Special Milestones Edition

The Georgia Milestones Assessment System (Georgia Milestones) measures how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in English language arts (3rd-5th), mathematics(3rd-5th), and science(5th).

In Georgia, 3rd grade and 5th grade students that do not pass the reading portion of the test are required to retest. These students will receive remediation the week of May 12-16, and will retest on Monday, May 19th. We will notify you as soon as we receive the scores back if your child has to retake.

Tuesday, April 22nd - ELA 1

Wednesday, April 23rd - ELA 2

Thursday, April 24th - ELA 3

Monday, April 28th - Math 1

Tuesday, April 29th - Math 2

Wednesday, April 30th - Science (5th only)

**Monday, May 19th - ELA Retest (If needed)**

• Space studying over days and weeks. Have your child to start now in reviewing any Georgia Performance Standards he/she had difficulty on.

• Have your child review previous tests, notes, and classwork/ homework assignments. By doing this, your child should feel well prepared for the GMAS.

• Don’t allow your child to cram the night before – cramming increases anxiety which interferes with clear thinking.

• Ask your child's teacher for ways to address your child's weaknesses. MAP testing will be next week, and this will give us all an up to date look at strengths and weaknesses.

• Encourage your child to stay relaxed, if you child gets nervous tell them to take a few deep breaths slowly to relax themselves.

• If your child is continuing to experience test anxiety, seek help from your school counselor. Encourage your child to think positive thoughts like, “I can do this, and I am well prepared!”

• Go over test-taking tips with your child.

• Make sure your child goes to bed at a reasonable time. A change in sleep schedule might not be needed, but some downtime before bed might relieve some tension. Physical activity during the day may help them rest better and will also release stress. Have your child get adequate rest for the GMAS. It can make a difference.

• Waking your child up a few minutes earlier will help them become ready for the day.

• Have your student at school no later than 7:45. This will give them time to get settled and comfortable. It is hard to rush in and start testing. Testing begins at 8:00 a.m. Students that are late will not be allowed to enter the classroom and will have to makeup tests at a later time/date.

• If possible, try to avoid conflict the morning of testing. We know situations arise that are unavoidable. Sometimes just a softer tone will help reduce stress during the morning rush.

• Nutrition also influences how well children do on tests; a good breakfast is important, but a large meal right before the test can be distracting. Have them follow their regular breakfast routine.

• Let your child dress comfortably in layers. Our room temperatures vary and we want students to be comfortable.

• Encourage your child to listen carefully to all test-taking directions given and to ask questions about any directions that are unclear.

• Make sure that your child is in school during the testing sessions. Do not plan any doctor or dental appointments on test dates.

• Please make sure your child has everything they need during testing, including glasses and any medication they normally take.

• If your child is sick, please keep them home. We want them well when they test. There are make-up days set aside for this purpose.

• Most importantly, let your kids know that you believe in them!💜

Please contact Charity Barton or Jessica Howard if you have any further questions. charitybarton@dadecs.org or jessicahoward@dadecs.org