Coan Middle School in east Atlanta made the greatest gains in student achievement of all sixth grade to eighth grade traditional schools in the city, according to results of the spring 2013 Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests.

Principal Betsy Bockman said the school has improved by focusing on math, with students attending two math periods each day — one for grade-level content, and the other tailored to individual student needs.

The school also analyzed data, measured teaching methods and started Individual Learning Plans in which every student sets personal goals.

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