Fulton Testing Procedures Under Review Following APS Scandal

All public school students in Georgia are required by law to take standardized tests each year. And following the recent scandal that has rocked nearby , the Fulton County school system is continuing to take extra caution in making sure proper testing procedures are followed.

Four tests are given annually in Georgia – the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) for first through eighth grades; the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) for grades three, five and eight; writing assessments in grades five and eight; and the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) in 11th grade. Though the tests are standardized, testing procedures may vary by county. In Fulton County, students must also achieve a minimum score before matriculating to the next grade or graduating high school. Additionally, test results are used in several ways, including to determine a school’s Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). 

According to Susan Hale, spokesperson for Fulton County Schools, Fulton has a strong commitment to executing proper testing procedures in accordance with state guidelines.

“The importance of the testing season is stressed throughout the year,” said Hale, emphasizing the training opportunities offered by Connie Maggert, director of assessment and evaluation for Fulton County Schools. “By and large, we’ve had a good program.”

Maggert and her team are responsible for “training the trainer” to preserve a valid testing environment, according to Hale.

In Fulton County, accountability for testing security and execution at the individual school level falls under the direction of the assistant principal. As the testing coordinators, assistant principals attend group training sessions and are tasked with then ensuring the faculty and staff at their local school is well-versed in proper testing procedures. Additional online trainings are held throughout the year to apprise testing coordinators as needed.

To further ensure proper testing procedures are followed, every Fulton County teacher is asked to sign a security agreement. According to Hale, the state doesn’t require that teachers sign such an agreement.

“It’s a reminder to yourself just how serious this is,” she said.

But, the buck doesn’t stop at the assistant principal’s door.

Central office staff is available for consultation and assistance at schools when the need arises. Security procedures keep tests and answer sheets under lock and key and prohibit teachers and staff from being alone with the tests and booklets. Irregularity reports are sent directly to the testing office for resolution, though Hale said irregularities are almost always minor.

The next general testing window in Fulton County will begin in October when the ITBS will be administered in grades three, five and eight.