MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Gaines, rgaines@gpee.org, 678-476-4491
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August 6, 2026 – Today, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) released Georgia Milestones Assessment System data for mathematics, science, and social studies for the 2025-2026 school year. Proficiency rates increased or stayed the same on 12 of 13 assessments compared to last year’s administration.
GaDOE will release English Language Arts (ELA) results later this fall after administering new assessments aligned with state ELA standards and Science of Reading principles.
“While we eagerly await the ELA results, especially for Grade 3 students, we are encouraged that state-level proficiency on the Grades 4, 5, and 6 End-of-Grade math assessments and Algebra End –of-Course assessments have reached all-time highs,” said Dr. Dana Rickman, President and CEO of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. “We remain concerned, however, by the wide variation in proficiency rates across districts. We are hopeful that continued attention and investment in comprehensive literacy and numeracy strategies will promote improvement in more communities across Georgia.
During the 2026 legislative session, the General Assembly approved House Bill 1030, the Math Matters Act. The Act ensures more Grade 6 to 10 students will have access to advanced math coursework and that elementary teacher candidates will receive more pedagogical training on how to deliver mathematics instruction to K-3 students.
These new provisions, combined with three years of executing the state math standards, should continue the momentum that we see in the late elementary and middle grades while addressing comparatively lower proficiency for K-3 students.
“These latest results in the mathematics milestones are a testament to the commitment and depth of leadership shown by our state leaders, district superintendents and especially the teachers in improving numeracy instruction,” Dr. Rickman stated.
About Georgia Milestones
The state administers the Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) tests in grades three through eight and Georgia Milestones End of Course (EOC) tests in identified high school courses. The Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) meets the federal requirement that states test students in ELA and math in grades 3-8 and once in high school, and in science once per grade band (3-5, 6-8, 9-12).
Georgia Milestones assesses student learning along four levels of achievement:
Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills taught in the tested grade or course, as specified by the Georgia’s Standards of Excellence (GSE). Students will require intensive academic support to be prepared for the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills taught in the tested grade or course. Students will require supplemental academic support to be prepared for the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills taught in the tested grade or course. Students are prepared for the next grade level or course and are on track for college and career readiness.
Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills taught in the tested grade or course. The students are well prepared for the next grade level or course and are well prepared for college and career readiness.
When reporting state assessment results, the Georgia Department of Education combines the Proficient and Distinguished Learner levels to create a composite measure: the percentage of students scoring at or above proficiency.