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Back to Our People Colin Sullivan AI Developer e : p : cjs464@scarletmail.rutgers.edu (732) 564-9100 x11 Education : B.S., Computer Science, Rutgers University

Back to Our People Colin Sullivan AI Developer e : p : cjs464@scarletmail.rutgers.edu (732) 564-9100 x11 Download CV Education : B.S., Computer Science, Rutgers University Affiliations : Biographical Highlights

OUR PEOPLE The Team at Rutgers CESP At Rutgers CESP, our strength lies within our people. In addition to a core team bringing decades of experience in research, evaluation, analytics, and project management, CESP has a rich network of collaborators to bring the right expertise to every area of our work. Dr. Cynthia L. Blitz, Ph.D. Executive Director & Research Professor Dr. Cynthia L. Blitz is the Executive Director of the Center for Effective School Practices (CESP) and a Research Professor at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education (RU-GSE). A nationally recognized leader in applied research and evaluation, Dr. Blitz focuses on advancing evidence-based practices that bridge the gaps among research, practice, and policy. Her work centers on generating new knowledge through high-quality research and evaluation and facilitating its application to practice and policy. She is committed to building the capacity of professional and organizations within and beyond the traditional boundaries of education. Widely regarded for her expertise with research-practice partnerships (RPPs) and professional learning communities (PLCs), Dr. Blitz frequently works to forge and maintain productive partnerships and promote the institutionalization of informed decision-making routines. Under Dr. Blitz’s leadership, Rutgers CESP has emerged as a premier applied translational research and evaluation center. She leads an agile team and maintains a rich network of collaborators to grow and carry out a diverse, multi-million-dollar portfolio of federal, state, and philanthropic grants and contracts. Dr. Blitz holds a Ph.D. in Social Welfare from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.A. in Applied Anthropology from American University. Her work has been featured in top academic journals and presented at national conferences, the International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, the American Journal of Public Health, and Education Sciences. View Dr. Blitz's Profile The Rutgers CESP Team Vivian Allen Associate Director Taylor Clough Research Associate Anna Lasek Communications Assistant David Amiel Research Analyst Solangel Troncoso Research Associate Colin Sullivan AI Developer Robert Zywicki Superintendent in Residence Iman Basit Research Associate Monique Dujue Wilson Family Engagement Specialist Our Partners People Departments Organizations Districts Daryl Detrick CS Educator & Advocate Warren Hills Regional High School Maria Salinas Founder & CEO DES Group, LLC Teresa G. Duncan, Ph.D. President & Founder Deacon Hill Research Associates Fran P. Trees, D.P.S. Teaching Professor RU Department of Computer Science Danielle Morgenroth Asst. Principal, Curriculum & Learning Boonton Township Public Schools Nedim Yel, Ph.D. Senior Statistician/Researcher Data Analysis & Statistical Solutions Tara Rossi, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent Sparta Township Public Schools Data Analysis and Statistical Solutions National Alliance on Mental Illness, NJ Deacon Hill Research Associates Problem Solutions Dissemination Engagement Strategy Group, LLC The Arc of Ocean County George Street Playhouse Click the icons to view partner spotlights! 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Developed as part of the Extending the CS Pipeline: Enhancing Rigor and Relevance in Middle School CS Project. This four-lesson unit introduces middle school students to the fundamental ideas behind how computers work. Through a series of puzzles, simulations, and interactive activities, students explore computational thinking, algorithms, computer systems, and binary representation. Each lesson builds on the previous one, helping students understand how computers solve problems by following precise instructions and processing information step by step. Students begin by developing logical problem-solving strategies and learning about computational thinking. They then explore how algorithms are used to solve problems and how careful observation and precise instructions are essential in programming. In later lessons, students investigate how computers process information through input, storage, processing, and output, and how data is represented using binary. By the end of the unit, students will have a foundational understanding of how computers solve problems, how information is processed within a computer system, and how computational thinking strategies can be applied to complex challenges. This lesson package includes: Presentation slides Cut Block Logic Puzzle Worksheets and Answer Keys Spot the Difference Worksheets (Robots and Fish) Bubble Sorting Number Cards (#1-6) Traveling Salesman Printable Activity Image “How Computers Work” Activity Resources Sheets (CPU 1 & 2, ALU, Display) Activity Instructor Information Sheet Student Video Worksheet Computational Thinking (CT) Printable Skills Quadrant How Computers Work - Lesson Plan & Overview .pdf Download PDF • 153KB How Computers Work - Slide Deck .pptx Download PPTX • 3.72MB How Computers