Emanuel County Schools announces Georgia Milestones schedule
The Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) is a comprehensive summative assessment program spanning grades 3 through high school. Georgia Milestones measures how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Students in grades 3 through 8 take an end-of-grade assessment in English Language Arts and mathematics while students in grades 5 and 8 are assessed in science and students in grade 8 are assessed in social studies.
The Georgia Department of Education has given local school systems scheduling flexibility for the FY21 Georgia Milestones End of Grade assessments. Emanuel County Schools has opted to use this flexibility. Students in grades 3 through 8 will take the GMAS End of Grade assessments on the following days in 2021:
Emanuel County Schools will be providing a safe and separate environment for virtual learners to attend school on testing days so that they can take the appropriate assessments.
The Georgia Milestones will not be used in 2021 for promotion or retention, but student scores will still be important in determining student growth and learning. These assessments give students the opportunity to show what they have learned as well as providing teachers with information to help plan instruction.
Students who are prepared, calm, and rested perform better on tests. Here are some of the many ways to help your student approach Georgia Milestones in a relaxed, positive way:
• Encourage your student to employ good study and test-taking skills. These skills include following directions carefully, avoiding careless errors, and reviewing work.
• Explain the purpose of the tests. The assessments give students an opportunity to show what they have learned in school. They also give teachers information that helps them plan instruction. Point out that some items may be more difficult than others.
• Be certain your student gets plenty of sleep and has a healthy breakfast and lunch. Taking tests is hard work for many students and can require a lot of energy.
• Be certain your student is at school on time. Rushing and worrying about being late could affect performance on the tests.
• Remember to ask your student about the testing at the end of each day.
• Encourage your student to practice using the online system at http://www.gaexperienceonline.com/.
There are study guides listed on the Georgia Department of Education Assessment website, https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/EOg-Study-Resource-Guides.aspx.