Georgia Milestones
Parent Workshop
Testing Dates
6th, 7th, and 8th Grades:
4/24-4/25: Language Arts
4/26: Brain Break & Makeups
4/27-4/28: Math
8th Grade Only:
5/2: Physical Science EOC
5/3: Social Studies
5/4 - 5/5: Algebra I EOC - only for students enrolled in the High School Algebra I or Accelerated Algebra I
Purpose of Georgia Milestones (GMAS)
- The Georgia Milestones Assessment System is a comprehensive assessment program spanning 3rd grade through high school.
- Georgia Milestones measures how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
- More importantly, the Georgia Milestones is designed to provide students with information about their own achievement and readiness for their next level of learning.
How are the Milestones scored?
- Georgia Milestones measures how well a student has acquired the knowledge and skills outlined in the standards for their grade level.
- Students are not compared to each other but are measured on how well they are meeting these standards.
- Student achievement in each content area is classified into four performance levels called Achievement Levels.
- Scores are scaled so that they are comparable and carry the same meaning to all stakeholders (the state of Georgia, school systems, schools, teachers, parents, and the community).
- A range of scaled scores will fall into one of four Achievement Levels.
Achievement Levels
Beginning Learners
- do not yet demonstrate proficiency
- need substantial academic support for the next grade level
Developing Learners
demonstrate partial proficiency
need additional academic support for the next grade level
Proficient Learners
- demonstrate proficiency
- are prepared for the next grade level
Distinguished Learners
- demonstrate advanced proficiency
- are well prepared for the next grade level
How Can I Help My Child Prepare for the Milestones?
- Read with your child regularly.
- Use relaxation techniques.
- Talk about what the test is like.
- Be calm and upbeat. If you seem worried, your child will likely pick up on that and worry even more. So, stay calm and be supportive.
- Get plenty of sleep & a good breakfast.
- Make sure they have a great morning! Tell them to try their best and use the strategies they have learned. Send them off by saying, “You’re going to do just fine.”
- Appreciate your child's hard work. Remember to ask your child about the test at the end of each day.
What should I do if I think my child needs additional support before the Milestones?
- Reach out to your child's teacher. They will be able to answer your questions and provide additional support and resources.
- Bring your child to morning tutoring. ELA & Science is every Wednesday. Math & Social Studies is every Thursday. Tutoring begins at 8:15 AM.
- Use GCPS online resources: iReady Math and Amplify Reading. Students can access these programs on their portal at anytime--even after school and on the weekend. Both resources are great support in building foundational skills for students.
GCPS Promotion Criteria
To earn promotion to the 7th grade, students are required to pass five out of six subjects each semester. Language Arts and Mathematics must be two of the five subjects passed.
7th Grade
To earn promotion to the 8th grade, students are required to pass five out of six subjects each semester. Language Arts and Mathematics must be two of the five subjects passed.
8th Grade
To earn promotion to the 9th grade, students are required to pass five out of six subjects each semester. Language Arts and Mathematics must be two of the five subjects passed.
8th grade students also are required to achieve a reading status of Grade Level or Above on the English Language Arts Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) Assessment and achieve the performance level of Developing or higher on the Mathematics Georgia Milestones EOG Assessment.
GMAS Parent Resources
Georgia Milestones Parent Q & A
2022-2023 Study/Resource Guides
Georgia Milestones Achievement Level Descriptors for Parents
GMAS Online Practice Test
- How to Access
- Click Test Practice
- On the right, click End-of Grade (Online Tools Training)
- Click EOG Test Practice
- Click Standard Online Tools
Click Grades 6-8
- Username: Georgia68
- Password: Training
- Click Continue
- Grade 6-8 Test Practice
- Read directions and start the test