The presentations are part of the district’s participation in the Promising Practices Project
Ocean City, NJ – Ocean City Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christian Angelillo recently discussed innovative educational methods used at Ocean City High School with other educators and school leaders from across the state at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
The meeting at Rutgers was part of the Promising Practices Project, a statewide study that examines outstanding teaching practices that help accelerate students’ learning, especially in response to the impacts of Covid.
Angelillo participated in two presentations at the April 7 event: He discussed the school’s Flex Lunch program as part of the “Flexible Periods for Enrichment and Individualized Learning Across K-12" session, and equity-focused teacher evaluations for the “School Culture: Establishing Expectations” session. He shared information about the high school’s practices, strategies to implement them and any challenges the district may have had when starting the methods.
The Ocean City School District implemented the high schools’ Flex Lunch program to give students more opportunities for academic and emotional support. Students can choose from wellness sessions and academic enrichment or can take advantage of mental health resources or physical activities. Teachers also can assign students to receive support during Flex Lunch if they see an academic or enrichment need.
“It is an honor to share some of the educational practices used at Ocean City High School that help our students thrive academically with other educators and school leaders,” said Angelillo. “Our teachers and staff are dedicated to helping students succeed, and we hope our educational methods will be implemented by other districts and can help students achieve their educational goals throughout the state.”
The Promising Practices Project presentations featured panel-style and small-group discussions led by educators that provided opportunities to exchange ideas and discuss innovative teaching and learning practices.
Ocean City High School was selected to participate in the study because of the school’s exceptional growth in English Language Arts and Mathematics performance following the pandemic. The Promising Practices Project is led by the New Jersey Department of Education with assistance from the New Jersey State Policy Lab and the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies research team at Rutgers University.
For additional information on the Promising Practices Project, go to www.nj.gov/education/recognition/schools/promisingpractices.