Jccs Receives State Approval To Use Map As Milestones Replacement

Jasper County Charter System is leading the way in seeking a common sense approach for the required statewide assessment in grades 3-8.

JCCS, along with the other partner systems, were recently approved by the GaDOE State Board of Education to pilot the MAP as a replacement for Milestones.

As one of 10 collaborating systems across the state, JCCS approached the GaDOE State Board and requested consideration to use a tool that provides teachers the needed information to provide better instruction to students. As our schools work to inspire and motivate every student to achieve individual success, our teachers need timely and relevant information to make instructional decisions, said the announcement from JCCS.

Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®) tests determine a child’s instructional level and measures academic growth throughout the school year and from year to year in the areas of math, reading and ELA.

“We believe this approach is better for students, and we applaud the GaDOE for approving the pilot to use MAP as a replacement for Milestones,” the announcement said.

How Is This Pilot Possible?

During the 2018 session of the General Assembly, Senate Bill 362 was approved and went into effect on July 1, 2018. Basically, the new law states that beginning with this current school year that one or more innovative assessment pilot program(s) shall be established by the State Board of Education to examine one or more alternate assessment and accountability systems aligned with state academic content standards.

In JCCS, our goal is to continue using our charter flexibility to provide innovative learning opportunities for our students, said the announcement.. Because using the data that MAP provides is a critical component of our flexibility and innovation, it makes sense to reduce additional testing.

A common sense approach that allows more time for students to receive high quality instruction is always better than requiring more testing.

All districts will be required to administer the Milestones during the 2018-2019 school year. JCCS and the other pilot districts using MAP must now seek approval from the United States Department of Education.

“We need your assistance in obtaining this approval. With MAP, each student has specific skills that they are required to demonstrate to show academic growth. In JCCS, we expect teachers to support every child as prepare each child for life beyond school.

“If you believe our students deserve more time in the classroom to prepare for life and less time with required federal tests, please contact JCCS. If federally approved, the goal is for MAP to replace Milestones no later than 2020-2021.”