MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Gaines, rgaines@gpee.org, 678-476-4491
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August 15, 2025 – Last Friday, the Georgia Department of Education released Georgia Milestones assessment results in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, science, and social studies for the 2024-2025 school year. Proficiency rates increased or stayed the same on 13 of 20 assessments compared to last year’s administration.
“We are encouraged by the continued upward trend in math proficiency scores,” said Dr. Dana Rickman, President and CEO of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (the Partnership). “However, the decrease in ELA scores in five of the seven tested grades is troubling. As school systems continue to implement early literacy reforms, the Partnership will monitor district-level data to identify trends and patterns.” When looking at the district data, the percentage of third graders that were proficient readers on the ELA assessment ranged from 0% to 68.6%.
Last November, the Partnership released a Literacy Case Study as part of the multi-year CARES Impact Study, which examines how Georgia’s school districts used federal COVID relief funds to improve academic instruction and address barriers to learning. The case study identified seven components of literacy reform. “While this year’s ELA scores are concerning,” Dr. Rickman stated, “I am heartened by the level and depth of leadership shown by our state leaders and district superintendents in improving early literacy. Rebuilding instructional and professional learning systems is a heavy lift. At the Partnership, we are hopeful that this steadfast commitment to student excellence will result in future improvements in reading proficiency and overall ELA performance.”
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.