Atlanta Public Schools (APS) continued to show overall improvement on the College and Career Readiness Index (CCRPI), according to the 2025 CCRPI data, released by the Georgia Department of Education.
The CCRPI includes five components: Content Mastery, Progress, Closing Gaps, Readiness, and – for high schools – Graduation Rate. APS scored 100 on the Closing Gaps component in elementary schools and improved Readiness and Content Mastery scores at all grade bands. Additionally, students with disabilities and who are economically disadvantaged made gains in 11 of 12 areas.
Principal Jaron Trimble details how Joseph W. Humphries Elementary School achieved its gains:
Q: What specific strategies or initiatives did your school implement that you believe contributed most to the CCRPI improvement?
A: Several targeted strategies stand out:
- Implementation of the K–5 Literacy Plan: Ensuring all teachers consistently applied literacy expectations, including guided reading and phonics-based small groups, was a major focus. This was monitored bi-weekly and tied to MAP Growth targets.
- ELA and Math Small Group Instruction: Teachers used data-driven small groups for both literacy and numeracy, with instructional coaches providing support.
- Math Framework and Fluency Initiatives: Weekly monitoring of APS Math Framework implementation, combined with engaging fluency activities such as Fact Bowls, Multiplication Bees, and Math Labs, helped strengthen foundational skills.
- Attendance and SEL Supports: Monthly attendance incentives and 60+ minutes of SEL instruction weekly contributed to improved engagement and reduced chronic absenteeism.
Q: Can you share examples of how your teachers are driving student growth and achievement, and any practices that have been particularly effective?
A: Our teachers practiced Data-Driven Instruction through weekly lesson plan internalization and data meetings to adjust instruction based on student performance. Coaches maintained a weekly assessment tracking document to monitor student progress. Additionally, our teachers utilized:
- Writer’s Workshop with WriteScore: Teachers embedded writing strategies and used WriteScore assessments to monitor growth in writing proficiency.
- Scaffolded Supports for DSE Students: Teachers provided targeted interventions during math small groups for students needing additional support.
- Consistent Monitoring and Feedback: Instructional coaches provided weekly feedback on lesson plans and classroom practices, ensuring alignment with standards and frameworks.
Q: What is something impactful/innovative happening in the area of teaching and learning at your school that sets your school apart?
A: What sets us apart is our whole-child approach, integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into the academic day. This, combined with monthly attendance incentives and CARE/SAC team monitoring, has improved engagement and reduced chronic absenteeism. Technology tools such as Imagine Learning further personalize learning pathways, reinforcing foundational skills in both literacy and math.
Together, these efforts are brought to life through the following key practices, which translate our whole-child approach into consistent, measurable action across instruction, family engagement, and personalized learning:
- Integration of SEL into Academic Instruction: Humphries ensures students receive 60+ minutes of direct SEL instruction weekly, paired with teacher training on classroom management and SEL strategies.
- Family Engagement and Whole Child Approach: The school uses CARE and SAC Team meetings to monitor attendance and behavior, while collaborating with homeless liaisons to support vulnerable families.
- Technology and Personalized Learning: Platforms like Imagine Learning, Study Island, and MAP Accelerator are used to reinforce math fluency and literacy skills, providing individualized pathways for growth.
Q: What are your hopes or expectations for student achievement moving forward, and how do you plan to build on this recent success?
A: Looking ahead, our team aims to increase proficiency rates in ELA and Math, sustain gains in attendance, and deepen family engagement. We are committed to building on our recent success and ensuring every student thrives academically and socially by focusing on the following goals:
- Increase Proficiency Rates: Continue working toward SMART goals—raising Math proficiency from 14% to 30% and ELA proficiency from 10% to 14.5%.
- Expand Data-Driven Practices: Strengthen the use of MAP data and WriteScore results to refine instruction.
- Sustain Engagement and Attendance Gains: Maintain SEL integration and incentive systems to keep students engaged and present.
- Deepen Family Partnerships: Build on parent engagement initiatives to support learning beyond the classroom.
- Leverage Coaching and Professional Development: Continue weekly coaching cycles and collaborative planning to ensure instructional consistency and rigor.