Harmony Public Schools “Race to the Top” With ALEKS®

The case study examines the implementation of ALEKS, an adaptive online math learning program, at Harmony Public Schools, a Texas-based charter school system serving over 30,000 students statewide. The program was studied across grades 5–10, focusing on personalized learning in STEM education. Harmony Public Schools primarily serve minority and low-income students and consistently outperform state averages in core subjects.

The study was conducted in a blended learning setting, with ALEKS integrated into "Custom Days," where students worked independently at their own levels. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning and open-response assessments to identify learning gaps and deliver personalized learning paths. The methodology included analyses of student progress based on time spent in ALEKS and its impact on state summative assessments (STAAR) and Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress (NWEA MAP) math growth.

Outcomes showed significant improvement in math scores. In 2014–15, 70% of ALEKS users achieved growth on NWEA MAP tests, with greater time spent correlating to higher growth. During the 2016–17 school year, students raised their math scores by an average of 25%, with improvements ranging from 16% to 34% across different campuses. Notably, 96% of eighth-grade students and 94% of ESL students passed the STAAR exam, enabling progression to high school. The program’s adaptability also supported English language learners by offering bilingual functionality.

The study highlights ALEKS’s effectiveness in addressing foundational skill gaps, engaging students, and fostering competitive, self-directed learning. Harmony Public Schools retained ALEKS due to its sustained success and adaptability across multiple grade levels.</p>