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RESEARCH Home / Insights / 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 This research brief shares an analysis of high school computer science participation among seven U.S. schools over six academic years. Six-Year Study of High School Computer Science Participation Rutgers CESP Research Brief The 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. Job-Embedded Professional Development Programs in Rural Schools Published through 100Kin10 Grand Challenges Insights from a literature review on online professional learning communities and their advantages, challenges, and emerging best practices are discussed in this report. Lit Review Explores Online Professional Learning Communities Published by the Institute of Education Sciences Research Archive Year Title Authors Description 2025 Readiness Assessment as a D&I Strategy: Informing Universal Depression Screening Implementation in Schools Cynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Itzhak Yanovitzky This presentation shared results of a pre-implementation readiness assessment for universal depression screening in schools and its function within dissemination and implementation research. 2025 The Middle-to-High School Transition: Key Factors Shaping 9th-Grade Computer Science Enrollment David J. Amiel & Cynthia L. Blitz The 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. 2025 Evaluating and Selecting CS Curricula: How to Make Informed, Equitable Decisions Cynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Vivian Allen This 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. 2025 The Scratch Arcade: Deeper Learning & Authentic Engagement through Sustained Design & Collaboration David J. Amiel, Fran P. Trees, & Kristen Hickman A 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. 2025 An In-Depth Exploration of Mathematics Teaching Tools: Practical Insights for Educators Jennifer Vradenburgh, Cynthia L. Blitz, & David J. Amiel A comprehensive exploration of five widely used mathematics teaching tools providing educators with practical insights for selecting and integrating digital resources effectively. 2025 Technology Course-Taking in High School: Insights for Underrepresented Populations Teresa G. Duncan, Cynthia L. Blitz, Nedim Yel, & David J. Amiel This study examines how student and school characteristics influence high school technology course enrollment, highlighting persistent disparities among underrepresented groups in computer science education. 2025 Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, and Design – An Enticing Approach! David J. Amiel, Cristin Sedelmaier, & Frances P. Trees A creative, hands-on project where middle schoolers design ice cream shops while learning computer science, entrepreneurship, data analysis, website creation, and 3D modeling. 2025 Cohort Dynamics and Longitudinal Trends in High School Computer Science Participation Cynthia L. Blitz, David J. Amiel, & Teresa G. Duncan This 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. Page 1 of 8