Work - Bubble Sort Cards, Printable .pdf Download PDF • 51KB How Computers Work - Traveling Salesman Image, Printable .pdf Download PDF • 902KB How Computers Work Video - Student Questions Worksheet .pdf Download PDF • 30KB How Computers Work - CT Quadrants, Printable .pdf Download PDF • 12KB “How Computers Work" Activity Resources Instructor Info .pdf Download PDF • 66KB CPU 1, Student Sheet .pdf Download PDF • 283KB CPU 1, Answer Key .pdf Download PDF • 59KB CPU 2, Student Sheet .pdf Download PDF • 313KB CPU 2, Answer Key .pdf Download PDF • 62KB ALU_Memory, Student Sheet .pdf Download PDF • 104KB Display, Student Sheet .pdf Download PDF • 107KB “Cut Block" Activity Resources Cut Block Puzzle Sheet 1 - Student .pdf Download PDF • 255KB Cut Block Puzzle Sheet 1 - Answer .pdf Download PDF • 237KB Cut Block Puzzle Sheet 2 - Student .pdf Download PDF • 254KB Cut Block Puzzle Sheet 2 - Answer .pdf Download PDF • 236KB Spot the Difference Activity Resources Spot the Difference_Puzzle 1_Robots_Student .pdf Download PDF • 284KB Spot the Difference_Puzzle 1_Robots_Answer .pdf Download PDF • 284KB Spot the Difference_Puzzle 2_Fish_Student .pdf Download PDF • 277KB Spot the Difference_Puzzle 2_Fish_Answer .pdf Download PDF • 278KB Suggested Citation: Center for Effective School Practices. (2025). Understanding Algorithms with Board Games [Lesson Plan Package]. Rutgers University. https://cesp.rutgers.edu/eir-resource-library/how-computers-work/ Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link ⟵ All Resources How Computers Work

Rutgers EIR: Extending the CS Pipeline Resources for Computer Science Education Access free resources and training for computer science education. Computer science education is more than teaching students to use technology, it's teaching them to create technology and design solutions. In middle school, students can use computer science as a tool for collaborative and creative problem-solving. Students who learn computer science don't just use technology, they create it. The resources in this library have been co-developed with middle school educators across New Jersey and tested and refined through classroom practice and implementation. Below, you can find ready-to-use lesson plans, project publications, practice guides, professional learning, and more! All materials are completely free to download, modify, and use. Extending the CS Pipeline Extending the CS Pipeline is a research project funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program. Between 2021 and 2026, education researchers, computer science faculty, and instructional experts partnered with computer science educators across the state to provide high-quality technical assistance. Together, they worked to provide all middle school students access to rigorous and relevant instruction in computer science and related areas. You can learn more about the project and its impact here . Filter by Format(s) Event Archive Lesson Package Practice Guide Publication Tool Video Filter by Topic(s) Artificial Intelligence Classroom Instruction Curriculum Policy & Practice Professional Development Lesson Package Compression & Memory Classroom Instruction Lesson Package Introduction to AI Classroom Instruction, Artificial Intelligence Event Archive 2024 Rutgers University Computer Science Summit Policy & Practice Event Archive AI in K-12 Education: NJ Executive Briefing Artificial Intelligence Video CS Professional Learning: A Ready-To-Use Component Library Professional Development Video Computing Concepts PD - A Four-Part MS Video Series Professional Development Event Archive 2021 Rutgers University Computer Science Summit Policy & Practice Video Computing Concepts PD: Networks & The Internet Professional Development Tool Middle School Introductory Computer Science Curriculum Crosswalk Curriculum Lesson Package Computing Systems WebQuest & Design Classroom Instruction Lesson Package How Computers Work Classroom Instruction Lesson Package Networks and How the Internet Works Classroom Instruction Tool School Recruitment Resource Packet Policy & Practice Publication Building Computer Science Education Capacity in Middle Schools Policy & Practice Publication Computer Science Teacher Capacity: The Need for Expanded Understanding Policy & Practice Video Computing Concepts PD: Data & Analysis Professional Development Video Computing Concepts PD: Impacts of Computing Professional Development Practice Guide Coded Bias Movie Night Bundle Artificial Intelligence Lesson Package Computing Innovations Infographics Classroom Instruction Practice Guide Organizing a Hackathon: A Quick Guide Classroom Instruction, Curriculum Practice Guide Generative AI: Dos and Don'ts for the Computer Science Classroom Artificial Intelligence Publication Accessible Data Dashboards & Visualizations as Planning Tools Policy & Practice Publication Community-Engaged Pedagogy by Design: Practical Strategies Policy & Practice Event Archive 2022 Rutgers University Computer Science Summit Policy & Practice Video Navigating & Selecting Tools for Distance Education Curriculum Video Computing Concepts: Algorithms & Programming Professional Development Practice Guide Code in Every Class: A Book Club Facilitators' Resource Professional Development Lesson Package Understanding Algorithms with Board Games Classroom Instruction This project was funded by the U.S. Department of Education (#S411C200084) and approved by the Rutgers University IRB (2020003169).

