The percentage of Atlanta Public Schools students passing high-stakes state reading and math tests in grades 3, 5, and 8 in general showed little change this year compared to last. That largely mirrors the two-year statewide trend.
State reading and math tests in grades 3, 5, and 8 are considered high-stakes because passing reading in 3rd grade and reading and math in 5th and 8th grades is generally required for promotion to the next grade.
APS passing rates in math continue to lag significantly behind passing rates for reading. That’s also in line with statewide trends. This year, nearly a quarter of APS 5th graders failed the state math test, compared to about 10 percent in reading.
And APS passing rates for non-high stakes tests—social studies, science, and English language arts—are significantly below those for reading and math.
But over the past four years, APS has seen increases in the percentages of students passing reading and math tests and other subjects in most grades. That too is similar to the state trend, though APS passing rates continue to lag the state average across the board.
“We’re seeing some improvement over one year,” APS Testing and Assessment Director Joe Blessing said. “We’re pleased with our improvement over three years. But Atlanta public schools definitely has a long way to go.”
School-level results for all Georgia schools are expected in July. This spring was the last administration of the current state tests, the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests or CRCTs. They will be replaced with a new exam, Georgia Milestones, in the upcoming school year.
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