Dive Brief:
- Education officials in Georgia released the results of the state's tougher math exams on Wednesday, showing students are struggling in algebra and geometry.
- Some 65% of students missed the mark for analytic geometry in 2013, and about 59% of students didn't meet standards for coordinate algebra.
- The tougher math exams are in line with the rigor expected on the state's new Common Core-aligned exams that will begin in 2015, according to state officials.
Dive Insight:
While it may be difficult to see lower proficiency rates, it's probably better in the long run to actually see where students are as opposed to giving an easier test where everyone comes out with stellar scores. This trend of students suddenly getting lower scores is not unique to Georgia. Many states have had to, and will continue to, deal with it as they transition into more rigorous Common Core-aligned tests. Having the state and federal government match expectations with the change is important for consistency. This is a major reason why teachers believe tying evaluations to test scores is unfair — particularly during the first years of testing a new assessment when there is nothing to compare the scores to.