Gwinnett officials pleased by some improvements on Georgia Milestones

A good percentage of Gwinnett County public school students scored in the top categories of the Georgia Milestones exams, according to data released Thursday.

More than half of its students scored “proficient learner or above” on most elementary and middle school grade levels, the results show. Gwinnett students performed better, though, on some grade levels last year, such as in fifth-grade math.

The Milestones are administered starting in third grade. They measure students' mastery of state educational standards in subjects such as English, math and science.

The scores determine whether students fall into one of four categories, from non-proficient to complete mastery, and they count for one-fifth of a high school student's course grade.

Gwinnett officials said they were pleased that fewer students scored in the beginner category in comparison to last year.

Jonathan Patterson, Gwinnett’s associate superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Support, and his team will review these results to determine how the district can support schools in moving students to higher levels of achievement.

The first day of class for metro Atlanta schools really has gotten earlier. Cobb County students go back to school July 31. Atlanta's first day is Aug. 1. DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett start Aug. 7.

About the Author

Atlanta parents, residents object to plans to close some schools

Due to lower enrollment and climbing costs, 16 school buildings would be repurposed under the plan, with several schools closing and their students rezoned for other schools.

Judge overturns expulsion of Cobb student who warned friends of school threat

A Cobb County judge said the school system did not prove that a student who warned friends about a perceived threat intentionally disrupted the school day.