PROJECTS Home / Insights / Projects / Projects at the Center In addition to our work providing services to teams, school districts, and other organizations, Rutgers CESP also leads or partners on a number of projects spanning multiple domains. Thanks to the center's highly skilled team and decades of experience, Rutgers CESP frequently secures funding from local, state, and federal government agencies as well as private corporations and foundations. Since 2010, Rutgers CESP has secured over $22 million of funding through competitive awards and contracts, developing an expansive portfolio of research grants, program evaluations, and other initiatives to support practitioners and other professionals within and beyond education. Explore a selection of the center's projects below. We are an agile team, well positioned to identify and respond to intersectional problems of practice in many contexts, from education and educational policy to workforce development, public health, training programs, and beyond. If you are searching for an experienced and thoughtful partner for your next grant, or looking to bring a project to fruition, let's connect . Educational Research, Practice, & Policy The BRIDGE Initiative, Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities 2025 - 2028 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. Extending the CS Pipeline: Enhancing Rigor and Relevance in Middle School CS 2021 - 2026 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. The Computer Science Teaching and Learning Collaboratory (CS-TLC) 2018 - 2022 National Science Foundation A researcher-practitioner partnership between NJ and PA school districts and Rutgers, CS-TLC aims to broaden the participation of historically underrepresented student populations in computer science through rigorous and equitable practices. iStronG (Inclusive, Strong, and Green): A Student-Centered Systems Thinking, Place-Based, and Technology-Driven Curriculum 2018 - 2022 National Science Foundation iStronG involved development and implementation of the curriculum as well as training for college access professionals (program staff from four Upward Bound programs) who would be teaching and working with students. Leadership & iSTEAM for Females in Elementary School (LiFE) 2018 - 2021 National Science Foundation CESP served as external evaluator for LiFE by gathering data to inform the project team about needs and effective practices to share successes and improve project effectiveness. Diverse Teachers for Diverse Schools 2018 - 2020 New Jersey Department of Education Influenced by research demonstrating gains in learning for minority students taught by teachers from similar backgrounds, this collaboration with a consortia of charter schools addressed teacher recruitment, mentoring, and induction strategies. Regional Education Laboratory Mid-Atlantic (RELMA) 2012 - 2017 Institute of Education Sciences Dr. Blitz served as the Research Alliance (RA) Task Lead, fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders. Training & Development Biomedical Excellence Achieved through Coaching Networks (BEACON) 2023 - 2028 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). Rutgers Computer Science Education Professional Learning Hub 2021 - 2022 New Jersey Department of Education The center collaborated with the university’s computer science department to establish, maintain, and expand a central New Jersey-based hub offering access to differentiated and sustained computer science education professional learning opportunities. New Jersey Early Learning Training Academy (NJ-ELTA) 2014 - 2016 New Jersey Department of Education This professional development initiative aimed to create and deliver research-based training and technical assistance to early childhood educators and key stakeholders throughout the state. Formative Assessment 2013 - 2015 New Jersey Department of Education A two-year Formative Assessment program was designed to support the increasing need to improve New Jersey educators’ data literacy related to assessment-driven English Language Arts (ELA) instruction. Common Core Academy 2013 - 2013 New Jersey Department of Education The center developed, coordinated, and implemented a week-long professional learning event that provided training to more than 230 New Jersey teachers and administrators on the practical application of the Common Core State Standards. Health & Public Policy Employment, Development, Guidance, and Engagement (EDGE) Program Evaluation 2022 - 2025 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) 2019 - 2031 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. Project ASPEN: Active Surveillance of Policy Ecosystems and Networks to Enhance Brokering of Research Evidence into State Policymaking 2019 - 2022 William T. Grant Foundation The project’s primary goal was to collaborate with the National Alliance on Mental Illness – New Jersey, an established patient advocacy organization, to produce and disseminate research relevant to implementing universal screening for adolescent depression in public schools. Improving the Provision of Mental Health Care for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease and Their Caregivers 2017 - 2018 Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) This project was intended to better understand the experiences of patients suffering from end-stage renal disease, their caregivers, and their healthcare providers in acquiring, receiving, and communicating information about treatment options and decision-making.

RESOURCES Home / Insights / Resources / Professional Resources Our center’s commitment to building the capacity of education stakeholders to develop and deliver high-quality, evidence-based instruction and learning opportunities is a point of pride. To support and shape best practices within and beyond educational contexts, the Center for Effective School Practices creates professional resources that aim to bolster practitioners’ abilities to improve learning among individuals, teams, groups, and entire institutions. Featured Resource Explore and Compare Introductory Computer Science Curricula Explore and Compare Introductory Computer Science Curricula This tool features detailed information on eight different curricula for middle school introductory computer science, including approaches to teaching, whether through games, storytelling, or other engaging methods. Access the Resource Resource Collection Many of the resources listed here were developed in alignment with the center’s recent focus on scalable mechanisms for improving computer science education across the K-12 continuum. You also will find resources for recruiting schools to participate in research. Explore these sets of practitioner-facing resources, such as lesson packages, curricula development guides, professional development content, and other ready-to-use materials. We will continue to post new resources on this webpage, so check back often and follow our center on social media for updates. Year Resource Description Tags 2025 Common Online Math Platforms at a Glance: Reference Sheets Consise and printable one-pagers summarizing five widely used online math learning platforms: ALEKS, Beast Academy, DreamBox, IXL, and Khan Academy. mathematics; educator resources; ALEKS; Beast Academy; DreamBox; IXL; Khan Academy 2025 Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, and Design – An Enticing Approach! A creative, hands-on project where middle schoolers design ice cream shops while learning computer science, entrepreneurship, data analysis, website creation, and 3D modeling. computer science education; entrepreneurship; curriculum resource; interdisciplinary learning 2024 School Recruitment Resource Packet This guide describes the center’s outreach process and communication materials, which leverage research recruitment principles related to personalized messaging, potential positive impacts, and incentives. research; schools and districts; outreach and engagement 2024 Middle School Introductory Computer Science Curriculum Crosswalk This tool features detailed information on eight different curricula for middle school introductory computer science, including approaches to teaching, whether through games, storytelling, or other engaging methods. computer science; course and curriculum planning; online tool 2024 Computing Concepts: A Four-Part Professional Development Video Series for Middle School Educators At-your-own-pace video modules in this four-part professional development series include: Impacts of Computing, Networks, The Internet, and Protocols. computer science; professional learning; videos Page 1 of 3

