Preparing for the Georgia Milestones March 14, 2016 Mr. Lindsey Allen, Principal Mrs. Dana Goshorn, Academic Coach

Outline Testing Window Importance Achievement Levels Administration of the GA Milestones What’s on the test? Preparation

When Will the Test Be Given? April

Why Is This Test Important? Will be used in Promotion / Retention decisions 8 th Grade must score a “2” (Developing Learner) or higher in Math and ELA to pass to 9 th Grade

Achievement Levels Vary by Grade Level, Subject Area, and Standard –There are 4 Levels Beginning Leaners (1) –Do not yet demonstrate proficiency and need substantial academic support Developing Learners (2) –Demonstrate partial proficiency and need some additional academic support Proficient Learners (3) –Demonstrate proficiency and are prepared for the next step Distinguished Leaners (4) –Demonstrate advanced proficiency and are well prepared for the next step

Achievement Levels –More information can be found at –Georgia Milestone Assessment System –EOG Resources –Achievement Level DescriptorsAchievement Level Descriptors

How Will The Test Be Given? 6 th Grade – Computer-Based Assessment 7 th Grade – Paper and Pencil Assessment 8 th Grade – Computer-Based Assessment

What’s On The Test? Grade 6 – 8 –End of Grade (EOG) Assessments in English/Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science –End of Course (EOC) Assessments for students taking High School level classes here at HMS For Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies –Traditional Multiple Choice questions (AKA: Selected Response) –Constructed Response Questions (Math and ELA only) –**ELA also will have Extended Constructed Response Questions AND an Extended Writing Response**

How Can I Help? The Georgia Department of Education website: –Primary Assessments –Georgia Milestone Assessments –Georgia Milestone EOG Study/Resource Guides (Extensive Guide.) More resources in Parent Portal –Click on SLDS (bottom left) –Click on resources Practice with your student online at: Make sure your student eats breakfast before the tests and plenty of rest Going forward: become involved in their academic lives: visit teacher webpages, sign up for text reminders, check grades online, help your student study

How Can I Help? Remind your child: –Get plenty of rest and eat right. Take care of your body and your mind will do the rest. –If you are worried about a test, don’t be. Talk with a teacher, parent, or friend about what is expected of you. –Review the things you have learned all year long. Feel good about it. –Remember that a test is just one look at what you know. Your class work, projects, and other tests will also show your teachers how much you have learned throughout the year.

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