Milestones Show Mostly Improving Results for Cobb, Marietta Schools

Georgia Milestones scores for the 2023-2024 school year released Friday showed Cobb County Schools made improvements in reading across most grade levels, while Marietta City Schools’ results were more varied.

For Cobb schools, average scores increased or held steady in 11 of 13 categories in English/language arts (ELA), science and social studies, while Marietta’s results showed scores improved in 10 of 13 categories.

The Cobb County School District said its students outperformed peers across the state and in comparable metro Atlanta districts, including Marietta City Schools, in all subjects, though numbers show Marietta scored higher for fourth grade reading and eighth grade high school-level physical science.

Cobb’s Milestones scores declined in two categories at the middle school level, by 7 points in seventh grade English and by 4 points in eighth grade science. At the state level, test scores for both eighth grade science offerings decreased.

Meanwhile, science scores improved significantly across all grades in Marietta, with improvements of 13 points in eighth grade physical science and high school biology. Fourth grade English and eighth grade social studies also improved significantly, by 11 and 15 points respectively.

This is an improvement from last year, when Marietta experienced a decline in scores for all eighth grade and most high school level assessments.

Reading Levels

Both schools witnessed an increase in reading levels across several grade levels.

At Cobb Schools, reading levels increased in fifth, sixth and eighth grades.

According to the district, more Cobb students are reading on grade level than any other district in the metro area.

The school district also said the system ranked first in percent of students reading on grade level in third, fifth and eighth grades as well as in American Literature.

“Our parents expect the best education in Atlanta, and their children are receiving it — at the lower cost. Our teachers and students continue to show why they are the community’s greatest investment,” Cobb Board of Education Chair Randy Scamihorn said.

In Marietta, there was a growth in proficient and distinguished learners in third through eighth grade reading.

Of the four achievement levels on Georgia Milestones, distinguished is the highest, demonstrating advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills presented based on Georgia’s content standards.

Marietta school officials said across all grade levels and content areas, proficient and distinguished distinctions improved in 12 of 13 assessments.

“After student and staff safety, literacy is our top priority in Marietta,” said Marietta Board of Education Chair Jeff DeJarnett. “Our MCS Board of Education has developed and approved a budget that supports every student in reaching their fullest reading and writing potential. I am proud of the continued success of our students and remain grateful to all our educators in Marietta.”

While proficiency levels increased in several grades, Marietta’s mean test scores for third and sixth grade ELA as well as high school American Literature and Composition declined.

Across the State

According to the Georgia Department of Education, students across the state showed continued improvement on this year’s assessments. The percentage of students who achieved the “proficient learner” level or above increased or held steady on 10 of 13 End-of-Grade and End-of-Course assessments.

Because math assessments were updated to align with the new K-12 mathematics standards first implemented during the school year, math scores won’t be released until later this fall.

Of the 13 assessments, statewide average scores only decreased in eighth grade science and physical science.

The strongest gains came among fifth graders, who gained six points in proficiency in ELA compared to the previous school year and gained two points in proficiency in science. Sixth and eighth graders each gained three points on the ELA assessment.

On the other hand, English/language arts proficiency declined by one point among Georgia third graders.

“I am proud of Georgia’s students and educators for their continued hard work, which has led to consistent improvements in student performance over the last several years,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “There is certainly still work to be done, but I am confident we are on the right path.”