Georgia, Decatur School Scores Drop in 2014

Figures released by the Georgia Department of Education show that schools across the state suffered drops in performance during the past school year, including schools in Decatur.

According to the data, the statewide score for the College and Career Ready Performance Index dropped from 2012-13’s 75.8 to 72 in the 2013-14 school year. The index measures each school’s performance through standardized test scores, efforts to close the achievement gap, the percentage of high-performing students with disabilities or who speak English as a second language, and other factors.

Statewide, the average score for elementary schools dipped from 77.8 to 72.6; scores for middle schools decreased from 74.6 to 73.2, and high schools dipped below 70 for a score of 68.4 during the 2013-14 school year.

In City Schools of Decatur, the district’s average score dropped from 89.2 to 87.3 between the two academic years. Average elementary school scores dropped from 87.2 to 86, middle school scores dropped from 90.3 to 88.3, and high school scores dropped from 88.4 to 85.4.

Decatur schools also lost ground on the Exceeding The Bar scores, which award extra points to schools who perform exceptionally well, close achievement gaps, and have high levels of disadvantaged students. Average ETB scores for elementary schools fell from 1.1 to 0.9 and from 1 to 0.5 for middle schools, while high schools improved from 1 to 1.5.

For more information on the CCRPI, visit the Georgia Department of Education’s website.