Buford City Schools has received test results for the Georgia Milestones assessments administered in spring 2021, and school officials say scores reflect a dedication to overcoming challenges.
Buford students scored higher than metro and state averages on the tests, which measures how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
“Our impressive Georgia Milestones assessment data from spring 2021 is a direct result of the continuous commitment to excellence by Buford City Schools’ Board of Education, administration, teachers, and staff,” Dr. Amy Chafin, assistant superintendent of student achievement, said in a news release. “During a global pandemic, we pressed on. Despite obstacles of contact tracing and quarantine, our teachers met the challenge of providing 180 days of instruction for our students.”
For grades third through eighth end-of-grade assessments, BCS students scored between 18 to 47 percentage points above the metro and state averages. For high school end-of-course tests, BCS students’ scores ranged from 5 to 68 percentage points above the metro and state averages.
Georgia Milestones is a single assessment system that consists of end-of-grade measures in English language arts and mathematics in grades three through eight, end-of-grade measures in science in grades five and eight, end-of-grade measures in social studies in grade eight and end-of-course measures for specified high school courses.
According to BCS’ news release, participation in the assessments varied across Georgia as school districts were required to offer the opportunity for testing to all students, but in the interest of health and safety, students who opted out were not penalized.
“Last year was challenging in many ways, but our staff remained committed to providing high-quality instruction and did not allow the circumstances of the year to lower our expectations for excellence in achievement,” said Sara Lingerfelt, executive director of curriculum for BCS, who also noted the school system’s high participation rates.
On average, 95 percent of students in grades third through eighth grade participated in the end-of-grade assessment, while 66 percent of students enrolled in EOC courses participated.
“As we reflect on participation and achievement data for Spring 2021, we are very pleased with the results and applaud our staff and students for a job well done,” Lingerfelt said.
