Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 3/27/2025 - 6:00 PM
Category: Instruction & Program - Votes
Type: Action
Subject: 19.14 Approval of a Research and Data Sharing Agreement between the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, Rutgers University - Newark and the Newark Board of Education
Strategic Plans:
Priority 1.1
1.1 Organize and align departments and resources to support district priorities, strategies, and initiatives.
Priority 1.6
1.6 Create a district-wide equity framework to promote equity in all systems, policies, procedures, and practices; close existing gaps in opportunity, access, achievement, expectations, and resources; and eliminate race and class as predictors of student success.
Priority 2.3
2.3 Develop a cognitive-learning approach to pedagogy and instruction that deepens understanding of the science of learning and centralizes knowledge building as core to improving the academic achievement of all students, including English language learners, students with special needs, and struggling learners.
Priority 2.4
2.4 Implement a district-wide assessment system that is aligned to curricula, integrates multiple measures, and allows accessibility and modifications for students with disabilities and English language learners.
Priority 3.2
3.2 Implement processes and practices to infuse a collaborative, equity-driven, and responsive culture and promote communication and trust throughout the system.
Priority 4.5
4.5 Continue to implement Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to guide the continuous improvement of learning outcomes for all students.
Priority 5.2
5.2 Build and strengthen capacity across the district to provide an array of student support services and to continuously plan for, implement, and evaluate student supports in schools and at the district level.
Priority 6.1
6.1 Establish and staff the Office of Strategic Partnerships to enhance the district’s and schools’ engagement with the many external organizations that provide resources, programs, and supports to schools and students.
Priority 6.2
6.2 Implement a partnership framework that communicates a vision for mutually beneficial and accountable partnerships, strengthens relational ties, and integrates partnership evaluation.
Enclosure CornwallCtr_NBOE_DataSharing_Agreement.pdf
File Attachment:
Summary: Whereas the researchers' on-site research plan includes monthly observations of Freshman Success and PLC meetings in NPS high schools in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. The researchers also plan to conduct periodic semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups with participating school leadership, faculty, and staff. The interviews and focus groups will ask school leadership, faculty, and staff about their experiences implementing the Freshman Success work and their perspectives on the program's impact on student outcomes and school climate.

Whereas the purpose of this research study is to better understand how the Freshman Success Initiative may have improved experiences and learning outcomes for students in Newark Public Schools (NPS) using qualitative methods. This project supports the Newark To & Through Project (i.e. Freshman Success Initiative), a collaboration between NPS, the Cornwall Center, and other partners, aimed at increasing graduation rates, improving GPAs, and enhancing student climate.
Funding : At no cost to the district.
Recommendation to the Board: Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Newark Board of Education approve this Research and Data Sharing Agreement between the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, Rutgers - Newark and the Newark Board of Education
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Diana Da Silva - Supervisor
Signed By:
Rochanda Jackson - Executive Director
Signed By:
Sylvia Esteves - Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
Signed By:
Yolonda Severe - Deputy Superintendent
Signed By:
Brenda Liss - General Counsel
Signed By:
Roger León - Superintendent
Vote Results:

Original Motion
Member Kanileah Anderson Moved, Member Helena Vinhas seconded to approve the Original motion 'Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Newark Board of Education approve this Research and Data Sharing Agreement between the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, Rutgers - Newark and the Newark Board of Education'. Upon a Roll-Call Vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 8 Nay: 0.
The motion Carried 8 - 0
   
Helena Vinhas     Yes
Allison K. James-Frison     Yes
Crystal Williams     Yes
Kanileah Anderson     Yes
Vereliz Santana     Yes
Daniel Gonzalez     Yes
Hasani Council     Yes
Josephine Garcia     Yes