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The State of Georgia released results of the
spring administration of High School End-of-Course Tests on
Wednesday.
End of Course Tests (EOCTs) are administered at the end of the
applicable subjects taught in Georgia high schools, and count
for 15% of a student’s grade in the course. Student performance
is categorized into three levels: Does Not Meet Standard, Meets
Standard, and Exceeds Standard.
During the same spring administration, a higher percentage of
Coweta County high school test-takers met or exceeded seven of
eight EOCT’s than the state average passage rate, and tied the
state on one test (9th Grade literature.).
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%
US History
Coweta – 75%
Georgia – 66%
Economics
Coweta – 82%
Georgia – 72%
Math I
Coweta – 70%
Georgia – 61%
Math II
Coweta – 61%
Georgia – 55%
The purposes of the End of Course Tests are 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, replacing 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% of the final grade, an increase from the
previous 15% level.
“Math EOCT scores are lagging behind the other content areas, in
part due to the implementation of the new math curriculum,” said
Dr. Steve Barker.
“We are continuing our efforts to provide all students with high
quality instruction in content areas,” he said. “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.” |
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