Media release from Floyd County, GA Schools:
The Georgia Department of Education has released the results for the 2023-2024 Milestones test, and Floyd County Schools (FCS) is thrilled to announce the outstanding performance of its students on the 2023-2024 Georgia Milestones Math assessments. This year, our students have set a new benchmark, showcasing remarkable improvements and achieving scores that surpass our Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) and state averages.
The Georgia Department of Education has released the results for the 2023-2024 Milestones test, and Floyd County Schools (FCS) is thrilled to announce the outstanding performance of its students on the 2023-2024 Georgia Milestones Math assessments. This year, our students have set a new benchmark, showcasing remarkable improvements and achieving scores that surpass our Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) and state averages.
Math results are being released now because the assessments were updated to align with the new K-12 Mathematics Standards first implemented during the 2023-24 school year. Results for ELA, science, and social studies were released back in July.
Overall system highlights:
● Floyd County students have achieved the highest math scores in the district’s history, with significant gains across all grade levels, outpacing the state and RESA in all tested areas.
● Our four high schools earned the top-four scores in Algebra: Concepts and Connections in our RESA. Our overall system score for Algebra: Concepts and Connections was 100.4 in content mastery. Our four high schools round out the top 7% of the state for high school scores.
● Our system percentage for Developing Learners and up, meaning students demonstrated partial or advanced proficiency in the skills and standards, are as follows:
○ 3rd Grade: 92% (State: 81%, RESA: 84%)
○ 4th Grade: 88% (State: 81%, RESA: 83%)
○ 5th Grade: 79% (State: 73%, RESA: 76%)
○ 6th Grade: 89% (State: 73%, RESA: 79%)
○ 7th Grade: 86% (State: 74%, RESA: 79%)
○ 8th Grade: 90% (State: 78%, RESA: 82%)
○ Algebra: Concepts and Connections: 92% (State: 72%, RESA: 76%)
● Our system totals for overall content mastery are as follows:
○ 3rd Grade: 94 (State: 70, RESA: 72)
○ 4th Grade: 85 (State: 74, RESA: 72.5)
○ 5th Grade: 69 (State: 64, RESA: 63)
○ 6th Grade: 79 (State: 60, RESA: 64.5)
○ 7th Grade: 74 (State: 62.1, RESA: 65)
○ 8th Grade: 88.7 (State: 70.9, RESA: 74)
○ Algebra: Concepts and Connections: 100.4 (State: 67.8, RESA: 70)
“We are immensely proud of our students’ outstanding performance on the Georgia Milestones Math assessments,” stated Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer, John Parker. “These impressive scores are a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our students, the innovative teaching methods employed by our educators, and the unwavering support from our community. This achievement underscores our commitment to academic excellence and our mission to provide a high-quality education for every student in Floyd County.”
The overall success of Floyd County Schools can be attributed to the district’s hardworking staff and comprehensive coaching and intervention plan, as well as the implementation of curriculum maps that guide teachers and staff in effectively teaching the Georgia standards. These strategies have undoubtedly contributed to the exceptional performance of the students.
“The 2023-24 school year was very successful for the Floyd County School system,” stated Superintendent Dr. Glenn White. “We are so proud of our students and teachers for their exceptional performance on the Georgia Milestones Math Assessments. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence. Thank you to everyone who played a part; from our teachers who love and teach our kids on a daily basis, to our parents who show constant support, we are thankful for our community and look forward to this year.”
The five-year student achievement trends are all pointing in the right direction as Floyd County Schools strives toward their district goals. FCS remains committed to providing high-quality education and fostering an environment where every student can succeed. We will continue to implement innovative teaching strategies and provide the necessary resources to support our students’ academic growth.
In light of these continued remarkable achievements, the district has chosen to adopt an “Exhibition Excellence” theme for the upcoming school year. This theme will aim to maintain the momentum as the teachers and students choose to “clip in” and continue to drive towards academic excellence in all subject areas. It will also feature an enhanced mentor program, focusing on support to all new instructional teachers and school administrator teams.
For the GaDOE release, please visit here.
About the New Mathematics Standards
Adopted in 2021 and first implemented in classrooms during the 2023-24 school year, Georgia’s K-12 Mathematics Standards were drafted by Georgia mathematics teachers with input from educational leaders, parents, students, and business and industry leaders.
The new standards are designed to be clear, understandable, and age- and developmentally appropriate. They aim to present a reasonable amount of content in each year – so students can truly master concepts, rather than simply being quickly exposed to them.
To support students in all subject areas, GaDOE has expanded the grade levels covered by the BEACON formative assessment – which is aligned to Georgia Milestones and provided at no cost to Georgia school districts – and made robust tutoring options available through the GaTutor program in high school and the AmeriCorps tutoring program.
About Georgia Milestones
Students take Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) tests in grades three through eight, and Georgia Milestones End of Course (EOC) tests in identified high school courses. The Georgia Milestones assessment system meets the federal requirement that states test students in math and ELA in grades 3-8 and once in high school, and in science once per grade band (3-5, 6-8, 9-12).
Georgia Milestones assesses student learning along four levels of achievement:
Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students need substantial academic support to be prepared for the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified by Georgia’s content standards. The students need additional academic support to ensure success in the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are prepared for the next grade level or course and are on track for college and career readiness.
Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are well prepared for the next grade level or course and are well prepared for college and career readiness.
