Georgia students demonstrated remarkable growth in mathematics during the 2024-2025 academic year, as evidenced by the Georgia Milestones assessments.
This marks the second consecutive year of mathematics improvement, coinciding with the rollout of new K-12 Mathematics Standards that were implemented in the 2023-2024 school year.
Out of seven math assessments, six showed an increase in the percentage of students achieving the Proficient Learner level or higher.
In addition to advancements in mathematics, students also exhibited steady progress in science and social studies.
The data reveals that there was an increase for three out of four science assessments, while the social studies assessments either held steady or increased.
Furthermore, reading achievement saw positive trends, with five of the seven grade levels reporting increases in students reading at or above grade level.
However, the English Language Arts (ELA) scores showed a mixed bag of outcomes; while some assessments improved or remained stable, five out of seven assessments experienced slight decreases.
“The strong and consistent gains in mathematics, especially following last year’s significant increases, reflect the quality of our new, Georgia-grown math standards,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods.
He expressed optimism about the potential for similar growth in English Language Arts with the introduction of new standards this school year, as well as continued support for early literacy.
To bolster literacy outcomes, the state has several initiatives underway in the 2025-2026 school year.
For the first time, all K-3 teachers have received training in research-based structured literacy.
Additionally, school districts now have access to a free universal literacy screener as part of the ongoing implementation of the Georgia Early Literacy & Dyslexia Act.
The rollout of Georgia’s new K-12 English Language Arts standards, which are aligned with the Science of Reading, is expected to significantly impact classrooms this year.
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is also expanding professional learning opportunities tied to the state’s universal screener, Amira Learning.
This resource was recommended by the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy and received funding from the Georgia legislature for district use.
In support of the state’s highest-need elementary schools, GaDOE continues to place school-level literacy coaches.
This initiative previously yielded a 15% improvement in student reading in just one year, with some grade-level improvements on Georgia Milestones reaching as high as 29 percentage points.
GaDOE is partnering with Amira Learning to combine its literacy coaching model with additional tutoring and professional development for schools adopting the free screener.
Superintendent Woods commended the collaborative efforts of Georgia’s educators, school districts, and the GaDOE Teaching & Learning team.
“These initiatives, led in collaboration with the State Board of Education and other organizations, will have far-reaching benefits for Georgia’s students,” Woods stated.
Comparing the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 results, it is evident that Georgia students are on an upward trajectory.
The assessments indicated a general increase or stability in 13 out of 20 End of Grade (EOG) and End of Course (EOC) assessments.
Students’ performance is categorized along four levels of achievement: Beginning Learners, Developing Learners, Proficient Learners, and Distinguished Learners.
The Georgia Milestones assessments serve to meet federal requirements for testing students in mathematics and ELA for grades 3-8 and once in high school, with science assessments conducted across specified grade bands.
Overall, the latest data signals a promising trend in academic achievement across various subjects for Georgia students, reflecting the impact of recent educational reforms.
image source from：allongeorgia
