Education
Education

District: 19 DeKalb County students opt out of Georgia Milestones testing

Georgia Milestones exams are under way in 124 of the state’s school districts. AJC FILE PHOTO
Georgia Milestones exams are under way in 124 of the state’s school districts. AJC FILE PHOTO
By Marlon A. Walker
April 25, 2017

Nineteen students opted out of Georgia Milestones testing this year, DeKalb County School District officials said Monday.

The students’ parents refused testing for them for the 2017 testing period, said Knox Phillips, executive director of the office of research, assessments and grants. Twenty-eight students opted out of testing in 2016.

Many public school students across Georgia are currently taking Georgia Milestones tests, aimed at assessing student proficiency in several subjects.

ExploreIn Gwinnett County, 75 students have opted out of the exam.

“Thus far, knock on wood, I think we’re pleased with the way we’re progressing with our assessment,” Superintendent Steve Green said, adding that 80,000 of the district’s students are taking the exam. “Parents are the first teachers. We understand and recognize the parents’ rights. At the same time, as an education organization, we strongly think what (exams) we chose to give the students ... give valuable information to map out the future for the students.”

Phillips said the students who’ve opted out of testing are still receiving classroom instruction as testing continues.

About the Author

Marlon A. Walker is an education reporter covering DeKalb County.

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