Case Study: Sheldon Independent School District improves student growth with Goalbook

How a Small School District in Texas is Transforming Instruction for the Students Who Need it Most

Sheldon Independent School District (Sheldon ISD) was facing critical challenges with underperforming student populations, particularly English Language Learners and students with disabilities, who were not showing expected growth. General education students were also struggling as teachers lacked the time and resources to curate materials for their diverse needs. To address this, the district partnered with the vendor Goalbook.

Goalbook implemented professional development and resources centered on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. This solution empowered teachers to create lessons accessible to all students by leveraging strengths and planning for learning barriers. As a result, Sheldon ISD saw marked gains on state test scores for special education and ELL students, with one principal describing the improvement as "night and day." Two campuses were also moved out of the state's "Improvement Required" status. Goalbook provided the tools that led to this measurable, positive impact on student growth.

Sheldon Independent School District

Susan Pansmith

Executive Director of Special Education