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Independent audit gives state tests high marks

Media Contact: - GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 463-1487,  dtofig@gadoe.org     VIEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT      An independent audit of the Georgia's grade 3-8 science and mathematics tests shows that the exams were well-aligned with state's curriculum.     The study was conducted by edCount, LLC in order to determine how well the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests in science and mathematics, grades 3-8, were aligned to the state's new curriculum, the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS).     "The findings for the GPS and the Georgia statewide assessments in Mathematics and Science in grades 3 through 8 can be described as excellent and indicate that the state has established clear expectations for its assessments via its Content Descriptions, blueprints, and item-writing specifications," reads the report, authored by Dr. Ellen Forte and Dr. Pamela Paek.     State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox said she was pleased by the results of the audit, but not surprised.     "We were very confident that our science and mathematics CRCTs were strong tests that were strongly aligned to the curriculum," Superintendent Cox said. "It is nice to have that validated by this independent audit."     Validation that assessments are aligned to the state curriculum is required under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The State Board of Education approved a $62,075 contract with edCount LLC in June.
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