Schools' test scores improve

Columbia County followed a statewide trend of improving scores on the Georgia High School Graduation Tests and the Georgia Writing Assessment.

"We came up in every category - math, English, social studies and science - with a higher percentage of kids passing the first time than in previous years," said Columbia County School Superintendent Tommy Price.

Of the 1,339 regular program students who took the test for the first time, 99 percent passed the language test, 97 percent passed the math part, 95 percent passed the social studies.

"Our weakest area continues to be science," Price said. "We're at 88 percent now, while last year it was 84 percent."

In the county's comparison group - systems with similar demographics - Columbia County students were on par in English and math, but outperformed those students on social studies and science.

"This group of kids has scored better than any previous group overall," Price said. "I think we can be real pleased."

On the Writing Assessment, 95 percent of Columbia County students passed the test on the first administration, while in the comparison group 93 percent passed.

Statewide results showed significant improvements on the Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT). Science scores increased four percentage points over the spring 2001 pass rate to a new high of 75 percent.

"I have been concerned about our low science scores in the past and, even though our scores are higher this year, I encourage schools to continue to emphasize the importance of science in their curriculum," state School Superintendent Linda Schrenko said.

Statewide, students also improved in English/language arts and social studies, however math scores remained stable.