1. Medlock Bridge Parent Coffee
Georgia Milestones Testing
February, 2017

2. What is the Georgia Milestones End of Grade Assessment?
One measure that is used to determine student progress on state standards
The Georgia Milestones measure how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

3. What are the 4 Different Levels?
Beginning Learner- These students do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. These students need substantial academic support.
Developing Learner- These students demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level, as specified by Georgia’s content standards. These students need additional academic support.

4. What are the 4 Different Levels?
Proficient Learners- These students demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. These students are prepared for the next grade level.
Distinguished Learners- These students demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are well prepared for the next grade level.

5. Important Updates for this Year
Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 take the End of Grade test April 13th-26th.
Students in grades 3 & 4 only take the Reading/English Language Arts sections
Students in 5th grade take those listed above as well as Science and Social Studies
Promotion/retention in effect for 3rd & 5th grade students in Reading
Promotion/retention in effect for 5th grade students in Math

6. What type of questions are on the test?
Students are asked to find the answer to a question and support their answers by using evidence from the text.
Open-ended items (also known as constructed-response) require students to provide both short answer and extended types of responses.
Multiple-choice questions are also included.

7. Sample 4th grade reading question
Why does the author of “Homework on the Weekend” MOST LIKELY mention college?
A. College students often work jobs on weekends.
B. Students in college have to study on weekends.
C. Weekend homework might help students get into college.
D. College is more like the real world than elementary school is.

8. Sample 3rd grade math question
A bag of 54 marbles will be shared equally among some friends. The equation shown represents that each friend will receive 9 marbles.
54 ÷ = 9
Part A
Select TWO equations that are missing the same number as 54 ÷ = 9.
A. __× 9 = 36
B.18 ÷___ = 2
C. ___× 4 = 24
D.12 ÷___ = 3
E.___ × 6 = 1
F.30 ÷____ = 5

9. What type of questions are on the test?
A writing component (in response to passages read by students) is within the language arts assessment
Norm-referenced items are in all content areas and courses, to complement the criterion-referenced information and to provide a national comparison;
Online administration for grades 3 & 5
Paper/pencil administration for 4th grade

10. Next Steps????
Students in the Beginning and Developing Levels have been identified and teachers are implementing strategies to help these students in reading and math

11. Next Steps????
Remediation resources are being provided to identified students
An updated Milestones Resource Page will be added to our school website for parents
The state has provided a practice website as well as online study guides

12. What Can I Do to Best Prepare My Child?
Help your child select books that are at the appropriate Lexile level
Ask your child to use evidence to support their answers
Help your child formulate written responses
Carefully review your child’s math homework, study guides and unit tests
Utilize the practice site provided by the state
Make sure that your child knows that their academic success is based on more than one test