Schools struggle with computer problems with Milestones tests

In many schools today, Georgia students will attempt to finish state Milestones tests they were unable to complete last week and Monday due to computer glitches.

Many districts are reporting problems with the online administration of the state exams, including Fulton County Schools.

Students begin the tests but then their computers freeze so they cannot finish them. “My son’s school’s computers crashed on Friday during the test. They had to go back in the afternoon and sit for another hour since they would never load. We are now being told they will do it Wednesday afternoon. Their Milestones were supposed to be finished on Friday, but they still have it hanging over their heads this week,” said one parent.

Fulton Schools spokeswoman Susan Hale said, “Some of our schools did experience technical issues during the first days of testing, such as server overload, an unscheduled iPad OS software update, and an AT&T outage. The issues impacted mainly middle schools and some elementary schools who were testing majority online and wireless, and occurred as students were in the testing session or about to begin.”

The issue now is whether the added stress of being unable to finish the test will impact student performance. To read more about this issue and what teachers and parents across metro Atlanta said, go to the AJC Get Schooled blog.