News Summary
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School District reports mixed standardized test scores, highlighting progress in science and math while facing significant challenges in literacy, particularly in reading proficiency among 6th graders. Superintendent Denis Watts emphasizes the need for continuous improvement, with the district launching an Adolescent Literacy Training program to support students and faculty. Amidst confusion over school rankings, the district is committed to enhancing literacy and opposing school vouchers to secure funding for public schools.
Savannah, Georgia – The Savannah-Chatham County Public School District (SCCPSS) has reported mixed results in its recent standardized test scores, identifying both areas of progress and considerable challenges. The district’s performance raises concerns, particularly with the proficiency levels in English-language arts and history, leading to a renewed focus on literacy within the educational framework.
Superintendent Denis Watts has expressed dissatisfaction with the current testing results, emphasizing the critical need for continuous improvement across the district. The end-of-year testing data from the 2024-25 academic year reveals notable advancements in science and mathematics, yet troubling deficiencies remain evident in reading proficiency. The inconsistency of reading levels among students has been described as a “hit or miss” area, signaling the necessity for targeted interventions.
Particularly alarming is the cohort data from the 6th grade, where less than 50% of students are reading at or above their expected grade level. Chief Academic Officer Derrick Butler has pointed out that many of these students may have experienced significant setbacks in learning due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to these challenges, the district is launching an Adolescent Literacy Training program to support both students and faculty in improving literacy outcomes.
Amid these challenges, Superintendent Watts, now in her second year of leadership, noted that the changes implemented will require time to produce measurable results. Currently, the district is awaiting the finalization of College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI) scores from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA), which are instrumental in establishing school rankings and determining funding allocations.
Recent confusion surrounding the Promise Scholarship School list has emerged, attributed to the recalibration of the CCRPI scores. The rankings of SCCPSS schools, especially the potential inclusion in the bottom 25th percentile, will be pivotal in identifying schools eligible for the Georgia Promise Scholarship. Concerns have been raised by local lawmakers, including Senator Derek Mallow, regarding GOSA’s methodology, describing it as adding unnecessary bureaucracy while lacking clarity on how school performances are calculated.
Despite the challenges, SCCPSS has reported that nearly 50% of its schools have demonstrated double-digit gains in content mastery. However, significant numbers of students still fall below grade level, with 41.5% of 3rd graders, 53% of 6th graders, and 37% of 8th graders not meeting proficiency standards.
To combat these literacy issues, the district has introduced a new literacy curriculum designed to align with the science of reading principles. Initial feedback on the program has been positive, indicating potential improvements in student literacy outcomes. School officials have emphasized the necessity for ongoing professional development to assist teachers in effectively implementing this new curriculum.
As SCCPSS continues to navigate these educational challenges, the district is also prioritizing legislative efforts, including opposition to school vouchers, which could potentially divert crucial funding from public schools. The district’s commitment to enhancing literacy among its students remains the foundation of its strategy to ensure academic success and overall improvement in future test scores.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah-Chatham County School District Not Satisfied With Test Scores
- Wikipedia: Standardized Testing
- Savannah Now: SCCPSS Welcomes Accountability
- Google Search: Savannah Test Scores
- WSAV: Best Schools in Savannah According to US News
- Google Scholar: Educational Performance Savannah
- Savannah Now: SCCPSS Waives Test Scores for Choice Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