SEPAG Support Office Hours: Evening RESOURCE DESCRIPTION RESOURCE INFORMATION Topics: Audience: Language: See all Resources SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A).

SEPAG Support Office Hours: Daytime RESOURCE DESCRIPTION Drop in for open office hours with The BRIDGE Initiative. Parent leaders, district liaisons, and other partners are welcome to join for on-demand, hands-on support. Use this time to ask questions, plan meetings, design materials, or brainstorm ideas to develop and improve your group! RESOURCE INFORMATION Topics: SEPAG Development Audience: SEPAG Leaders (Parents), SEPAG Leaders (District) Language: English See all Resources Join The BRIDGE Initiative for drop-in office hours to provide support to New Jersey's SEPAG groups! Office hours are held virtually on the first Thursday and third Monday of each month during the school year. These virtual sessions are open to parent leaders, district liaisons, and other SEPAG representatives. Drop in anytime during the hour to collaborate and get real work done. The space is informal and interactive; you can ask questions, brainstorm ideas, think through plans, or create materials together with us in real time. During office hours, we can help you: Plan meeting topics, locate guest speakers, or develop agendas Create outreach materials (flyers, newsletters, or social media posts) Write or review emails, updates, or agendas to share info with your district Set up or organize a Facebook group, mailing list, or webpage for your SEPAG Design a survey to gather input, or analyze/understand the results ...and more - we're here to help! Office Hours are facilitated by team members from The BRIDGE Initiative along with community members from the Parent Engagement Working Group. SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A).

The BRIDGE Portal is an online library of high-quality materials and training for parents and educators around meaningful parent engagement in special education. Welcome to the Bridge Portal! We're excited to share this early release with you. New resources and functionality will be added and updated throughout the project. For more information about The BRIDGE Initiative, click here . Thanks for your patience as we build! Resource Library The BRIDGE Initiative View All FEATURED RESOURCE Templates SEPAG Parent Outreach: Grow Membership Ready-to-use materials for parent leaders to promote their group and encourage participation View Resource IN THE SPOTLIGHT General SEPAG Informational Materials One-pagers to help you and others learn what SEPAGs are and why they matter One-Pagers SEPAG District Outreach: Grow Membership Materials for districts to engage parents in SEPAG events and leadership opportunities Templates SEPAG Development Parent Starter Kit Develop your SEPAG with ready-made emails, step-by-step guides, and planning tools. Guide UPCOMING EVENTS Office Hour Tuesdays at 12:00pm SEPAG Support Office Hours: Daytime Join office hours for on-demand support. Parent leaders, district liaisons, and others are welcome to plan meetings, ask questions, and more! Registration Webinar March - Date TBA SEPAG District Leaders: The Transition to Parent-Led Groups Join us for a webinar exploring ways to transition leadership toward a more parent-focused approach. Coming Soon... Office Hour Thursdays at 6:30pm SEPAG Support Office Hours: Evening Join office hours for on-demand support. Parent leaders, district liaisons, and others are welcome to plan meetings, ask questions, and more! Registration Event April 25th, 2026 from 10am-4pm Visit The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers Day 2026! Stop by our table to meet the team and pick up free resources (like a literacy at-home kit)! Rutgers Day has activities and entertainment for everyone! More Information Webinar February 25th, 2026 at 6:30pm SEPAG Leaders: Connect, Share, and Grow! Connect with other leaders for a conversation on growing membership, running effective meetings, and strengthening district connections. Registration FILTER RESOURCES Resource Area All SEPAGs Type Guide One-Pagers Templates Webinar Audience Educators Parents/Caregivers SEPAG Leaders (District) SEPAG Leaders (Parents) Topic Parent Engagement SEPAG Development SEPAG Formation SEPAG-District Collaboration Language English Spanish One-Pagers General SEPAG Informational Materials One-pagers to help you and others learn what SEPAGs are and why they matter Webinar Parent Voices in Action: The SEPAG Experience A virtual parent panel featuring SEPAG leaders that took place on December 8th, 2025. Templates SEPAG District Outreach: Grow Membership Materials for districts to engage parents in SEPAG events and leadership opportunities Guide SEPAG Development Parent Starter Kit Develop your SEPAG with ready-made emails, step-by-step guides, and planning tools. Templates SEPAG Parent Outreach: Grow Membership Ready-to-use materials for parent leaders to promote their group and encourage participation 1 1 ... 1 ... 1 The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A).

