Case Study: Shamokin Area School District achieves major PSSA math gains and makes AYP with Edmentum's Study Island

Special Education Students in Shamokin Area School District Improve State Test Scores with Study Island

Shamokin Area School District, a small urban district in Coal Township, PA serving about 2,450 students (15% in special education), struggled to meet Adequate Yearly Progress because many special education students scored poorly on the state PSSA math assessment. The district sought a targeted solution to raise performance and close learning gaps for these students.

Starting in 2006 with special education students and expanding to grades 3–11 in 2009–10, the district implemented Study Island’s standards-aligned practice, real-time reporting, and engaging instructional tools to differentiate learning. As a result, middle school special education math proficiency rose from 38.8% in 2009 to 62.5% in 2010, all eighth-graders scored Proficient or Advanced, the district made AYP for the second consecutive year, and student motivation and confidence noticeably improved.

Shamokin Area School District

Darlene Beishline

Special Education Math Teacher, Grades 7-8 and K-12, Study Island Facilitator for the District