Wilson Elementary School in downtown Phoenix reported significant improvements in academic performance after a year-long initiative with the Arizona Department of Education. According to the Arizona Department of Education, the Arizona Department of Education-Wilson Partnership Project led to a 25 percent increase in math scores for the school's 5th graders.
The program running throughout the 2023-24 academic year combined classroom instruction, management practices, and mentorship from Arizona Department of Education's professional learning specialists. This approach led to a six percent increase in reading scores and a 25 percent improvement in math scores. Tom Horne, the state schools chief, stated, “The results of this partnership are outstanding and prove that students in low-income areas are just as capable of academic excellence as students in wealthy communities."
Wilson Elementary School has implemented Project Momentum, an Arizona Department of Education initiative designed to improve academic achievement using effective techniques. The Arizona Department of Education has also created affordable training academies for public schools across Arizona to enhance educational opportunities. Superintendent Horne said, "Every time my department has worked in partnership with schools to improve academics, we have seen gains. That is true for this partnership just as it is true for Project Momentum, school improvement teams and tutoring programs." He also commended the teachers, staff, and leadership at Wilson Elementary and the district, stating, "I want to commend the teachers, staff and leadership at the Wilson school and the district for their excellent performance. The students were challenged to work very hard, and they deserve praise for their achievements."
