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Back to News Building a Strong Computer Science Foundation at Randolph Middle School Shining the spotlight on Randolph Middle School's computer science program, redesigned through the Rutgers EIR project 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.” Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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 Core Team Members Our Partners People Departments Organizations Districts Click the icons to view partner spotlights! 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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 The Latest News 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

Back to Projects Project ASPEN: Active Surveillance of Policy Ecosystems and Networks to Enhance Brokering of Research Evidence into State Policymaking William T. Grant Foundation In partnership with the Rutgers University School of Communication and Information, the ASPEN Project sought to broaden the understanding of how policymakers interacted with research data by tracking its dissemination through knowledge brokers in and around policy ecosystems, specifically by examining implementation-side research on adolescent universal depression screening in New Jersey’s schools. As research partners, CESP was responsible for conducting key informant interviews with school guidance counselors, psychologists, and members of child study teams across the state to gather and assess data on the feasibility of annual screenings to inform publications. Additionally, CESP developed and administered online surveys for hundreds of respondents across the state to gather further data. These publications were aggregated in an online hub, and information from them was tracked through social media analysis, news coverage analysis, and ultimately through their use by policymakers as laws were written, debated, and enacted. Timeline This project began in July 2019 and concluded in June 2022. Sponsorship This project was conducted with a $1,000,000 grant from the William T. Grant Foundation. Project Leaders & Key Personnel Principal Investigator: Dr. Itzhak Yanovitzky, Ph.D. Co-Inverstigator: Dr. Cynthia L. Blitz, Ph.D. Collaborating Organizations Rutgers School of Communication and Information, National Alliance on Mental Illness New Jersey Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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Back to Our People David J. Amiel Research Associate David Amiel is a Research Associate at CESP, where he enthusiastically works to co-create programs, learning experiences, and methodologically rigorous research and evaluation projects with the aim of improving learning for all people. As a dedicated educator himself, he works closely with members of the CESP research team to ensure practitioner-relevant and data-driven instruction and research. David also coordinates the implementation of research and related services, collects data from practitioners through surveys and interviews, and disseminates the work of the Center through written publications and presentations at state and national conferences. His education in biomathematics, computer science, and cognitive sciences allows him to engage fully in the work of CESP across content areas and learning institutions. His extensive technical and data analytic skills provide the team with indispensable expertise in the meaningful modeling of processes and phenomena. His educational background includes high-level mathematics and the physical and social sciences, such as discrete modeling, graph theory, research exposure in mathematical oncology, and human cognition, among others. e : p : david.amiel@gse.rutgers.edu (732) 564-9100 x23 Education : M.S., Statistics; Rutgers University B.A., Biomathematics/Cognitive Science; Rutgers University

Back to News CESP Showcases Computer Science, Partnering Educator, and Ice Cream at NSTA Rutgers CESP's David Amiel and Roselle Park CS teacher Cristin Sedelmaier share an ice-cream-themed CS and design project at the 2025 NSTA Conference in Philadelphia 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. Computer science (CS) is more than just programming. It’s an essential skill that helps students understand and shape the world around them. Engaging students in CS by connecting it to their lives and other disciplines fosters interest and demonstrates its relevance, making it clear that CS is a field for everyone. Projects that merge CS with creativity and real-world applications are an important part of building this connection, especially for younger learners. As part of the ongoing Rutgers EIR grant project, researchers at Rutgers CESP have partnered with middle school educators across the state to make targeted enhancements to their CS and related instruction to increase relevance and engagement, and deepen students understanding and knowledge of CS. Through this work, Rutgers CESP has partnered with middle school CS teachers at the Roselle Park School District. Together, they built on an existing entrepreneurship and design project to create a unique, hands-on project that explores key CS concepts like networking, web development, and data analysis! David Amiel and Cristin Sedelmaier showcased this innovative lesson to a national audience at the 2025 National Conference on Science Education, hosted by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) in Philadelphia on March 27, 2025. The Scoop on the Project Students take on the challenge of planning and creating a fictional ice cream shop. Through the process, students develop entrepreneurial skills by conducting market research and designing a shop around a theme of their choice while exploring other concepts, such as: Networking, the Internet, and websites Internet safety and networking Data collection, analysis, and use The engineering design process (EDP) and 3D modeling Students start by creating a logo for their parlor, while also learning about logos, what makes them successful, and how they use colors, shapes, and type. Then, students design other print products and merchandise (such as menus, social media posts, t-shirts, stickers, and store signage). Through this portion of the project, students learn about marketing, design, and the use of graphics programs like Canva. Next, every great ice cream store needs a website! But... what is the internet? Why are there tubes along the ocean floor? Students learn about networking and the Internet before creating their own website using Google Sites (a structured and controlled environment) - learning about what should and should not be posted online. A Fully Customizable Experience There are many other components of the project to explore, like building a 3D model of the store or surveying friends and family about flavors and toppings and using that data to make decisions (but first, what is data? and how to we understand it?). From there, the possibilities are endless! Teachers can adapt this project to meet their classroom needs by focusing on concepts like branding, web design, data analysis, and 3D modeling. The project’s flexibility allows for extended learning with activities such as: Researching how ice cream is made Creating recipes and developing algorithms Exploring nutrition and food safety Modeling basic business costs and revenues This customizable approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning and gives educators the flexibility to easily modify and differentiate the learning experience. Although the project was implemented in a 7th grade technology course, it can easily be taught in other classes, engage learners of different grade levels, and be extended/shortened to different lengths by adding/removing components. Why Teach Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, and Design? This project aligns with many important CS learning standards. It encourages computational thinking through website design, data analysis, and decision-making, explores real-world applications of tools in various disciplines, and promotes digital literacy with discussions on internet safety, privacy, and networking. Of course, additional learning objectives are met for science, technology, and the visual arts! I Importantly, the project also incorporates structured collaboration through period peer feedback. It can also be easily modified to be a team effort - developing even more collaboration skills as students work together to develop their ice cream shops. The lesson also encourages students to think about entrepreneurship and technology from multiple perspectives: Purpose – Why do businesses need branding and a digital presence? Function – How do websites, data, and design impact business success? Impact – How do business and technology decisions shape industries and communities? Ready to Dig In? The poster from the NSTA presentation is now available in the research archives on our website. The full lesson package, including supplementary materials and ready-to-use instructional guides, will be available as a resource. If you implement the project, be sure to share your extensions, modifications, and favorite flavors with us! Reach out to us with questions, ideas, and feedback on social media using #RUCSReady or by email at david.amiel@rutgers.edu . Explore shared resources below: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Back to Our People Taylor Clough Research Assistant Taylor Clough is a Research Assistant at Rutgers CESP, where he contributes to educational research initiatives by assisting in program implementation and the dissemination of findings. His background includes experience in community research, which informs his work in translating research into effective educational practices. Taylor's diverse experience in both research and clinical settings reflects his commitment to enhancing mental health and educational outcomes through evidence-based practices. Beyond his responsibilities at CESP, Taylor is a Licensed Social Worker at Awaken Wellness, where he provides mental health therapy. In this capacity, he employs a person-centered, trauma-informed, and eclectic approach, integrating techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and narrative therapy. Taylor specializes in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, and substance use. He is particularly attuned to the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, striving to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for his clients. e : p : tgc27@gse.rutgers.edu (732) 564-9100 x10 Education : M.S.W., Clinical Social Work; Widener University B.S., Psychology; Rutgers University

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