Raymond B. Stewart Middle School Exceeds its Intensive Math Goals with ALEKS®

The case study examines the implementation of ALEKS, an adaptive online math learning program, at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School (RBSMS) in Zephyrhills, Florida. RBSMS is a Title 1 public middle school serving approximately 1,000 students in grades 6–8, with 76% qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch. The program was introduced to address significant learning gaps among students, particularly those performing at Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) Levels 1 and 2.

ALEKS was used intensively for math intervention, targeting students in Tier 3 Response to Intervention (RTI) courses. These students received extra math instruction, including 30 minutes of ALEKS and 20 minutes of grade-level support four times a week. Teachers tracked progress using ALEKS mastery data, weekly conferences, and state/district assessments. The program emphasized personalized learning paths, mastery-based progression, and repeated exposure to concepts to solidify understanding.

Results showed significant growth in math achievement. Intensive Math students consistently outperformed grade-level averages on quarterly assessments, with notable gains among the lowest 25% of students. For example, sixth-grade intensive students achieved a 55% average in the first quarter of 2018–19, compared to 50% for grade-level peers. ALEKS also helped students close foundational gaps, boosting confidence and engagement. By the end of the study, 40% of Intensive Math students exited the program, freeing time for other classes.

The study highlights ALEKS’s ability to address individual needs, track progress, and foster long-term retention through adaptive learning and emphasizes consistent improvement and success among targeted students.