Fulton's chronically failing schools see improvement on Georgia Milestones

ajc.com

Georgia Milestones test scores show significant increases for Fulton County Schools students in grades 3 and 4, and district officials tout “marked improvement” for chronically underperforming schools.

Math scores for elementary and middle schools improved for all but grade 7, with grades 3 and 8 seeing testers rated proficient and above up more than 3 percentage points.

The scores on the standardized state exams break down by learning levels. The lowest is beginning learners, who don't demonstrate proficiency at grade level and require substantial academic support to be ready for the next grade level. Developing learners demonstrate partial proficiency but still need additional academic support. Proficient learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary, and distinguished learners demonstrate advanced proficiency.

According to the district, 10 of the 14 schools labeled “chronically underperforming” by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement showed an increase in the overall percentage of students scoring in the developing learner category or above. Superintendent Jeff Rose said resources are being shifted to help those schools continue improving.

“Our new Strategic Plan will address how we support schools that need additional strategies to continue their improvement,” he said. “We also are continuing to place resources closer to these schools to better ensure success.”

Check out critical information on specific schools such as graduation rates and teacher experience in the Ultimate Atlanta School Guide.