1. CAPACITY TWO – GEORGIA MILESTONES ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS (GMAS) NOVEMBER 18, 2015 – 9 A.M. AND 5 P.M. MEDIA CENTER Spencer Elementary School Title I Parental Involvement

2. What is Georgia Milestones Assessment Systems (GMAS)? Replaces the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) The GMAS is a Georgia Assessment. It is taken in grades 3 – 12. The role of GMAS is to make sure teaching and learning are taking place at a high level. There are four levels: Beginning Level, Developing Level, Proficient Level, and Distinguished Level. The first test was given in 2014-2015. These tests had more rigor than CRCT.

3. How did Georgia students do on the first GMAS? Most students in Georgia on the first test scored at the Beginning and Developing Levels. The Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at grade level. The Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at grade level. The Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at grade level.

4. How did Spencer Elementary School do on first GMAS? Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills at grade level. How did Spencer Elementary School do on first GMAS? Spencer Elementary School students on the first GMAS scored mostly at the Beginning and Developing Levels. This year, our goal is Distinguished Level – So we are adding rigor in all subjects to help students increase on the Georgia Milestones.

5. How to help your child pass GMAS? All students in 3 – 5 will be given a copy of the GMAS Assessment Guide to help students at home. Allow your children to attend after tutorial is offered to give students extra support. We need students to be present daily. They can only miss 6 days for schools to count them on their College Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) scores. Try to let students stay the entire day at school. They can arrive as early as 8:15 a.m., and Pryme Tyme is offered from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

6. Parents meet with teachers to learn our child’s assessment results. Teachers are available to discuss your child’s assessment results. You can also set up conferences with your child’s teachers. Teachers will send home assessment resources in your child’s Wednesday folders. Teachers will also do telephone conference weekly to help you support your child at home. The teacher will send home GMAS results to all fourth and fifth graders.

7. Promotion & Retention 2015-2016 – All students in Grades 3, 5, and 8 must pass Reading and Vocabulary (ELA) on GMAS or be eligible for a retest for promotion. 2015-2-15 – All students in Grades 5 and 8 must pass Math on GMAS or be eligible for a retest for promotion. Students who score at Beginning and Developing may be able to retest. Parents may also go to Georgia Department of Education – Georgia Milestones and SCCPSS – Georgia Milestones – To Learn more about the test.

8. Feedback Form Thank you for coming out to learn more about the GMAS assessment. Together we can help our students increase their student growth on GMAS. Please complete the feedback form We truly appreciate all of your support to help your child and school be the BEST!

9. Thanks SO much for Coming! Spencer Elementary School Mrs. Andrea Williams, Principal Mr. McRae Mangum, Assistant Principal Mrs. Anita Parker – Title I Parent Involvement Facilitator Mr. Nathaniel Ball – Media Specialist