1. Testing and assessment

2. GMAS
EOG
Milestones
State Assessment
Standardized Test

3. The purpose of Georgia Milestones
Provide information on how well students are mastering the GA Standards of Excellence
Inform efforts to improve student achievement
Provide students and parents information regarding preparedness for the next grade level
Measure student growth from one year to the next

4. Georgia milestones Elementary: End of Grade 3-5 Language Arts (3-5)
Mathematics (3-5)
Science (5 only)
Social Studies (5 only)

5. Instructional shifts: GA Standards of excellence
ELA
Complex text and increased academic language
Content rich non-fiction
Evidence-based text
Math
Greater focus on fewer topics
Increased RIGOR-conceptual understanding
Coherence- learning across the curriculum

6. Assessment shifts: Georgia milestones assessment
Alignment with Georgia Standards of Excellence- Designed to encourage critical thinking, analytical writing and real-world problem solving
Fewer multiple choice questions- Increase in short- answers (constructed response) and extended responses that require students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of key concepts through writing

8. administration
3rd Grade- Paper and Pencil
4th and 5th- Online

9. Grade 3 content weights Content Area Domain Approx. Percent of Test
ELA
Reading and Vocabulary
53%
Writing and Language
47%
Math
Operations and Algebraic Thinking
25%
Number and Operations
35%
Measurement and Data
30%
Geometry
10%

10. Grade 4 content weights Content Area Domain Approx. Percent of Test
ELA
Reading and Vocabulary
53%
Writing and Language
47%
Math
Operations and Algebraic Thinking
20%
Number and Operations in Base 10
Number and Operations- Fractions
30%
Measurement and Data
Geometry
10%

11. Grade 5 content weights Content Area Domain Approx. Percent of Test
ELA
Reading and Vocabulary
53%
Writing and Language
47%
Math
Operations and Algebraic Thinking
10%
Number and Operations in Base 10
25%
Number and Operations- Fractions
30%
Measurement and Data
20%
Geometry
15%

12. Grade 5 Content weights (cont’d)
Content Area
Domain
Approx. Percent of Test
Science
Earth Science
23%
Physical Science
45%
Life Science
42%
Social Studies
History
58%
Geography
12%
Government/Civics
15%
Economics

13. Levels of performance
Beginning Learners (level 1) 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 (level 2) 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  (level 3) 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  (level 4) 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.

14. Performance scores Beginning Learner (Level 1): <475
Developing Learner (Level 2):
Proficient Learner (Level 3): >524
Distinguished Learner (Level 4): Varies on grade and content

15. Distinguished (Level 4): Min Scores
ELA
MATH
SCIENCE
SOCIAL STUDIES
Third Grade
581
580
Fourth Grade
574
585
Fifth Grade
587
595
555

16. Suitable for use in promotion/retention decisions
ELA
3rd & 5th Grades
A reading score will be provided to assist in determining promotion status
Math
5th Grade
Developing (2), Proficient (3), or Distinguished (4) learners are recommended for promotion
Important note: Promotion/retention decisions are based on the totality of each student’s academic performance. GMAS is not the sole factor to be considered when determining promotion/retention.

22. Schoolwide Instructional Strategies:
RACE Strategy
Writing Across All Content Areas
Number Talks

23. Parents’ role Provide a quiet comfortable place for studying at home.
Be sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats healthy meals.
Arrive on time, if not early, on testing days.
Don’t schedule trips, appointments, or any other interruptions on testing days.
Explain the purpose of the test and make sure he/she is not afraid or anxious.
Let your child know that some items may be difficult, but it is important to attempt each one.
Encourage your child to do his/her best before testing and ask him/her about his/her testing experience after testing.
Remind your child to use good test-taking strategies.
Parents’ role

24. Test Taking strategies
Read directions carefully.
Take your time. Don’t rush.
Read the questions first to get an idea of what to look for in the text.
Eliminate unlikely answers.
Underline important information.
Look for clues in the question and answer choices.
Teach signs of anxiety and how to overcome them.
Check your work. Look back in the text.
Think positively and relax.
Test Taking strategies

25. 2018 Testing Schedule Tuesday, April 17 ELA Section 1 (Writing)
Wednesday, April 18
Section 2 & 3 (Reading)
Thursday, April 19
Math
Section 1 & 2
Friday, April 20
Make-up Day
Monday, April 23
Tuesday, April 24
Science
Wednesday, April 25
Social Studies
Thursday, April 26
Friday, April 27

26. Resources
Parent Resource Guides, EOG Assessment Guides, EOG Study Guides, Achievement Level Descriptors, Frequently Asked Questions, Testing Schedule, Student Growth Models, and more…
Bartow county Website
GA Dept of Education Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Georgia-Milestones-Assessment-System.aspx