SEPAG Leaders: Connect, Share, and Grow! RESOURCE DESCRIPTION RESOURCE INFORMATION Topics: SEPAG Development, SEPAG-District Collaboration Audience: Parents/Caregivers, SEPAG Leaders (Parents), SEPAG Leaders (District), Educators Language: English See all Resources SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A).

The Rutgers University Center for Effective School Practices is a research and evaluation center within the Graduate School of Education dedicated to excellence and integrity in research and evaluation across educational contexts for over 25 years. Excellence & Integrity in Research & Evaluation For over two decades, Rutgers CESP has connected a broad range of stakeholders to research evidence and best practices through authentic collaboration, high quality technical assistance, and real opportunities for growth and development. View Our Services See Our Work Read Our Research Get in Touch 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. See All Projects 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 From the Blog There’s a Science to Reading. Here's What Parents Need to Know. As literacy scores decline nationwide, many schools are turning to the Science of Reading to rethink how children learn to read. This piece explains the research behind the approach, what it looks like in classrooms, and how parents can reinforce key reading skills at home. Read More 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. Read More 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. Read More See All News 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. Grant Services Program Evaluation Research Project Partnerships Research & Evaluation Design Research & Evaluation Partner with experts to uncover knowledge and insight through high-impact studies. Learn More Our development services empower educators, leaders, and professionals through targeted, flexible learning opportunities. Professional Development Leadership Development Educator Learning PLC/Collaboration Facilitation Data-Use Capacity Evidence-based Decision Making Development & Training Build capacity through customized training and professional growth. Learn More With educational audits, we offer a wide array of services to understand educational access, participation, and outcomes. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Response to Intervention (RTI) Program Audits Scheduling Graduation Rates & Pathways Curriculum Audits Educational Audits Understand the efficacy of educational programs and their impacts on learners. Learn More We deliver robust data analysis and interpretation, grounded in rigorous methodology and effective communication. Case Studies Data Analysis Statistical Methods & Design Interpretation & Action Data & Analytics Transform data into clear, actionable insights with purposeful and rigorous methods. Learn More We collaborate with clients to plan, implement, sustain, and scale high-impact work through tailored support and guidance. Needs Assessments Strategic Planning Grant Planning Program Conceptualization Policy Implementation Support Communication & Dissemination Strategy Planning & Implementation Understand the efficacy of educational programs and their impacts on learners. Learn More If your project doesn’t fit within our listed services, we’re still here to help. Reach out to discuss how we can support your goals. Custom Solutions Collaborate with us for solutions tailored to your unique needs. One size does not fit all. Contact Us

