Oct Prowler

New to Union Grove in the 2014-2015 school year, the Georgia Milestones Assessment System is designed to bring student achievement levels in Georgia closer to those of other states. According to the Georgia Department of Education, students had an over 85 percent passing rate on standardized tests within the state of Georgia--those being the all too famil- iar CRCT and EOCT. However, when administered nationally standardized tests (the National Assessment of Edu- cational Progress, NAEP), students in Georgia have only between 30 and 40 percent passing rates. Georgia Milestones is an as- sessment system designed to bring these numbers closer in alignment. Milestones assessments will be created with the Common Core Georgia Per- formance Standards (CCGPS) in mind, and according to the Georgia DOE will “require more from students than the CRCT and EOCT they replace.” “We need to know that stu- dents are being prepared,” said Dr. John Barge, state school superinten- dent. “Not at a minimum-competency PROWLER News 7 Georgia Milestone: Missing the Mark? By Mitchell Mobley mmobleyprowler@gmail.com On Sept. 19, National Pris- oners of War/Missing (POW/MIA) in Action Day, select members of NJROTC gathered in front of the flag pole to give tribute to past and pres- ent prisoners of war through a com- memoration ceremony. Cadets raised flags in honor of those who served and sacrificed for their country. Trumpets were played and Cadet Austin Joseph, sophomore, read a speech that paid respect to soldiers missing in action. Lieutenant Commander Frank Starr believes commemorating these soldiers is important. “I have an ap- preciation for what those people have gone through,” said Commander Starr. NJROTC Pays Tribute, Anticipates Competition By Katie Atkinson katkinsonprowler@gmail.com NJROTC cadets gather around the flag pole to participate in a ceremony hon- oring POW and MIA soldiers. National POW/MIA Day took place on Sept. 19. Photo by Katie Atkinson. “I think it’s important we remember the sacrifices these people have made and continue to make.” In addition to carrying out the POW/MIA Day ceremony, NJROTC has been hard at work in other areas of the program. The orienteering team had their first meet Sept. 18 at Sweetwater Creek State Park. Over- all, they placed seventh out of 16 teams. Tomorrow, the orienteering team is set to compete in The Jolly Roger at Hard Labor Creek. “I think they’re going to do the absolute best they can,” said Chief Robert Sherwood. “They have been training hard. Practice is huge for us.” Additionally, the Georgia's new Milestones program is designed to bring Georgia's stu- dents closer in achievement to those of other states. Photo courtesy of www.dunwoodyhs.dekalb.k12.ga.us. level, but with rigorous, relevant edu- cation, to enter college, the workforce, or the military at a level that makes them competitive with students from other states.” Georgia Milestones also signals a shift in the attitude toward blended learning in Georgia. Within the next five years, 100 percent of Georgia Milestones tests will be ad- ministered online. There has been some concern over the abrupt implementation of this new system. The Georgia DOE website still lists sample tests, student study guides, and informational videos as “coming soon”. Others are concerned that a shift in education to a test-based curriculum might be detrimental to learning. However, the DOE assures that the focus of school in Georgia will remain on “teaching and learning as a primary emphasis, with assessment and accountability serving a support- ing role.” Brain Brawl team will participate in their first competition Oct. 18 at Clay County High School.

Oct Prowler

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