Third graders work in one of two new STEM labs at CES. Carrollton Elementary science scores on the Georgia Milestone test exceeded the state average.
The release of statewide results for the new Milestones testing system shows that all Carrollton City Schools outperformed the rest of the state in critical categories with Carrollton Middle School performing above the state average in all subject areas.
The Georgia Department of Education released the results of the new Georgia
Milestones standardized testing today. The statewide testing system, introduced at the end the 2014-15 school year, now serves as the new bellwether of educational progress for public schools in Georgia.
Georgia Milestones measure how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students in grades three through eight take the End-of-Grade (EOG) measures in each content area, while high
school students take the appropriate End-of-Course (EOC) measure for the eight identified courses.
Georgia Milestones replaced each of the following individual tests: the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT), End of Course Tests (EOCT) and the Georgia Writing Assessments. Georgia Milestones reduces the number of state mandated tests students take as a result.
“While we can’t compare these results to previous performance given the testing changes, we are pleased with our results when compared against state outcomes,” said Dr. Kent Edwards, superintendent of Carrollton City Schools. “It is important to note that many systems, and the state for that matter, will include three of the four performance levels to measure success. Carrollton City Schools will only use the Proficient and Distinguished performance levels in determining how well we are preparing students for life beyond high school.
“We are committed to every student to see that he or she is well prepared for college and career readiness,” he continued. “Carrollton City Schools continues to be a statewide leader in providing college preparatory educational opportunities. We will not lower the standard of success but will do whatever is required to help students reach their fullest potential. Though this is a starting point, the results we see today confirm we are continuing to move in the right direction. Congratulations to our students, families and staff for an exemplary effort.”
The breakdowns by school were equally impressive.
“Carrollton Elementary School saw strong performance outcomes in the areas of Science and Social Studies, which we expected,” said Karen Wild, CES principal. “Given our ongoing STEM focus, it is exciting to see our science scores. With such a dynamic student population, we focus on each student individually as we build foundational skills and extend learning opportunities. Using broad measures only highlights some of the incredible things happening at CES. Math will continue to be an area of focus as we move forward.”
Results at Carrollton Middle School, when compared to the state, can only be described as outstanding. All three grades, fourth, fifth and sixth, outperformed the state in each subject area.
“We reshaped our classroom instruction to better allow content masters to teach what they really know and what excites them. As a result, students become more engaged in their learning,” said CMS Principal Dr. Andre Touchard. “Our teachers are to be commended for setting the bar high on these initial Milestones.”
Performance at Carrollton Junior High School outpaced the state as top level learners exceeded language arts and science scores.
“We are pleased with our science and language arts scores, but we have work to do in a couple of areas,” said Dr. Todd Simpson, CJHS principal. “While this is the first year of these scores and comparisons are difficult, we will determine what we must do to best prepare our students for high school. Their success depends on us providing them with every opportunity.”
Carrollton High School’s initial Milestone scores measured favorably. CHS exceeded the state in five areas: Ninth Grade Literature, American Literature, Coordinate Algebra, Physical Science and Biology.
“Given our STEM focus over the past two years, we are excited to see the effort of our teachers and students reflected in our scores, especially in areas of science and math,” said Dr. Mark Albertus, principal of Carrollton High School. “We have some work to do in the disciplines of economics and history. I am confident that as we address these subjects our students will quickly progress forward.”
Detailed results of the 2015 Georgia Milestones are available at www.gadoe.org.