While DeKalb Schools Milestones results are abysmal, at least they are not as abysmal as they used to be.
Proficient Learners are at grade level. So over half the students in most measurements are below grade level. In many cases, almost half the students are Developing Learners, way below grade level.
However, the school district is making progress and the trends are improving. Fewer students are Developing Learners. More and more students are moving into the Proficient Learners and Distinguished Learners categories.
Spring 2019 and Final 2017 & 2018 – DeKalb Schools Milestones End-of-Course (EOC)
(Combined Winter and Spring Percentages)
Spring 2019 and Final 2017 & 2018 – DeKalb Schools – Milestones End of Grade (EOG)
DEFINITIONS
Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students need substantial 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 necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified by Georgia’s content standards. The students need additional academic support to ensure success in 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 necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The 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 necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are well prepared for the next grade level or course and are well prepared for college and career readiness.
Additional performance levels help teachers better pinpoint where their kids are and give students more opportunities to succeed.
Wrap Around Services & Parent Engagement
DeKalb Schools spends a great deal of money on “Wrap Around Services”. The school district attributes much of the academic gaines to supporting the Whole Child. School Counselors, Psychologists, Nurses and Social Workers are in the school house to address barriers that impact student achievement utilizing wrap around supports. Postsecondary Transition Specialists, Student Engagement Coaches, and other positions and programs help to provide an additional intervention for our students and families with the intent of student success and high school graduation.
DeKalb Schools also spends a lot of money on “Parent Engagement”. The Parent and Engagement department has multiple initiatives to help parents help their kids’ academic outcomes. Workshops, webinars, training videos, and the Family IMPACT Hub, are used to provide resources to help parents support their kids. In addition, the school district spends hundreds of thousands a year assisting parents with obtaining their GED, enrolling in higher education or training programs, and training in workforce development, advocacy, leadership, and wrap-around services.
RESULTS
• The average scale scores for the Ninth Grade Literature and United States History EOC exams increased by 8 points and Physical Science increased by 4 points leading to significant increases in students scoring Proficient and Distinguished Learner, Ninth Grade Literature by 5.6%, United States History by 4.7%, and Physical Science by 5.1%.
• Across the District, all EOG-tested grades (3-8) showed average scale score increases in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
• The percentage of students scoring in the Distinguished Learner category – the state’s highest performance category – in the English Language Arts EOG increased for every grade.
• From 2017-2019, the district-wide percentage of 8th grade students scoring Proficient and above increased in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.
The following accomplishments were demonstrated by the thirteen (13) DCSD schools identified by the state as Turnaround Eligible Schools. Three (3) elementary schools saw growth on average scale scores across all eight (8) assessments (100%):
• Eldridge L. Miller Elementary School
• Murphey Candler Elementary School
• Stoneview Elementary School
Seven (7) schools decreased the percentage of students scoring Beginning Learner on at least six (6) of the eight (8) assessments:
• Eldridge L. Miller Elementary School
• Lithonia Middle School
• McNair Middle School
• Murphey Candler Elementary School
• Peachcrest Elementary School
• Redan Elementary School
• Stoneview Elementary School
Eight (8) schools demonstrated double-digit increases in the percentage of students scoring Proficient and Distinguished Learner on at least one assessment:
• Eldridge L. Miller Elementary School
• Fairington Elementary
• Murphey Candler Elementary
• Panola Way Elementary
• Snapfinger Elementary
• Stone Mountain Elementary
• Stoneview Elementary
• Toney Elementary
“Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue.”