New test alters education expectations

Georgia’s switch from CRCT tests to the new Milestones assessment will change Fayette’s educational expectations, school officials said Monday.

A presentation to the Board of Education outlined results from the first year’s Milestones, whose standards are much higher than the old tests, resulting in lower achievement scores for many children. Kris Floyd, coordinator of Assessments & Accountability, explained that the new tests have four rather than three achievement levels, with wide ranges within them.

“We’ve raised the bar,” she said. “This is going to be our new normal.”