victimization rates within a state prison system, revealing significant variations by gender, perpetrator type, facility size, and weapon involvement.
2006Facilitators and Barriers to Employment Among Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities: A Job Coach PerspectiveCynthia L. Blitz & David MechanicThis study examines employment facilitators and barriers for individuals with psychiatric disabilities from the perspective of job coaches, identifying best practices and intervention strategies.
2006Sexual Violence Inside Prisons: Rates of VictimizationNancy Wolff, Cynthia L. Blitz, Jing Shi, Ronet Bachman & Jane A. SiegelThis comprehensive study examines sexual victimization rates within a state prison system, revealing significant variations by gender, perpetrator type, and facility characteristics.
2006Availability of Behavioral Health Treatment for Women in PrisonCynthia L. Blitz, Nancy Wolff & Kris PaapThis study compares behavioral health treatment access for incarcerated women in prison versus community settings, revealing significant disparities in care availability.
2006Predictors of Stable Employment Among Female Inmates in New JerseyCynthia L. BlitzThis study examines factors that predict stable employment among female inmates in New Jersey, identifying education and behavioral health treatment as key determinants of employment success.
2005Gender-Specific Behavioral Health and Community Release Patterns Among New Jersey Prison Inmates: Implications for Treatment and Community ReentryCynthia L. Blitz, Nancy Wolff, Ko-Yu Pan & Wendy PogorzelskiThis study examines behavioral health patterns among New Jersey prison inmates by gender and their community release locations, revealing significant clustering patterns with implications for treatment.
2005Behavioral Health Problems, Ex-Offender Reentry Policies, and the “Second Chance Act”Wendy Pogorzelski, Nancy Wolff, Ko-Yu Pan & Cynthia L. BlitzThis study examines how existing public policies create barriers to successful community reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals with mental illness, despite federal calls for second chances.
2001Establishing a New Research Agenda for Studying Psychiatric Emergency Room Treatment DecisionsCynthia L. Blitz, Phyllis L. Solomon & Michael FeinbergThis paper proposes a comprehensive conceptual model for studying psychiatric emergency room decision-making that accounts for the growing complexity of treatment options and managed care influences.
2000Effect of Media Coverage and Physician Advice on Utilization of Breast Cancer Screening by Women 40 Years and OlderItzhak Yanovitzky & Cynthia L. BlitzThis study examines how media coverage and physician advice influence mammography screening decisions among women 40 and older, testing five theoretical models of communication effectiveness.
1997Interpreting Responsiveness in Persons with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Beliefs in Families and Quantitative EvaluationsEtienne J. Phipps, Madeline D. Pasquale, Cynthia L. Blitz & John WhyteThis qualitative study explores the differences between family perceptions and clinical evaluations of responsiveness in patients with severe traumatic brain injury during rehabilitation.
Year Title Authors Description
2026Assessing Implementation Readiness of Key Stakeholders for Universal School-based Depression ScreeningCynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Itzhak YanovitzkyThis presentation shared findings from a mixed-methods readiness assessment of parents, school mental health professionals, and advocacy organizations to inform universal adolescent depression screening in schools.
2026Parental Beliefs and Support for Implementation of School-Based Adolescent Depression ScreeningItzhak Yanovitzky & Cynthia L. BlitzThis poster shared findings from a national survey of 1,207 U.S. parents on their beliefs about and consent to school-based adolescent depression screening.
2026Designing for Translation: Leadership Learning that Leads to ActionCynthia L. Blitz & David J. AmielCollaborative professional learning inspires, but too often stays in the notebook. This report explores a practical framework for designing leadership learning that translates into sustained action.
2025Readiness Assessment as a D&I Strategy: Informing Universal Depression Screening Implementation in SchoolsCynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Itzhak YanovitzkyThis presentation shared results of a pre-implementation readiness assessment for universal depression screening in schools and its function within dissemination and implementation research.
2025The Middle-to-High School Transition: Key Factors Shaping 9th-Grade Computer Science EnrollmentDavid J. Amiel & Cynthia L. BlitzThe study identifies key factors influencing 9th-grade computer science enrollment, revealing persistent participation gaps and providing actionable strategies to promote equity during the middle-to-high school transition.
2025Evaluating and Selecting CS Curricula: How to Make Informed, Equitable DecisionsCynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Vivian AllenThis presentation provides educators with a systematic framework for evaluating computer science curricula, addressing resource overload through practical guidance on content relevance, feasibility, and contextual fit.
2025The Scratch Arcade: Deeper Learning & Authentic Engagement through Sustained Design & CollaborationDavid J. Amiel, Fran P. Trees, & Kristen HickmanA 12-day middle school project where students design, build, and showcase arcade games using Scratch, culminating in a class game fair; promotes relevant, sustained, and engaging CS learning.
2025An In-Depth Exploration of Mathematics Teaching Tools: Practical Insights for EducatorsJennifer Vradenburgh, Cynthia L. Blitz, & David J. AmielA comprehensive exploration of five widely used mathematics teaching tools providing educators with practical insights for selecting and integrating digital resources effectively.
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