FEATURES THE GEORGIA MILESTONE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM INCLUDE:

• open-ended (constructed-response) items in language arts and mathematics (all grades and courses);

• a writing component (in response to passages read by students) at every grade level and course within the language arts assessment;

• norm-referenced items in all content areas and courses, to complement the criterion-referenced information and to provide a national comparison; and

• transition to online administration over time, with online administration considered the primary mode of administration, and paper-pencil as back-up until the transition is complete

What is the purpose of Georgia Milestones?

The Georgia Milestones Assessment System is designed to provide information about how well students are mastering the state-adopted content standards in the core content areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Importantly, Georgia Milestones is designed to provide students with critical information about their own achievement and their readiness for their next level of learning – be it the next grade, the next course, or endeavor (college or career). Informing parents, educators, and the public about how well students are learning important content is an essential aspect of any educational assessment and accountability system. Parents, the public, and policymakers, including local school districts and boards of education, can use the results as a barometer of the quality of educational opportunity provided throughout the state of Georgia. As such, Georgia Milestones serves as a key component of the state’s accountability system – the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI).

What content areas and grade levels are tested?

Students in grades three through eight will take an end-of-grade assessment in the content areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. These tests are administered towards the end of the school year, typically in April or early May. Each school district selects a local testing window from within the state-designated timeframe to administer the end-of-grade measures.