For the second consecutive yr, Newton County Faculties is reporting encouraging educational development throughout a number of grade ranges and topic areas primarily based on information launched by the Georgia Division of Training. The Georgia Milestones evaluation is a set of exams administered yearly in grades 3 via 12, and for the previous two years, has supplied proof that our district is constructing sustained momentum towards improved pupil achievement.
For the 2024-2025 school-year, Newton County Faculties confirmed development in half (10/20) of the state’s examined topic areas, representing yet one more yr of marked enchancment. Throughout the district, faculties posted double-digit features in each Growing and Proficient efficiency ranges, most notably in early literacy, arithmetic, science, and social research. Nevertheless, district officers urge that modest baseline scores signify that there’s rather more work to be finished, though upward progress signifies motion in the suitable route.
Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III acknowledged, “Our outcomes stay scattered throughout varied content material areas, faculties, and grade ranges. However we’re pursuing system-wide enchancment – which is to make sure that progress is equitably distributed throughout the district.”
Grade Band and Faculty-Primarily based Highlights
Elementary Faculties
Efficiency on the elementary degree was regular and akin to earlier yr information, reporting robust development in science and math.
- West Newton Elementary led the district with a 25 percentage-point enhance in math proficiency.
- Rocky Plains, South Salem, and West Newton additionally posted features throughout a number of examined topics.
- Elementary Faculties outpaced the state for development third grade ELA, third grade math, and fifth grade science.
Center Faculties
Center faculties demonstrated a few of the strongest districtwide features, particularly in Seventh-grade.
- Cousins Center Faculty posted a 14 percentage-point enhance in Seventh-grade ELA and a 12-point achieve in Seventh grade math.
- Cousins Center Faculty additionally posted a outstanding 27-point achieve in eighth grade social research.
- Clements and Indian Creek Center Faculties additionally made double-digit enhancements in key content material areas.
- Center Faculties outpaced the state for development in Seventh grade ELA and Seventh grade math.
Excessive Faculties
Highschool outcomes had been extra combined however nonetheless produced significant development.
- Newton Excessive Faculty recorded a 7-point achieve in Algebra Ideas and Conceptions (previously Algebra I), and likewise confirmed enchancment throughout a number of topics.
- Algebra Ideas and Connections (previously Algebra I) noticed enhancements throughout all three excessive faculties
- Excessive Faculties outpaced the state Algebra Ideas and Connections (previously Algebra I) and Biology
What’s Driving the Enchancment
You will need to be aware that this progress has come even earlier than the district’s educational enchancment initiatives have been totally applied. As an alternative, we attribute these features to a stronger educational focus throughout the district, elevated readability round expectations, and focused help for college management groups.
“Academics are responding to the help, and the versatile autonomy to do what they do greatest,” mentioned Tracy Blackburn, Chief of Studying and Management. “We’re additionally starting to see the distinction that robust, instructionally centered principals could make.”
Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III additionally credited the Newton County Board of Training for serving to to determine the muse that made these enhancements doable. “Final yr, our Board took necessary motion by adopting clear and impressive educational priorities, approving a brand new organizational construction for our educational division, and investing in principal supervisor positions,” he mentioned. “These choices are beginning to present indicators of constructive affect.”
Proof of Momentum, with Extra Work Forward
Whereas we’re inspired, we stay clear-eyed in regards to the work that lies forward. Our district continues to face challenges in elevating proficiency charges and shutting achievement gaps, significantly in CSI and ATSI-designated faculties.
Be aware: Complete Help and Enchancment (CSI) and Focused Help and Enchancment (TSI/ATSI) faculties are recognized by the Georgia Division of Training primarily based on components reminiscent of low total educational efficiency or underperformance by particular pupil subgroups.
“These outcomes present that we aren’t simply turning a nook, however that we’re gaining floor – albeit slowly,” mentioned Dr. Bradley. “We have now been warned to not overwhelming the system with reforms that haven’t been totally internalized by our employees.” “But and nonetheless, two years of development is significant.”
Board Chair Abigail Coggin added, “What issues is that we’re transferring ahead, and that’s precisely what we anticipate.”
