MOULTRIE — Colquitt County students continued improving on the 2023-24 Georgia Milestones assessments (GMAS). Scores increased in 11 out of 13 assessments in English Language Arts, science, and social studies.

Because math assessments were updated to align with the new Georgia Department of Education K-12 Mathematics Standards first implemented during the 2023-24 school year, math Georgia Milestones scores will be released later this fall, the Colquitt County School System said when announcing the other scores.

Colquitt County students who took the 2023-2024 GMAS End of Course and End of Grade assessments in English Language Arts/Reading increased the percentage of students who scored at the Proficient Learner and Above level by an average of 5% when compared to the 2022-2023 results.

“The district’s continued focus on improving reading achievement for all students includes utilizing high-quality instructional materials, providing academic coaching for teachers focused on student learning, and utilizing data to improve reading levels by identifying reading difficulties early and providing support,” shared Dr. Marni Kirkland, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.” When paired with the teachers’ dedication to forming relationships for learning with and among students, these steps are the key to the upward trend in the district.”

Six out of seven tested grades increased the percentage of students meeting or exceeding a reading status of Grade Level or Above, with the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient and Above level increasing for fifth-grade ELA compared to any other assessment, the school system said.

Superintendent Dan Chappuis stated, “We are incredibly proud of our students’ significant strides in GMAS test scores and reading proficiency. This success highlights our dedicated teachers’ effectiveness and our community’s strong support. Improved test scores reflect not only academic growth but also our students’ hard work and perseverance. Likewise, seeing more students reading at grade level indicates that our literacy initiatives are making an impact. We are committed to continuing this positive trajectory and ensuring every student has the tools and support they need to succeed.”

Students take Georgia Milestones End of Grade tests in grades 3-8 and Georgia Milestones End of Course 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, 6-9, 10-12).

Georgia Milestones assesses student learning along four levels of achievement: Beginning Learners, Developing Learners, Proficient Learners, and Distinguished Learners.