Georgia students increased their scores on every section of the traditional SAT in 2016. On the new SAT, a redesigned test with a different scoring system, Georgia students outperformed the national average, and ranked 36th in the nation. A total of 69,922 students in the class of 2016 took the SAT (old or new) at least once. 

On the “old” SAT, Georgia’s class of 2016 recorded a mean composite score of 1459 – up nine points since 2015, when the mean score was 1450. Mean scores increased from 490 to 493 for critical reading, 485 to 490 for math, and 475 to 476 for writing.

Some students in Georgia’s class of 2016 took the redesigned SAT, which scores students in evidence-based reading and writing (ERW) and math. 

“I am pleased to see the hard work of Georgia’s teachers, students, parents, and partners in education paying off,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “This is just one measure of achievement, but it’s a signal that more students are prepared for the future, and that’s something to celebrate. As we continue to realign our focus and pursue policies that prepare children to learn, live, and lead in the future, I believe we’ll see continued increases in SAT scores and other indicators.”

The University of Maryland's College of Information Studies, Maryland's iSchool, has received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support a second cohort of 25 Lilead Fellows and create the Lilead Leaders program. Awarded as part of the 2016 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program, the iSchool will partner with the Darden College of Education at Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA) to carry out the expanded program.

Applications for the Lilead Fellows Program will open in January 2017. Like their predecessors, the second cohort of library supervisors will receive professional development (PD) to help them tackle challenging and pressing issues in their districts and work toward transformational change to support student success.

Parents/grandparents/guardians of a child that are helping them prepare for Kindergarten (or in K) can opt in to receive text messages with simple “nudges” about activities that can engage children in literacy and numeracy. These are fun, simple, and free family-friendly activities.

The Institute of Education Sciences rolled out a new version of its What Works Clearinghouse intended to help district and school leaders search for specific research on programs that may help their students. Visitors can search for particular studies based on the characteristics of their schools, from grade span or locale to the demographics of the students.

The New Georgia Encyclopedia (NGE) is featuring a number of historical events that occurred during the month of October. The encyclopedia includes a gallery for Lindbergh Day in Atlanta which took place on October 11, 1927. Rare photos that capture Charles Lindbergh’s historic forty-eight-state tour in the Spirit of St. Louis, the first plane that crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a non-stop flight, can also be found on the site. Students can research other significant state facts that are featured on NGE, such as William Bartram’s discovery along the Altamaha River and important legislation passed by Governor Alfred Colquitt in October,1879. In addition, students can research what fort was being used by the military in 1918 that was located just outside of Columbus.

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Thank you,

Tony Vlachakis

Educational Technologist 

Library/Media Liaison