Last spring, students participated in the Georgia Milestones Assessment System. In May, for the first time, Georgia students in grades 3-8 took the new End-of-Grade (EOG) assessments in core subjects while students took End-of-Course (EOC) assessments for designated high school courses.
System and school scores released this week show that Gwinnett students outperformed their peers statewide on the assessments. At the elementary and middle school levels, across all subject areas and grade levels, a greater percentage of GCPS students achieved in the top two performance levels (proficient and distinguished) compared to the state average.
On the high school EOCs, the percentages of Gwinnett students posting scores in the proficient and distinguished performance levels were above the state averages in six of the eight areas tested— 12 percentage points above the state in Biology, 18 points above in Physical Science, 12 points above in Coordinate Algebra, 9 points above the state average in 9th Grade Literature and Composition, and 7 percentage points above in both U.S. History and 11th Grade Literature and Composition.
The preliminary scores will serve as the benchmark for student growth, but were not used for promotion for 2014-15. Starting with the 2015-16 year, results will determine promotion at some grade levels and will account for 20% of a student’s final grade for tested high school courses.
The comprehensive Georgia Milestones system assesses student learning along four levels of performance (see box), compared to the three levels previously used for the state’s Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCTs) and End of Course Tests (EOCTs). These expanded designations mark a shift away from an exclusive focus on test scores, instead capturing the progression of students’ learning.
Once individual student reports become available, they will be posted in the Parent Portal, along with a parent’s guide to reading the student report. Statewide results and more information on Milestones are available on the Georgia Department of Education website.
Georgia Milestones Performance Levels
- Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency. The students need substantial academic support to be prepared for the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
- Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency. The students need additional academic support to ensure success in the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
- Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency. The students are prepared for the next grade level or course and are on track for college and career readiness.
- Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency. The students are well prepared for the next grade level or course and are well prepared for college and career readiness.