Ocean City High School’s (OCHS) innovative educational methods have shown a positive impact on students' academic development, and the state Department of Education (NJDOE) wants to learn more, according to a school district news release.
The state Department of Education recently announced the high school is a participant in a statewide study, "The Promising Practices Project," which will examine teaching practices that help accelerate students’ learning, especially in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The study is being conducted by the state DOE with assistance from the New Jersey State Policy Lab and the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies research team at Rutgers University, the release states.
“We are honored to be a participant in the Promising Practices Project,” Schools Superintendent Dr. Christian Angelillo said in the release. “I have already seen how dedicated our teachers and staff are to helping students succeed academically, and we hope these educational practices will be shared and helped others throughout the state.”
The Rutgers researchers identified 52 schools in the state, including Ocean City High School, that have displayed exceptional growth in student performance in English language arts and mathematics following the pandemic, according to the release.
The research team interviewed school leaders and educators from these schools to find the most successful educational strategies that help students overcome learning losses due to the pandemic. The findings will be presented in a formal report and shared with other schools throughout the state by having presentations, resources and convenings.
The Promising Practices Project will focus on curriculum and other factors including school climate, summer and after-school programs, and unique approaches that meet students’ needs.
“Our students and staff are truly inspiring,” OCHS principal Dr. Wendy O’Nea said. “The resilience and growth they’ve shown in both educating and learning since the pandemic speaks volumes of the bright futures ahead. We’re grateful to be part of a study that shares these successes.”
For more about the Ocean City School District, visit ocsdnj.org. For additional information on the Promising Practices Project, go to www.nj.gov/education/recognition/schools/promisingpractices
