1. G eorgia M ilestones A ssessment S ystem What is the Milestones and how is this assessment comparable to the CRCT? “GMAS”

2. ❏ has replaced the CRCT ❏ will be given in grades 3-12 in these subject areas: ❏ English/Language Arts ❏ Math ❏ Science ❏ Social Studies The Georgia Milestones

3. ❏ Selected response (multiple-choice) questions in all content areas ❏ constructed response (short answer) questions in E/LA and Math ❏ an extended writing component (in response to passages read by students) in E/LA The Georgia Milestones includes

4. criterion referenced questions to 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. The Georgia Milestones includes

5. norm-referenced questions in all content areas to complement criterion-referenced information and provide a national comparison. The Georgia Milestones includes

6. ❏ is linked to the Lexile scale, a national reading measure that matches students to appropriately challenging reading materials. ❏ will transition to online administration for all students over the next 5 years. ❏ will consist of 30% of Ss testing on the computer this year. ❏ is not a qualifying assessment for promotion/retention in grades 3 and 5 like the CRCT has been in the past. We will continue to promote or retain based on a multitude of factors. The Georgia Milestones

7. DRAFT Testing Schedule Mon. 3/30 ELA 2 sessions Tues. 3/31 ELA (Writing) 1 session Wed. 4/1 Math Group 1 2 sessions Thurs. 4/2 Math Group 2 2 sessions Fri. 4/3 Math Group 3 2 sessions Students will test in only ONE Math group. Mon. 4/6 Science 2 sessions Tues. 4/7 Soc. Studies 2 sessions Wed. 4/8 Make-ups Thurs. 4/9 Make-ups Fri. 4/10 Pick-up

8. ❏ will not be reported until after the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year. ❏ serve as a key component of the state’s accountability syste ​ m – the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI). Milestones scores

9. ❏ Teaching and learning continue to be our primary focus ❏ Keyboarding practice with laminated keyboards ❏ GoFar practice ❏ Technology support staff are working with us to ensure technology resources are maximized Milestones Preparations at School

10. ❏ Check the Friday folder ❏ Help with and review homework ❏ Read and write together ❏ Practice keyboarding with laminated keyboards ❏ GOFAR online practice tests ❏ Review the GADOE Assessment Guides ❏ Review online simulation http://learnoas.ctb.com/GA/ http://learnoas.ctb.com/GA/ ❏ Visit http://www.barrow.k12.ga.us/bes/parents.html http://www.barrow.k12.ga.us/bes/parents.html Milestones Preparations at Home

11. GADOE Parent Brochure PTA Parent Brochure Visit the GA DOE GAMAS webpage: http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and- Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Georgia-Milestones- Assessment-System.aspx GADOE Milestones Resources

12.  Remain positive and encourage! Keep CALM!  Point out that some items may be more difficult than others. (There are pilot questions included that are not calculated in a students’ score).  Be sure students get plenty of rest and a healthy breakfast each day.  Be certain your child is on time each day. Rushing and worrying about being late could affect performance on the test.  Strive for PERFECT ATTENDANCE! It’s going to be the BESt! What can you do?