Developed as part of the Extending the CS Pipeline: Enhancing Rigor and Relevance in Middle School CS Project. In this lesson package, students explore how computers efficiently store and transmit information through compression. Over two class periods, students begin by investigating how repeated patterns in text can be identified and encoded to reduce file size without losing information. Through interactive and unplugged activi- ties, they develop their own strategies for compressing text and discover that effective compression involves recognizing patterns and balancing tradeoffs between the encoded message and the information needed to decode it. Building on this foundation, students then apply these ideas to digital images. They learn that images are com- posed of grids of pixels and use run-length encoding to compress pixel data by representing consecutive runs of the same color more efficiently. By comparing images that compress well with those that do not, students deepen their understanding that compression is not universally effective, but instead depends on the structure and patterns within the data. Throughout the lesson, students make connections between abstract concepts and real-world applications, such as how computers store photos, stream videos, and transmit files. By the end of the lesson package, stu- dents will have a foundational understanding of how compression works across different types of data and why it is essential for managing memory and optimizing performance in modern computing systems. This lesson package includes: A Student Worksheet with Video Questions Unplugged Text Compression Activity Instructions Compression & Memory - Lesson Plan & Overview .pdf Download PDF • 93KB Compression & Memory - Video Questions, Student Worksheet .pdf Download PDF • 43KB Compression & Memory - Text Compression Unplugged Activity .pdf Download PDF • 181KB Suggested Citation: Center for Effective School Practices. (2025). Compression and Memory [Lesson Plan Package]. Rutgers University. https://cesp.rutgers.edu/eir-resource-library/compression-&-memory/ Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link ⟵ All Resources Compression & Memory

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More News & Blog FEATURED POST NJTSS | A Guide for Parents How NJ Schools Support Students: What Parents Need to Know About the NJTSS LATEST POSTS SEPAGs The Power of Partnership: Why SEPAGs Matter in Special Education Literacy There’s a Science to Reading. Here's What Parents Need to Know Literacy Raising Readers: How New Research Can Help At Home EXPLORE ALL POSTS A Parent Guide to Understanding SEPAGs Understanding SEPAGs: A Simple Guide for Parents and Communities Literacy Raising Readers: How New Research Can Help At Home SEPAGs The Power of Partnership: Why SEPAGs Matter in Special Education Literacy There’s a Science to Reading. Here's What Parents Need to Know 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). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More Understanding SEPAGs: A Simple Guide for Parents and Communities Belal Jonaid, Research Communications Specialist Schools across the United States have a responsibility to provide education and related services for students with disabilities, outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and subsequent legislation. One of the most important assets that school districts and the parent community have in this mission are Special Education Parent Advisory Groups, or SEPAGs. Return to Blog Schools across the United States have a responsibility to provide education and related services for students with disabilities, outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and subsequent legislation. This means school districts have to wrestle with the complex task of delivering individualized and legally compliant instruction for students with a diverse range of needs, often in the face of limited resources. One of the most important assets that school districts have in carrying out this mission are Special Education Parent Advisory Groups, or SEPAGs. What do SEPAGs do? SEPAGs are parent advisory groups that serve to make special education stronger and more responsive to the students who rely on it. This is achieved by allowing districts to connect with parents, who can provide input as important stakeholders on the programs that impact their children (Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices, n.d.). Administrators get a chance to hear from families who can share lived experiences, raise concerns, and offer critical feedback. It is important to note that SEPAGs are not an opposition group. Indeed, these groups allow parents to collaborate with educators and administrators in order to deliver effective special education instruction. Some of the crucial ways in which SEPAGs can help special education efforts are outlined below. Advising school districts: SEPAGs play an important role in connecting school districts with the communities they serve. In this role, they move information from parents, caregivers, and the larger community to the district. This information can be used to inform important decisions, understand the perspectives and requirements of diverse communities, and foster crucial links with parents. Educating parents: SEPAGs can communicate with parents who might be curious about school programs. This often involves holding informative presentations, inviting guest speakers, and providing key updates from the district. In this way these groups can function as an important source for knowledge on special needs policy in your district, allowing parents to make better decisions and share information with the larger community. Fostering community: SEPAGs function as