Georgia Superintendent Richard Woods Celebrates Chattooga County Schools Success

Georgia Superintendent Richard Woods visited Chattooga County Schools on Tuesday to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of their Math and Literacy Leaders.

The visit highlighted students’ and educators’ dedication and hard work in promoting excellence in these critical areas.

Chattooga High School was recognized as a Math Leader, while Menlo and Summerville Middle School were recognized as Literacy Leaders.

Math Leader Schools: Chattooga High School

Math Leader Schools were recognized for achievement or growth in the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above in mathematics. The criteria for the 2023-2024 Math Leader Awards recognize the crucial importance of numeracy skills in fifth and eighth grades and require higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels.

Awards were given at high-school level based on the Algebra: Concepts and Connections EOC, which is the state test for mathematics in high school.

“Congratulations to our first-ever Math Leader schools!” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “The skill of numeracy is an essential one, both as students progress through their K-12 education and in their futures. These schools and their educators, students, families, and communities have worked hard to implement the new K-12 Mathematics Standards and prepare all students for life. I commend them on their outstanding work.”  With a 25.4-point increase in math,Chattooga High School is one of the top growth performers in the state, State School Superintendent Richard Woods said.

Literacy Leader Schools: Menlo and Summerville Middle Schools

Literacy Leader Schools were recognized for achievement or growth in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level. The criteria for the Literacy Leader awards recognize the crucial importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades and require higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels.

Awards were given at the elementary, middle, and high school levels based on the American Literature EOC, which is the state test for ELA in high school.

“I am so proud to announce this year’s Literacy Leader schools,” Woods said. “These schools are moving the needle on literacy in our state – and, as a result, changing the lives of the students they serve. The ability to read opens the doors to lifelong learning – that’s why we remain laser-focused on literacy at the Georgia Department of Education and as a state. I am honored to recognize these schools, educators, students, families, and communities for their outstanding work.”

Literacy Leaders Criteria for Gateway Growth: 

Schools earned this award when the percentage of third-grade, sixth-grade, or high school students reading at, or above grade level increased according to the tiered growth criteria below:

About GaDOE’s Literacy Efforts

The Georgia Department of Education is focused on increasing literacy achievement across all grade levels, including: