Graduation test scores on the rise
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

Juniors at Burke County High School took their first shot at the Georgia High School Graduation Test this year and showed gains in three of four subject areas.

Student performance on the English/language arts, math and science portions of the test improved compared to last year's first-time test takers.

However, the percentage of students passing the social studies portion declined three points.

Dr. Allen Kicklighter, director of testing for Burke County Public Schools, was enthusiastic about the students' scores.

"I'm very optimistic that we've made some strong strides in scores at Burke County High School," he said. He pointed out that every subject area showed an increase in the number of students who exceeded the requirements for passing the test.

While the percentage of students passing the social studies portion declined, the number of students who did exceedingly well increased by nearly 10 percent. Students showed similar gains in math.

Social studies scores among schools comparable in size and demographics to Burke County have typically lagged about 10 percent behind statewide averages.

Science scores continue to be an area of concern for schools across Georgia, but students in Burke County are making steady progress.

Passing rates in science among students taking the test for the first time rose 3 percent locally.

The students took a separate writing portion of the graduation test earlier in the year. Some 91 percent of the students passed the test. Those numbers are comparable to the statewide average, and Burke County administrators remain encouraged by scores on the writing portion.

The students still have three more opportunities to retake sections of the test they did not pass before they graduate next year.

The school offers assistance during the summer and school year to students to help them be successful in future attempts.