Cherokee Students Outperform State On EOCT

Submitted by the Cherokee County School District

Cherokee County School District students continue to outscore statewide averages on Georgia End Of Course Tests (EOCT) in all subjects, with all high schools showing improvements including across-the-board rising coordinate algebra scores.

EOCTs administered during the past school year included: Coordinate Algebra, Analytic Geometry, 9th Grade Literature and Composition, 11th Grade Literature and Composition, Biology, Physical Science, U.S. History and Economics.

Results highlights include:

-CCSD exceeded the State percentage of students passing Coordinate Algebra by 17 percentage points;

-CCSD exceeded the State percentage of students passing Analytic Geometry (2013-14 is the first year this EOCT was offered) by 14 percentage points;

-CCSD exceeded the State percentage of students passing 9th Grade Literature and Composition by 6 percentage points;

-CCSD exceeded the State percentage of students passing 11th Grade Literature and Composition by 3 percentage points;

-CCSD exceeded the State percentage of students passing Biology by 15 percentage points;

-CCSD exceeded the State percentage of students passing Physical Science by 8 percentage points;

-CCSD exceeded the State percentage of students passing U.S. History by13 percentage points; and,

-CCSD exceeded the State percentage of students passing Economics by 10 percentage points.

The EOCT has increased to 20 percent of a student’s final grade in a course; students are required to pass these eight EOCT courses (not tests) to graduate. Middle schools students can earn high school credit for Coordinate Algebra and Physical Science; these students also take the EOCTs.

Beginning in the 2013-14 school year, high school students had the opportunity to “test out” of courses that have an EOCT and earn credit without having to take the class. To “test out” and earn credit for graduation, a student must earn an Exceeds level score on the EOCT; other requirements and restrictions can be further explained by a student’s counseling office.

All principals and data management teams are to analyze these results to further refine individualized instruction to ensure the needs of each child are met, including the development of new instructional strategies through collaborative planning sessions that also include Special Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages teachers.

“Our students, parents, teachers, administrators, partners and volunteers already know that our schools provide excellent public education choices for each and every child, and these outstanding scores are further evidence of our dedication to this mission,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo. “Every child deserves a high-quality public education that will prepare them for success, whether their path is higher education, military service or directly into the workforce… our community’s future depends on this, which is why it has been and will continue to be our greatest priority. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who makes these successes possible.”

See the attached .PDF to view a chart of the results for students in the Cherokee County School District.