Introduction: GMAS
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When it comes to standardized testing, many complain about how much time it takes out of classroom instruction. For many, the value is unclear. When a testing period can take 1-2 weeks, many complain about its importance to students. Teachers can feel frustrated with the lack of instructional time available during assessments too. Since school districts and the Department of Education need data to make informed decisions, standardized testing is necessary for schools. Georgia has recently transitioned to the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) which has created a more holistic and motivating assessment for students. With the introduction of variant questions and the use of the assessment as a summative exam, Georgia can get more accurate data from the students in the public school system.
The Use of Standardized Testing in Schools
The use of standardized tests is not a new concept. In fact, in the United States, standardized testing has been around since the 20th century. Standardized tests, in their most pure form, are meant to serve as a unit of measurement of a school district's students' knowledge. Using maps like Common Core, standardized tests should provide meaningful data about what's working (and what's not). With the data driven from standardized tests, districts can receive more funding, support, and measure the quality of instruction inside the classroom. At its most basic form, standardized testing is pure data that serves a purpose. However, because of the large breadth of variables, standardized testing can sometimes be faulty. Whether a student is tired, having an off day, or just doesn't care. Or maybe a student has a difficult time with multiple-choice tests. Maybe a student has test-taking anxiety. All of these small issues can become gaping holes when standardized tests are the deciding factor if a school should receive more funding.
New Horizons in Georgia
In an effort to create a more functional and approachable test that provided more rigor, Georgia has recently implemented the use of the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS). The recent transition from Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCTs) and End of Course Tests (EOCTs) are meant to provide students with more objective opportunities to demonstrate their learning.Who Takes the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS)?
The Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) is intended for students from 3rd Grade to High School. Using a unified set of English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies standards, students are required to complete the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) for summative learning. When students first take the assessment in 3rd grade, the test is comprised of a mathematics and English language arts section. By 5th grade, social studies and science sections are also assessed. One of the main differences between the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) is the structure of the questions to require more complex thinking and skills. Where other standardized tests may require a basic understanding of concepts to answer the questions, the GMAS expects students to synthesize the material to reach solutions. [subscribe=20543]What is the Structure of the GMAS?
In many ways, the GMAS is similar to the structure of college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT. Each section is comprised of open-ended questions and constructed-response items. The English Language Arts section includes a constructed response writing prompt. The is a large emphasis on maximizing technology use through multiple-choice, drag and drop, fill in the blank, etc. The GMAS is expected to be completed through their online platform however a traditional paper and pencil test can be administered based on IEP and IAP needs.How Does the GMAS Directly Affect Students?
The GMAS will serve as the course summative exam for most core classes from 9th grade and beyond. These summative exams will test students on their understanding of basic and complex concepts covered in courses like 9th Grade Composition, American Lit, Algebra, Geometry, Biology, Physical Science, U.S. History, and Economics. The scores from the GMAS will serve as 20% of your student's final grade in the course. This serves as a motivator or "buy-in" for the students to put forth an effort that will accurately capture a student's understanding of the content.
