Scores have been released for the 2011 Georgia High School Graduation Test, and student performance has increased from last year.
Compared to last year, the Newton County School System increased pass percentage rates in every subject - English/language arts by two percentage points, science by three percentage points and social studies by six percentage points - except math. There are no scores with which to compare current math scores because 2011 brought a new math curriculum and test to the school system.
The statewide pass percentage rate has increased from last year as well. The Newton County School System exceeded the state percentage rate by one percentage point in English/language arts, one percentage point in science and five percentage points in social studies.
"These results show the path we want to be on - upward with improvements over last year and ahead of the state," said Newton County School System Superintendent Gary Mathews. "It's particularly gratifying to see our students' progress actually outpace that of the state in English and social studies. Science, strong at 94 percent, is ahead of Georgia by one point."
Despite those successes, the school system fell behind the state average by six percentage points in math.
"Math continues to be the greatest challenge at the local and state levels, but I am confident in the work being done by our teachers and principals," said Mathews. "We will improve in this area, too. Overall, congratulations are certainly in order for each of our three high schools."
In a further breakdown, Eastside outperformed the state's pass rate in English/language arts, social studies and science. Eastside also topped the state's percent pass rate by two percentage points on the new math test.
Newton outpaced the state in English/language arts, social studies and science as well.
Alcovy did better than the state on the social studies test and tied the state's average in English/language arts. Alcovy did, however, trail the state average by one percentage point in science.
