State School Superintendent Richard Woods awarded 11 Carroll County schools with banners on March 24 recognizing standout student performance in either literacy or math.
Last year, the Georgia Department of Education recognized its first Literacy Leader schools and Math Leader schools, and Woods is traveling the state again this year, awarding banners to new high performers or ribbons to those receiving repeat recognition.
“These schools have made tremendous progress in math and reading – many for the second consecutive year, and we’re extremely proud of them,” Carroll County Schools Superintendent Scott Cowart said. “Our schools proudly display these banners to honor students and teachers who have worked hard to grow in math and literacy, areas foundational to student success regardless of grade level.”
Recognized for the first time were Bowdon Elementary, Bowdon High, Central Middle, Ithica Elementary and Sharp Creek Elementary – all as Literacy Leaders – and Roopville Elementary and Whitesburg Elementary as Math Leaders.
Recognized for the second year in a row were Bay Springs Middle, Bowdon Middle, Central Middle and Temple Middle – all as Math Leaders – and Mount Zion Elementary as a Literacy Leader.
One school, Bowdon Elementary, also received a unique award, the John Hancock banner and proficiency ribbon for excellence in cursive writing instruction. Cursive writing builds fine motor strength, enhances literacy, and allows students to engage meaningfully with historical texts in their original form. As part of Georgia’s English Language Arts standards, cursive writing plays a vital role in preparing students for academic success and lifelong learning.
The Literacy Leader and Math Leader honors celebrate schools that demonstrate extraordinary student progress and proficiency. Schools are recognized for achievement, growth, or both on annual end-of-grade or end-of-course assessments. The criteria recognize the crucial importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades and numeracy skills in fifth and eighth grades, and require higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels.
“Strong literacy and math skills open the door for every opportunity our students will encounter in school, in their future careers, and in life,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “The schools recognized as Literacy Leaders and Math Leaders have shown a deep commitment to ensuring every student has the tools to succeed. I’m proud to honor their work and the positive impact they’re making on students across our state as we work to prepare all students for life.”
Both literacy and math recognitions align with work in Carroll County Schools to focus on student achievement in these areas.
“Literacy is a district priority for us because we recognize that fundamentals of literacy are essential regardless of subject area,” Associate Superintendent of School Performance Dr. Jessica Ainsworth said.
Recognition in math can be attributed to a focus on STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) at all grade levels, she added.
“We have been using a STEM learning model for several years to help students excel in these areas and be prepared for occupations that require advanced skills,” Ainsworth said. “We are very proud to say that by the end of the school year, all of our 23 traditional schools will be STEM Certified campuses by the National Institute for STEM Education.”
Georgia’s continued progress statewide in literacy and mathematics reflects sustained efforts to strengthen foundational learning, Woods said. Over the last several years, the state has introduced new standards for both mathematics and reading developed by educators.
“Today’s recognitions continue to show the success Carroll County students have when we align our preparation, effort and resources,” Cowart said. “All our foundational work centers on preparing them to graduate ready for enrollment, enlistment or employment. We applaud our schools for catching that vision and helping our students achieve more.”
