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Pickens County reports benchmark gains, prepares for new ELA test window
Summary
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Abby May told the board Beacon benchmark results show growth in ELA and math in middle grades and described testing logistics for new ELA listening/multimedia components, with local incentives to reduce test anxiety.
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Abby May told the Pickens County Board on April 16 that the district saw growth on its Beacon benchmark checks and that several grade levels showed particular gains ahead of statewide milestone testing.
"We have growth across the district in ELA and in math," Dr. May said, describing Beacon as a three-times-a-year benchmark aligned with the Georgia Milestones and a tool teachers use to target instruction. She said the highest growth was in ELA and highlighted sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade improvements.
Dr. May said the state’s new ELA assessment includes listening and multimedia components, so the district is spreading testing windows to manage bandwidth and headphone access. She described local efforts to reduce test anxiety — pep rallies, raffles and classroom incentives — and encouraged attendance and preparation. When asked about the testing start date, Dr. May said testing begins April 28 and noted the district has adjusted schedules to accommodate the new ELA format.
The academic overview emphasized teacher planning and targeted interventions for students who need additional support ahead of end-of-course and milestone exams.
