Mishaps with 2016 Georgia Milestones testing have parents and teachers frustrated with the process and the test, with some even suggesting this year’s End-Of-Grade tests be invalidated and thrown out.
Connectivity issues — slow WiFi, students unable to log in, students losing work after being kicked off the system — have been the leading cause of the frustration. Parents have debated the size of the testing window and argue the sharing of equipment leads to students spending time idle as others complete the test.
State Department of Education spokesman Matt Cardoza said the state Board of Education will be asked this week to approve a waiver of the promotion retention rule. The test results can factor into whether students advance to the next grade.
“This action is being sought in the interest of our third-, fifth- and eighth-grade students given the stakes involved for these students in reading (grades 3, 5 and 8) and mathematics (grades 5 and 8) because some may have experienced problems due to technology issues,” he said.
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