New Test in Georgia:
Georgia Milestones
Why give state tests?
State tests are given to measure how well students have learned content based on academic standards. Results from these tests are used to determine where students may need help or accelerated learning opportunities, as well as for school and district accountability.
What is different about the new assessment?
Students will be asked not only what the answer is to a question, but why- i.e. how they know or what evidence supports their answer. Open-ended items (also known as constructed-response) ask students to provide both short answer and extended types of responses. Multiple-choice questions will still be included.
Language arts assessments will demonstrate:
- Whether students can read and comprehend texts of varying complexities
- How well students can use information from multiple sources to effectively summarize key points or make a persuasive argument
- The degree to which students can use context to determine the meaning of academic vocabulary
Math assessments will demonstrate:
- Whether students understand and can use important math ideas, including number sense, algebraic thinking, geometry, and data analysis
- The extent to which students can use math facts and reasoning skills to solve real-world problems
- How well students can make mathematical arguments
What parents can expect:
The new assessments measure deeper knowledge and skills. Because standards are more rigorous, students’ achievement scores may initially be lower. This is a new assessment. Therefore, it is not possible to directly compare the scores on the new test with your student’s score from the previous years.
Preparing and Supporting Your Child:
Ø Talk to your child about the new test.
Ø Explain the tests will initially be more challenging.
Ø With older child, explain the new assessment was created to provide information to help ensure he or she is on track for success after graduation.
Ø Review test results with your child, talking time to discuss areas of strength and areas where there is room for improvement.
Ø Provide a quiet, comfortable place to studying at home.
Ø Make sure child gets a good night’s sleep before a test.
Ø Remind your child of the importance of reading directions carefully and not rushing.
Ø Don’t schedule appointments, trips, or other interruptions during testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades take Georgia Milestones?
Students in 3rd grade through high school will take Georgia Milestones
What are the tests called?
End of Grade (EOG) for students in 3rd through 8th grades
End of Course (EOC) in high school
What will be on the test?
EOG- language arts, mathematics, science, social studies
EOC- 9th Grade Literature & Composition, American Literature & Composition, Coordinate Algebra, Analytic Geometry, Physical Science, Biology, US History, and Economics
When will students test?
EOC- December 8th-15th; May 4th- 11th (dates subject to change) EOG- April 21th- 30th (dates subject to change)
Will students test on the computer?
Online administration will be the primary mode of administration for GA Milestones, with paper/ pencil serving as back up. DeKalb County School District will be transitioning over 5 year period.
Year 1: minimum of 30% online
Year 3: minimum of 80% online
Year 5: minimum of 100% online
What tests are no longer given?
CRCT/CRCT-M
End of Court Tests (after Nov. 2014)
Writing assessments (3rd, 5th, and 8th grades)
What tests are current?
ACCESS for ELLs (K-12) and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs (K-12)
Georgia Alternate Assessment
Georgia High School Writing Test (GHSWT)- remains for 2014-2015 school year
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Basic Skills Test (BST) *for specific students
Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) *for specific students
Georgia Milestone: EOG and EOC
Resources with more information:
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Resources: http://www.pta.org/advocacy/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3816
National PTA has created Assessment Guides for the states that have adopted the Common Core State Standards.
Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Sample items (not an endorsement of PARCC, just a strong sample of items) http://www.parcconline.org/samples/item-task-prototypes
SmarterBalanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) (not an endorsement of Smarter Balance, just a strong sample of test bank items) http://www.smarterbalanced.org/practice-test/