'Innovative' Educational Methods Net Ocean City Spot In State Study

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City High School's "innovative" educational practices have not gone unnoticed, and now they're being used in a state study.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) announced that the school is one of 52 statewide to participate in a study, The Promising Practices Project, which will examine outstanding teaching practices that help accelerate students’ learning, especially in response to the Covid pandemic. It is led by the NJDOE with assistance from the New Jersey State Policy Lab and the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies research team at Rutgers University.

These selected schools, including OCHS, have displayed exceptional growth in student performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics following the pandemic. 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.

“We are honored to be a participant in the Promising Practices Project,” said Ocean City School District’s new superintendent Dr. Christian Angelillo. “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 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,” said OCHS principal Dr. Wendy O’Neal. “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