Princeton Charter School Picked For Post-COVID Learning Study

PRINCETON, NJ — During the COVID-19 pandemic Princeton Charter School adopted a leaning model that helped students overcome learning loss and show growth in performance. And now the state wants to learn more about the model.

Princeton Charter School is among 52 selected to participate in the Promising Practices Project, a partnership with the New Jersey State Policy Lab and the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, at Rutgers University, Gov. Phil Murphy said.

The Rutgers researchers identified exceptional growth in student performance when comparing pre- and post-pandemic performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics.

The research team interviewed school leaders and educators from the 52 schools and are currently identifying the most successful strategies they implemented.

The findings from the study will be presented in a report, with the goal of sharing the approaches with schools throughout the state via presentations, resources, and convenings, so other educators can replicate the successful programs and initiatives.

“Working together to identify classroom-tested strategies that address our children’s most pressing academic needs is paramount,” Murphy said.

“Through the Promising Practices Project, we are pulling together invaluable first-hand feedback from educators across the state – from Sussex to Cape May – to support accelerated learning and ensure our students are on pace to meet their educational goals.”

Kevin Dehmer, Acting Education Commissioner, said he hoped the educators are able to capitalize on the information that will be provided through this research.

“We know that students throughout the state have struggled to fully recover academically in the post-pandemic world, and we remain committed to ongoing efforts to support their growth,” Dehmer said.

The research focuses on practices in curriculum, and may include other metrics like school climate, summertime and after-school programs, and unique approaches to meet the needs of student populations.

The State allocated $1 million for the research initiative in 2023.

For more information about the project, visit the Promising Practices webpage.

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