Education
Education

Minorities gain academic ground on statewide tests

By Ty Tagami
June 16, 2014

The educational gap between whites and other children has been closing over the past half decade, according to new test scores released by the Georgia Department of Education.

Hispanics, blacks and kids who are not native English speakers made bigger gains in some grades and subjects on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests than the overall average. Hispanic eighth graders tested this spring, for instance, scored 26 percentage points higher than their predecessors in 2009 on the social studies exam.

Experts have various theories about the upbeat outcome for groups that have traditionally lagged.

Subscribers will find the details on myajc.com.

About the Author

Ty Tagami is a staff writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Since joining the newspaper in 2002, he has written about everything from hurricanes to homelessness. He has deep experience covering local government and education, and can often be found under the Gold Dome when lawmakers meet or in a school somewhere in the state.

Follow Ty Tagami on facebookFollow Ty Tagami on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

President Donald Trump's administration told education departments this week it's delaying some federal grants that fund after-school and other programs. Officials said the money is under review and has been "grossly misused" by some school districts in the past. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Credit: AP

Georgia schools could be impacted by federal funding delay

Georgia schools are waiting on $200 million in federal grants used to fund after school and other programs. The Trump administration says the money is under review.

Ga. Head Start programs get $8 million lifeline to stay open during shutdown

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is giving some of Georgia's at-risk Head Start programs bridge loans to stay operational for 45 days.

She’s the first female head drum major at FAMU, and she’s from metro Atlanta

As head drum major, Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede is something of a celebrity on FAMU’s campus. For the first time in its history, a woman leads the 340-member Marching 100.

The Latest

Children in the Head Start program play outside with lead teacher Genesis Lavanway at the Arthur M. Blank Early Learning Center. It's one of the Head Start programs in Georgia that may not receive its annual funding on Nov. 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown. A bridge loan from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta will keep the programs running for another 45 days. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Ga. Head Start programs get $8 million lifeline to stay open during shutdown

She’s the first female head drum major at FAMU, and she’s from metro Atlanta

Georgia students flock to Turning Point USA after Charlie Kirk killing

Featured

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty, Unsplash)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

MARTA and Beltline rail two big transportation items on mayor’s agenda

While reaffirming his commitment to building light rail along the Beltline, Mayor Dickens says the first segment should go where transportation needs are greatest: SW Atlanta.

Georgia women face geographic gaps in prenatal care

Fewer than half of Georgia's counties have a full-time OB-GYN, according to data analyzed by the AJC, and many women lack the time and money to make regular prenatal visits.

Ex-Stonecrest mayor accused of lying about prison time to run for City Council

Jason Lary, who spent more than two years in prison after he admitted pocketing COVID relief money, allegedly claimed he was not a convicted felon in pre-election paperwork.