Fulton County Schools students continue to perform as well or better than the state average, according to the recently released Georgia Milestones Spring 2019 assessment. Student proficiency in the areas of English and Math increased across all grade levels.
Several South Fulton elementary, middle and high schools saw gains. Additionally, McNair Middle School led the district in overall progress.
A more comprehensive report will be issued by the Georgia Department of Education later in the year which will include the Winter, Spring and Summer results.
“The Board is very excited to see the instructional alignment to the school district’s strategic plan producing results in third grade reading,” said Linda Bryant, Fulton County Board of Education chair. ” There was an increase of 6% over last year and we are proud of the teachers and students for this effort. In all, our district’s results continue to be above the state average in almost every category and shows the dedication of our educators and students.”
Some schools in and around South Fulton improved by leaps and bounds with double-digit increases.
SOUTH FULTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
- Double-digit increases in the percent of students reading at or above grade level in Grade 3: Philip Randolph; Asa G. Hilliard; Campbell; Cliftondale, Evoline C. West; Hapeville; Liberty Point; Main Street Charter Academy; Renaissance; S.L. Lewis; Stonewall Tell; and Wolf Creek
- Double-digit gains in Grade 3 Math: Philip Randolph; and Wolf Creek
- Double-digit gains in Grade 4 English/Language Arts: Asa G. Hilliard; Campbell; E.C. West; and Seaborn Lee
- Double-digit gains in Grade 4 Math: Feldwood; and Asa G. Hilliard
- Double-digit gains in Grade 5 English/Language Arts: Brookview; Feldwood; Gullatt; Liberty Point; Oakley; and Wolf Creek
- Double-digit gains in Grade 5 Math: Gullatt; Oakley; and Palmetto
SOUTH FULTON MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
- Double-digit gains in English and Language Arts for Grade 6: Bear Creek, Camp Creek, KIPP South Fulton Academy; McNair; Paul D. West; Renaissance; and Sandtown
- Double-digit gains in Math for Grade 6: Camp Creek; Chattahoochee Hills Charter; Hapeville Charter; KIPP South Fulton Academy; McNair; Paul D. West; Renaissance; and Sandtown
- Double-digit gains in English and Language Arts for Grade 7: Hapeville Charter; and Paul D. West
- Double-digit gains in Math for Grade 7: Paul D. West; and Sandtown
- Double-digit gains in English and Language Arts for Grade 8: Camp Creek; Hapeville Charter; Main Street; and Sandtown
- Double-digit gains in Math for Grade 8: Camp Creek; Main Street; McNair; and Sandtown
SOUTH FULTON HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
Creekside, McClarin and Tri-Cities posted double-digit gains in the percent of students scoring in the developing or above categories in ninth grade literature.
Overall district scores for the Spring 2019 Milestones, as well as scores for each school in Grades 3-8 (End-of-Grade exams) and Grades 9-12 (End-of-Course exams), are available on the Georgia Department of Education website.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
The data also shows areas that need additional attention. Proficiency is low (less than 50 percent in many schools) across multiple subjects and all grade levels statewide. Specific areas of concern for Fulton County Schools that have been identified by the district are fourth grade math, fifth grade science and ninth grade biology.
- Fourth grade Math – One point above state average but a one-point dip compared to last year’s performance
- Fifth grade Science – One point below the state average and a one-point dip compared to last year
- Ninth grade Biology – Six points above state average but a four-point dip compared to last year’s performance
“We understand that some school communities face greater challenges, and we have planned to meet students where they are,” said Jones. Schools in need of intensive support developed 90-Day Plans, and these are now being adjusted based on this most recent data. Additional personnel, additional academic resources and intensive teacher support programs are all in place for August implementation.
Additionally, over 500 at-risk students in third and fifth grade were invited to participate in the Jumpstart for Success program which opened select schools two weeks early. Students were provided an advanced introduction to the standards for the new school year so they could start classes in August better prepared.
According to Superintendent Mike Looney, “The Georgia Milestones results demonstrate that there is great work being done in Fulton schools. Teachers can get positive results when the focus is right. Our strategies to address these areas of concern are being developed with our teachers and are focused down to the classroom level. We are excited to begin the new school year.”