School scores and curriculum took center stage at Thursday’s monthly work session of the Gwinnett County School Board.

In the wake of shaky results on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT), curriculum directors Janet Blanchette and Debbie Daniell discussed countywide instructional changes in math and social studies.

These changes are intended to elevate the passing rate in grades that saw declines, particularly the eighth grade.

From 2007-08, eighth-grade CRCT math passing rates dropped from 90 percent to 77 percent after new Georgia Performance Standards were implemented. In that same period, CRCT social studies passing rates plunged from 90 percent to 69 percent.

Blanchette said the new focus is on teacher training and the “balance between skill and application.” She used the example of teaching algebra. Successful teachers need to “make sure they find the real-life application so students understand the why with the what,” she said.

In addition, Blanchette cited other changes, including accelerated courses for grades 6-12; development opportunities for all teachers, from kindergarten to eighth grade; and ongoing collaboration facilitated by a teacher Web site.

The social studies approach that Daniell outlined pushes for a conceptually based approach. Rather than being expected to recite the names of explorers, students will be asked to explain the historical significance of their actions, she said.

In other school news:

• District achievement results show Gwinnett’s SAT scores in 2008 exceeded state and national averages, despite a slight dip in math scores from 2007.

• Gwinnett has seen a doubling in the number of students taking the Advanced Placement exam, to 13,324. However, the number of students achieving AP scores of 3 or higher – the score needed for getting college credit – has declined.

• The district’s minority enrollment has passed 65 percent, up from 11 percent in 1990.

• Gwinnett hired more than 1,000 teachers this year.

• Among the findings of an employee satisfaction survey, Gwinnett school workers gave high marks for benefits and salary compensation. Communication and feedback needed work, the survey found. However, most employees said they planned to stay with the school system until they retire.