In November, the Georgia Department of Education recognized 624 schools with exceptional achievement or growth in mathematics as Math Leaders for the 2023-2024 school year. Among the schools that met the qualifications, 20 schools from Atlanta Public Schools (APS) were named Math Leader schools.
Performance on the Georgia Milestones mathematics assessments determined eligibility for the Math Leader Awards. The recognition prioritized numeracy skills and established high growth expectations for schools with historically lower performance levels.
In addition, it highlighted schools that demonstrated achievement or growth in the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above in mathematics at the elementary and middle school levels.
The criteria at the high school level were based on performance on the Algebra: Concepts and Connections End-of-Course assessment, which serves as Georgia’s state test for high school mathematics.
This achievement coincided with the implementation of Georgia’s new K-12 Mathematics Standards, which were adopted in 2021 and put into effect in the 2023-2024 school year. These standards were developed collaboratively by Georgia math teachers, educational leaders, parents, students, and business and industry experts.
The K-12 Mathematics Standards were designed to be clear, age-appropriate, and developmentally sound. By presenting a manageable amount of content each year, they aim to ensure students have a deep understanding of key mathematical concepts.
Join us in congratulating the APS Math Leader schools for the 2023-2024 school year.
— Atlanta Neighborhood Charter Elementary School
— Atlanta Neighborhood Charter, Middle Campus
— The B.E.S.T. Academy at The Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. Institute
— Bolton Academy
— Burgess-Peterson Academy
— Centennial Place Academy Charter
— Charles R. Drew Charter Elementary School
— Charles R. Drew Charter Junior and Senior Academy
— Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy
— David T. Howard Middle School
— Fred A. Toomer Elementary School
— Frederick Douglass High School
— The Kindezi School
— Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School
— Mary Lin Elementary School
— Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy
— South Atlanta High School
— Springdale Park Elementary School
— Sylvan Hills Middle School
— T.J. Perkerson Elementary School
The district remains committed to ensuring all students comprehend essential mathematical material and will collectively make changes where needed to ensure the future success of all APS students.
lly, Dr. Carstarphen and Woods were taken on a tour of the school’s urban farm where students are growing lettuce, spinach, carrots, collards and basil. Students are also caring for the farm’s two chickens – Coco Puff and Valentine.
“I wanted this to be sustainable for the long term, and so it took some time for all of our teachers to be certified in STEM. Also, being a charter system gave us autonomy with our funds so that we could adequately support STEM,” Woolfolk said. “It’s having an impact on our students and the community.”
