The State of Georgia released results of the spring administration of High School End-of-Course Tests in mid-July and Coweta County students out-performed the state average in nearly every category.
School system spokesperson Dean Jackson said End of Course Tests (EOCTs) are administered in the spring at the end of the applicable subjects taught in Georgia high schools and count for 15 percent of a student’s grade in the course. Student performance is categorized into three levels: Does Not Meet Standard, Meets Standard, and Exceeds Standard.
The percentage of county and state students Meeting or Exceeding End of Course Tests for Spring, 2011, are:
-9th Grade Literature
Coweta – 82
Georgia – 82
-American Literature
Coweta – 92
Georgia – 88
-Biology
Coweta – 72
Georgia – 70
-Physical Science
Coweta – 78
Georgia – 76
-U.S. History
Coweta – 75
Georgia – 66
-Economics
Coweta – 82
Georgia – 72
-Math I
Coweta – 70
Georgia – 61
-Math II
Coweta – 61
Georgia – 55
Jackson said the purpose of the End of Course Tests is to assess student achievement of the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) in the designated core courses and to provide data to assist in the improvement of instruction and learning. The EOCTs also provide data to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction at the school, system, and state levels.
Beginning next year, specific End of Course Tests will be used to calculate Adequate Yearly Progress under the federal No Child Left Behind Act and will replace the state’s high school graduation exams which are being phased out.
In April 2011, the State Board of Education approved a plan to phase out the Georgia High School Graduation Test, beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time in the 2011-2012 school year. Starting with these students, the EOCTs will count as 20 percent of the final grade, an increase from the previous 15 percent level, Jackson said.
“Math EOCT scores are lagging behind the other content areas, in part due to the implementation of the new math curriculum,” said Superintendent Steve Barker. “We are continuing our efforts to provide all students with high quality instruction in content areas. As we look to next year, with End of Course Tests counting for 20 percent of a student’s final grade, and being used to determine Adequate Yearly Progress for our schools, preparing our students for these tests will be more important than ever.”
