Georgia Milestones 101

With everything we have on our plates these days, the last thing we may want is another test to deal with. Many parents and teachers scorn the overuse of tests, and sometimes they have a point. However, most standardized tests do provide valuable information about where our students are, and regardless, you'll find that if you have a student in grades 3 or above, the test will be administered no matter how much we like or dislike them. All students in Georgia schools are required to take the Georgia Milestones tests this year if they are in third grade or higher. That's a lot of students! Chances are, you're in the group. Don't worry! We've got some basic information here to get you through what the test covers, when the test is given, and how to ace it.

Whether you've dealt with the Milestones before or if this is your first year going through it, there are some staples to know about the test. Welcome to Georgia Milestones 101.

The Georgia Department of Education tells us this:

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 also assessed in science and social studies. High school students take an end-of-course assessment for each of the ten courses designated by the State Board of Education.

Features the Georgia Milestone Assessment System include:

*open-ended (constructed-response) items in English 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 English Language Arts assessment;

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

​*technology-enhanced items including multiple part/multiple answer, graphing, drag and drop; and

online administration considered the primary mode of administration and paper-penc​il as back-up for those students with disabilities identified through the IEP or IAP process that do not allow them to access a computer or device.

Who takes the test?

Students Grades 3-12

When do they take the test?

The test is given in different increments based on the time of year and the grade level. Here's where you can go to get all of the 2020 dates: Georgia Milestones 2020

By now, you should have a clearer picture of what to expect with this major test. Standardized tests like these can seem very scary--to the unprepared. That's why, at Bridging Gap, we start our prep programs in January for all students. Didn't enroll in January? It's not too late to join, but don't put it off any further! Beginning early gives our teachers the time to not only go over general test content but to also pin point and refine whatever individual struggles your child may have with it. This gives our students the clear advantage and helps our families go into the test confidently. We've had years of experience in prepping all kinds of students for this test, and we can do the same for your student!

Ready to take action? Call or click today to meet and greet with our team, assess your student's areas of strength and weakness, and get started on the path to success. Rock the test with Bridging Gap!