Success Stories > State Test Prep in Thatcher, AZ

EdOptions’ TestPak helps
Arizona school save thousands

THATCHER, Ariz. – Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test had become exhaustingly familiar for six Thatcher High School seniors: they had taken it four times.

But the fifth time was different. This time, the students used TestPak™ from EdOptions™.

TestPak is a member of EdOptions’ Stars Suite™, a Web-based set of programs that aid students with the state test, the GED, the transition to high school, and recovering and obtaining middle or high school credit.

After using TestPak, five of the six students passed the exit exam with high scores.

“When the students passed, the staff celebrated,” said Paul Nelson, principal at Thatcher High School. “They were just as excited as the students!”

“Implementing the program is a no-brainer.”

Thatcher’s AIMS class uses Stars Suite for math testing and assessment. Principal Nelson expressed that the Suite’s assessment is especially helpful because it builds courses around what the students need, focusing on their weaknesses.

At Thatcher, pre-algebra is the lowest math offering.

“Stars Suite courses go back to middle school,” he said. “It gives students basic math; a level they can handle. The varied program options have been a tremendous plus for us.”

The school has had “really good success” with Stars Suite. They implemented Stars Suite during the ’04-’05 school year and attribute the decrease in drop outs to the program. At the end of the 2008 school year, about 98% of the seniors graduated.

Stars Suite has not only helped students graduate, but has saved the school money every year since implementation. Because the school offers Stars Suite classes, students at risk of failing are able to stay at Thatcher and take the online courses, rather than going to an alternative high school.

Nelson explained that without EdOptions’ Stars Suite, Thatcher’s enrollment would drop about 30 students per year at $4,000 per student.

Thatcher High School
Thatcher, AZ
Student Population: 424

For more info contact:
EdOptions
1-866-243-7460

“It only takes four students enrolled to pay for the program and without it, we would lose $120,000 every year to put towards our school and students,” he said. “Implementing the program is a no-brainer.”