Case Study: James R. Bilhartz, Jr. Elementary School achieves double-digit academic gains and district-leading growth with Edmentum's Study Island

Stellar Growth in an Educationally Diverse Community in Duncanville

James R. Bilhartz, Jr. Elementary School in Duncanville, TX serves about 600 K–4 students — 64% Hispanic, 24% African American, 82% economically disadvantaged and 40% English language learners. Facing high rates of poverty and limited English proficiency, Principal Pamela Wilson sought a way to personalize instruction and track progress so each student could learn at their own pace.

By integrating Edmentum’s Study Island into morning tutoring, classroom station rotations and a Virtual Summer Program, the school delivered prescriptive, data‑driven lessons tailored to individual weaknesses. The result was double‑digit year‑over‑year gains across every student group (2015–2016), district‑leading growth, a rise to 31% postsecondary readiness (vs. a 12% state requirement), +14% reading and +9% math in one year, closed performance gaps and TEA distinctions for math achievement and top‑25% student progress.