Pass Rate on Graduation Test Increases for Barrow Students but Lags Behind State

Although the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards on the Georgia High School Graduation Test increased in each area this year, Barrow’s pass rate lags behind the state average in all four areas that are assessed.

More than 600 11th-grade students took the graduation tests for the first time, with 71 percent passing  all four sections on the first try, a slight increase from the previous year in which 69 percent passed in all four areas.

Statewide, 74 percent of high school juniors passed all four subjects on the first try.

“We are very pleased with the improvement in our scores as well as the percentage of students scoring in the advanced and honors level categories," principal David McGee said in a news release. "Our students and teachers worked very hard all year to prepare for all areas of the GHSGT and our results reflect their efforts.”

Overall, 89 percent of juniors met or exceeded standards in English/language arts, compared to 86 percent in 2010. Science scores increased slightly from 90 percent in 2010 to 91 percent.

The largest gain came in the area of social studies, as the pass rate increased by 4 percent, from 74 percent last year to 78 percent.

Mathematics was, for the first time, evaluated on the Georgia Performance Standards curriculum, making comparisons to previous years impossible. Overall, 83 percent of juniors passed in mathematics.

All students who failed one or more sections of the graduation test will be offered four more re-test opportunities prior to the end of their senior year.

“We are proud of the gains our students made in almost every area," principal Al Darby said in the release. "We are always seeking to improve and help our students achieve success.”