Georgia Milestones Assessment Wacona Parent Training April 13, 2017 6:00 P.M.

What is the Georgia Milestones Assessment? The GMAS is a comprehensive assessment system spanning grades 3 through high school. It measures how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

What is the purpose of GMAS? The GMAS is designed to provide information about how well students are mastering the state-adopted content standards in the core content areas. It provides students with critical information about their own achievement and their readiness for their next level of learning.

GMAS Features Open-ended items, called constructed response, in ELA and Math. Writing component as a response to passages read, in ELA, called extended response. Nationally norm-referenced items in all content areas, called selected response or multiple choice. Online administration

GMAS Test Questions ELA will consist of 3 sections, with each section approximately 70 minutes, given over 3 days. There are 44 questions, 40 selected response (multiple choice), 2 short constructed responses worth 2 points each, 1 short constructed response worth 4 points, and an extended response (essay) worth 7 points. 3rd – 5th Math will consist of 2 sections, with each section approximately 70 minutes, given over 2 days. 3rd – 5th Science and Social Studies will consist of 2 sections, given in one day for each subject, for 5th grade only.

GMAS Achievement Level Descriptors Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.  The students need substantial academic support to be prepared for the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness. Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.  The students need additional academic support to ensure success in the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness. Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are prepared for the next grade level or course and are on track for college and career readiness. Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are well prepared for the next grade level or course and are well prepared for college and career readiness. https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Georgia-Milestones-ALD.aspx

How is the Georgia Student Growth Model Utilized? The core purpose of the GSGM is to provide students, parents, educators, and the public with valuable, actionable information on students’ academic progress. The addition of student growth data to existing student achievement data paints a more complete picture of the achievement and progress being made by Georgia’s students. https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Georgia-Student-Growth-Model.aspx

How are your child’s teachers preparing your child for the test? Formative Assessments – daily quizzes, exit tickets, etc. Teachers are constantly gathering information about your child to help target their personal needs. Daily practice and differentiation for students’ targeted needs Small group and one-on-one instruction Response to Intervention (RtI) After School Tutoring

What can parents do? Make sure your child is doing their homework Use Study Guides from classroom teachers Use Parent Portal to check grades and attendance Make sure your child is well-rested and arrives at school on time each day

GMAS Study/Resource Guide There are guides for 3rd – 5th grade on the following website: https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/EOG-Study-Resource-Guides.aspx

What’s the test like? Watch the tutorial at https://www.gaexperienceonline.com/ Take the practice test at https://wbte.drcedirect.com/GA/portals/ga/ott2?index=2&adminld=575725 by clicking on EOG Test Practice

1st and 2nd Grade Assessment First and Second graders will be taking End-of-Year Assessment in ELA and Math. This assessment will be similar to the GMAS, with selected response and short/extended constructed response items. Second graders will take their assessments online, while first graders will take a paper-pencil assessment. The EOY will assess second semester content.

Dates of Testing 5th Grade – ELA – April 17-19th, Math – April 20-21st, Science – April 24th, Social Studies – April 25th 3rd and 4th Grade – ELA – April 26-28th, Math – May 1-2nd Makeups – May 3rd 1st and 2nd Grade – ELA – May 3rd, Math – May 4th

Questions??? Thank you for coming!