The BRIDGE Initiative offers a free, statewide portal with plain-language tools, training, and partnerships that help families and schools collaborate on IEPs, inclusion, literacy, and NJTSS. The BRIDGE Initiative Helping Families and Schools Work Together New: The BRIDGE Portal is now available in early release - check it out here ! Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities The Building Resources for Inclusive Development and Growth in Education (BRIDGE) Initiative is a new partnership between Rutgers University and the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education. It promotes strong partnerships between families and schools to help students with disabilities make steady progress towards their learning goals. The BRIDGE Initiative's work is centered around four areas: SEPAG Development, Improvement, and Sustainability Family and School Literacy Partnerships NJTSS Understanding and Home Support There are many resources about special education and family engagement, but it can be hard to know what you need, what to trust, and how to use it. BRIDGE brings the best materials together in one place. Our team curates, creates, and organizes high-quality resources so you can easily find what works and get support in putting it to practice. Join the Mailing List! The BRIDGE Portal is currently under development, and new resources and trainings are being created now. Things are moving quickly, and opportunities to get involved will be available soon! Join our mailing list to stay connected with The BRIDGE Initiative. You’ll be the first to know when new materials are released, events are announced, and the BRIDGE Portal goes live. First name* Last name* Email* School district* Roles (select all that apply)* Parent/caregiver SEPAG Member/Leader Educator/Other Submit The BRIDGE Initiative Supports You The BRIDGE Portal is an online library of videos, guides, activities, and events with an AI assistant to help you find what you need and use what you learn. The portal houses high-quality materials designed for a variety of audiences around meaningful parent engagement. Parents & Caregivers SEPAGs & Parent Groups Educators & Schools Clear, reliable guidance and materials to help you feel confident as a partner in your child’s education. Simple, easy-to-understand information and videos to help understand supports available to your child Tools and resources to prepare you to be an active partner in your child's education and make informed decisions Activities, tips, and kits with everything you need to support learning outside of school Live webinars and online training modules you can access anytime, from anywhere, all completely free Resources and training that strengthen group development, drive improvement, and support sustainability. Guidance and tools to develop your group, expand membership, and cultivate/encourage parent leadership Support for planning and leading meetings with productive discussions, relevant topics, and engaging speakers Strategies for fostering impactful collaboration among SEPAGs, schools, and families Opportunities to connect with and learn from high-impact groups and leaders across New Jersey Support for building and sustaining meaningful, long-term family partnerships across classrooms and communities. Professional learning opportunities and workshops on effective family communication Strategies and ready-to-use templates to reach and engage parents in supporting learning at home Training on making productive family engagement part of routine school practice Collaborate with The BRIDGE Initiative SEPAG Partnerships SEPAG Development & Improvement The BRIDGE Initiative is seeking parent and district leaders interested in developing, improving and sustaining SEPAGs. Partners receive no-cost, comprehensive support, tailored resources, and more! We work directly with parent leaders and district liaisons to build membership, create opportunities for parent leadership, and support productive district-SEPAG partnerships. Interested? Let us know and we'll be in touch. Connect with Us School Partnerships Family-Engaged Literacy Support The BRIDGE Initiative is partnering with a small number of schools on family-engaged literacy. We'll work together to understand your current efforts and goals, develop and implement practical strategies, and provide support in ways that make sense for you. This may include developing family-facing materials, connecting educators with PD, or creating and sharing at-home activity guides. Interested schools can reach out to learn more. Request More Info Individual Collaborators Parent Engagement Working Group The BRIDGE Initiative is inviting parents/caregivers, educators, and other community members to join our statewide network on the engagement of parents of students with disabilities. Members will get early access to BRIDGE tools, trainings, and materials to test and review before public release. We value feedback on content, accessibility, and relevance to ensure resources meet real needs in communities. Make your voice heard! Sign up below. Partner with BRIDGE The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A).

From Framework to Front Door: Connecting Families with NJTSS RESOURCE DESCRIPTION RESOURCE INFORMATION Topics: Audience: Language: See all Resources SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A).