Case Study: James Madison Elementary School achieves double-digit test score gains with Edmentum's Study Island

James Madison Elementary in San Leandro, CA, implements Study Island and sees test scores improve along with the desire to learn

James Madison Elementary in San Leandro, CA, faced low engagement with outdated, CD-based computer labs and limited district funding when Garry Grotke became principal. Students in grades 2–5 had modest passing rates on state tests, and teachers struggled to integrate technology effectively because of cumbersome lab arrangements and troubleshooting at individual workstations.

Grotke moved computers into classrooms, redesigned the lab with teachers at the center, and adopted Study Island, a web-based, standards-aligned practice and assessment tool. The easy-to-use program boosted teacher and parent engagement, allowed administrators to track progress, and helped raise API scores: English–Language Arts rose an average of 17.5 points and Mathematics by 10 points (with grade-level ELA gains of 10–32% from 2006–2011), leaving the school 20–30 points ahead of the district average.

James Madison Elementary School

Garry Grotke

Madison Elementary Principal