Out of 179 school systems in

Georgia, Fayette County public schools are ranked number one in third

and fifth grade mathematics based on scores from the Iowa Tests of Basic

Skills. The number one ranking has resulted in the school system receiving

numerous telephone calls from other systems across the state.

"I didn't know that we

had received a first place ranking until I began receiving calls from

people wanting to know more about our math curriculum," said Kay

Seabolt, math curriculum coordinator. "One caller finally told me

that she had seen the report card on the Internet and wanted to learn

how we got to be number one."

System officials believe a

combination of factors lead to the high placement. Seabolt credits a good

student population and parent involvement as being key ingredients to

Fayette's success. In addition, strong teaching materials and dedicated,

well-prepared teachers played a major role in generating high test scores.

"Our teachers are always

willing to give up their time to come to staff development programs so

that they can become well prepared to teach our students," said Seabolt.

Placing ITBS objectives into

curriculum guidelines were one way the school system prepared students

to master math concepts. The guidelines served as a supplement to the

approved math textbooks so teachers would know what objectives were not

thoroughly taught in the texts. In these situations, supplemental materials

were provided to meet the objectives.

Seabolt said this summer the

school system will develop similar guidelines to coincide with the Stanford

9 and CRCT tests.

Seabolt said the schools' success

would not be possible without support from Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis

and the Fayette County Board of Education.

"They have provided us

with adequate math materials and teaching objectives. Without that support,

we would not be enjoying the triumph we are today," Seabolt said.

To view Fayette's report card

and how it compares to other systems in Georgia, visit the Georgia Department

of Education's Web site at www.doe.k12.ga.us .