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Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Announce Campaign Now, Check Test Scores Later
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Denise Majette announced she is running for state school supe. Here’s a story.
She says Georgia students rank among the worst in the nation, according to the story. “I don’t know about you, but 49th or 50th is not acceptable,” Majette said at a news conference at the state Capitol, surrounded by schoolchildren from Toney Elementary School in Decatur.
Pardon the remedial recap, which most Get Schooled readers do not need, but … Georgia is tied for 50th on the SATs, a test about 70 percent of Georgia seniors take. In some states, such as Mississippi, only the most ambitious students take the SAT, with the vast majority preferring the rival ACT.
The only test that provides a national comparison is NAEP. And on NAEP, Georgia students rank in the lower half, but never last or next-to-last. In fourth-grade reading, for example, Georgia’s average scale score of 214 is higher than the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and South Carolina. In fourth-grade math, Georgia’s average scale score of 234 is better than Alabama, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Tennessee and West Virginia.
I’m just sayin’…
Anyway, good to have a challenger. I’m sure she’ll get up to speed on the issues soon. It may be too soon to say, but who’s your pick, Majette or Kathy Cox?
Bible in the Classroom
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A law allowing Bible elective courses in Georgia high schools appears headed for passage. Here’s a story.
Let’s talk about it, but please remember our ground rules. No personal attacks. No profanity. Stay on topic.
Thanks!