a site for families facing similar circumstances to feel less alone and develop critical support networks. Oftentimes parents have an opportunity to learn from other families navigating similar obstacles and share information with them. How Do They Work? SEPAGs work in a variety of different ways, with regular meetings being the primary space in which information is shared. These meetings are open to the public and may include updates from the district, presentations on special education programs, and open discussions between parents. Unlike discussions on an individual student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), SEPAG meetings focus on broader trends and communication on a level involving districts and families. With the increasing use of video conferencing and other online tools in education and the workplace, many SEPAG meetings are also held virtually. Ultimately, SEPAG meetings aim to create collaborative sites where parents can offer feedback and recommendations that help special education programs for all students with disabilities. The Task Ahead SEPAGs can serve as an important bridge between schools and families, strengthening a key connection at a time when parents across the country are increasingly concerned about education. By providing structured opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and advocacy, SEPAGs help guide policy and strengthen trust in our school districts. If–like many practitioners–you are wrestling with the challenging task of ensuring quality education for all, investing greater time and resources in your SEPAG may be a crucial step in the right direction. _______________ References Bedaiwi, F. (2023). A Document Analysis: In What Ways Do Public School Districts in New Jersey Communicate to Parents Regarding Their Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) (Doctoral dissertation, Seton Hall University). New Jersey Department of Education. (2019). Special education parent advisory groups in New Jersey: A guide to developing and conducting an effective group (SEPAG Guide). https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/parents/docs/SEPAG%20Guide- English- updated%204%2016%2019.pdf Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices. (n.d.). SEPAG development: Supporting NJ’s Special Education Parent Advisory Groups . Rutgers University. https://cesp.rutgers.edu/bridge/sepags 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). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

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 at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More The BRIDGE Initiative Helping Families and Schools Work Together ABOUT THE BRIDGE INITIATIVE 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: 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. UPCOMING EVENTS Join us for upcoming webinars, workshops, and learning opportunities. BRIDGE events bring together families, educators, and district leaders to share strategies, build connections, and strengthen support for students across New Jersey. See All Events OUR MAJOR FOCUS AREAS SEPAG Development, Growth, and Sustainability Special Education Parent Advisory Groups (SEPAGs) give families a direct way to learn, connect, and collaborate around the programs, policies, and services that affect students with disabilities. The BRIDGE Initiative provides support to both district and parent group leaders and makes free resources available online. QUICK ACCESS Join Our Mailing List Follow us on X Book a SEPAG Office Hour See Upcoming Events Access Free Resources FEATURED RESOURCES Explore guides, toolkits, and strategies designed to support families and educators. Our resources provide practical information on special education, SEPAGs, literacy, NJTSS, and family engagement that you can use right away. Resource Library One-Pagers General SEPAG Information Templates SEPAG District Outreach: Grow Membership Guide SEPAG Development Parent Starter Kit FROM THE BLOG A Parent Guide to Understanding SEPAGs Understanding SEPAGs: A Simple Guide for Parents and Communities SEPAGs The Power of Partnership: Why SEPAGs Matter in Special Education NJTSS | A Guide for Parents How NJ Schools Support Students: What Parents Need to Know About the NJTSS Literacy There’s a Science to Reading. Here's What Parents Need to Know FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES For SEPAGs : Direct Support & Training The BRIDGE Initiative provides assistance to parent and district-affiliated SEPAG leaders including leadership training, meeting planning and facilitation, resource development, and strategies for growing membership. We also work to cultivate and support parent leadership opportunities within groups. 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). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Back to Our People Maria Salinas Founder & CEO e : p : Education : Maria Salinas is an experienced project manager and dissemination practitioner. Over the past 20 years, she has led dissemination and community engagement for various multi-year projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education, HHS, CDC, pharmaceutical, and energy efficiency clients. Her dissemination and project management skills include oversight of multiple projects with cross-functional, distributed teams. She has been particularly adept at leading and coordinating multi-agency resources and establishing effective communication between clients, subcontractors, grantees, and related stakeholders for maximum program effectiveness. She has assisted local and national programs develop goals, implementation plans, communication and dissemination plans, and integrate research and evaluation findings into program development.