Skyview, McKibben Lane Elementary Schools honored for Georgia Milestones growth

Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods recognized Skyview Elementary School for gaining Literacy Reader School and Math Literacy School status on Wednesday, and McKibben Lane Elementary for being a Math Literacy School.

LIZELLA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods recognized Skyview Elementary School for gaining Literacy Reader School and Math Literacy School status on Wednesday, and McKibben Lane Elementary was recognized for being a Math Literacy School.

The titles track growth in Georgia Milestones Assessment scores from year to year. The math category tracks achievement or growth in the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner Level or above in mathematics. Literacy schools are recognized for achievement or growth in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level. Woods applauded the faculty and staff, as well as the students for their achievements.

“What you’ve done has set the bar,” Woods said. “We know it can be done in Bibb County.”

Skyview Sara Carlson-Dartez celebrated reaching literacy leader status, growing eight percentage points in the number of students reading at or above grade level.

“Reading is the foundation for them to be successful in all content areas,” Carlson-Dartez said. “So, we really push it. It is part of their expectations, and they have goals each week they meet.”

Skyview also received a banner for achieving math literacy school status, with 25% growth in students scoring at the proficient level or above.

“We know they have to have those foundations in order to be successful,” Carlson-Dartez said. “And we’re just real proud of all of our teachers working together, and all of our students.”

Mckibben Lane Elementary gained math literacy school status as well with 27% growth for fifth grade, and 19% in third grade. Principal Keisha Dawson says it was an honor to receive the banner but an even greater feeling knowing more of her students are heading to middle school prepared.

“It’s very rewarding for our students,” Dawson said. “It starts in elementary school, and to see them grow each year and be prepared, we are the foundation.”

Woods equated the banners to sports championship banners, saying one is simply not enough. He says the state school board is excited to see how the schools and the cohort of students follow up last year’s success in the future.

“If you look at the banners themselves, you’ll find out that as I said, these are not meant to be one and done,” Woods said. “There are seven holes at the very bottom of these banners. These represent years. It is my intent next year to come back to Skyview, to come back to Lane and have pinning ceremonies. That is what we want to see.”