Bibb County Schools face reading challenges in latest Georgia Milestones results

The Bibb County School District showed improvement in math scores on the 2024-25 Georgia Milestones test, but reading remains a significant stumbling block, according to data presented at the district’s August board meeting.

While some test results increased or remained steady, the district still trails state averages in almost all subjects, based on recent data from the Georgia Department of Education and data outlined by district leaders.

Milestones results for Macon students painted a mixed picture, particularly in English language arts and social studies.

Third graders showed a slight improvement in ability to read at or above grade level compared to last year, but eighth graders showed the worst rate of decline for the district in English language arts, with a 6.5% decrease, said Ethel Lett, district assistant superintendent for teaching and learning.

Forty percent of fourth graders in Bibb County read at or above grade level for spring 2025, a small bump up from 39% the previous year, according to the Georgia Milestones dashboard.

During the meeting, board member Daryl Morton questioned the “yo-yo” nature of students’ reading status, pointing out the ups and downs from year to year rather than consistent improvement.

Lett said district officials have noticed the inconsistencies and are analyzing whether rigorous standards are being consistently applied in every grade and class.

“Last year, we rolled out new ELA standards, but how are we actually teaching and assessing those students in every class?” Lett said in response to Morton. “So what we should see is actually increases every year. But you are right, we are seeing those declines come and in, and it kind of ebbs and flows.”

Superintendent Dan Sims said student psychology could factor into test results, especially for third, fifth and eighth grades, where higher scores appear compared to the other grade levels that students may feel they don’t have to try as hard.

“As we think about assessing students’ reading status, there’s a part of this that we don’t talk about much, and that is counting on students to give us their absolute best effort so we can adequately determine what their reading status is,” Sims said.

Board member Myrtice Johnson expressed concern about the drop in English language arts scores and asked about the root causes.

Lett could not pinpoint a reason, but said school leaders are focusing on professional development and ensuring every class follows rigorous standards throughout the year.

Math, science trending up

Math scores in Bibb County went up across all grades, with more students scoring proficient or higher in grades three through eight, according to Lett. The district also showed gains in fifth grade and eighth grade science, she added.

“These improvements reflect the hard work of our students and educators,” Lett said. “The upward trend in performance is a sign that our instructional strategies and supports are beginning to take hold. We’re moving in the right direction, and that momentum is something to celebrate.”

Lett also said groups like English learners and gifted students saw improvements, with some gaps in mathematical reasoning still needing to be addressed.

The district’s math and science gains mirror the state trend. Statewide, math scores have improved two years in a row, even as reading and English language arts scores remain uneven.

State Superintendent Richard Woods said he looks forward to new gains as the state implements new English language arts standards and rolls out added reading supports tied to early literacy legislation.

Focus on literacy

The Milestones results arrive as the BCSD pushes a major literacy campaign. Sims has said he wants every student reading at grade level by the end of the school year.

“As we use literacy and attendance to guide our efforts this year, our immediate plan is to use these results to increase student, school, family and community awareness as we push for excellence from everyone during this school year and beyond,” Sims said in a press release earlier this month.

Board member Sundra Woodford asked about community partnerships, noting that learning also takes place outside the classroom.

Lett said community involvement and strong reading initiatives are key to overall student success.

“Reading is the core and foundation of every subject,” Lett said. “If we don’t get (grades) K-2 right, then grades 3 through 12 are going to continue to be a struggle. So we’ve got to get early readers.”

Lett encouraged more community initiatives aligned with the district’s literacy focus.

District leaders expressed optimism even as challenges remain.

“Every percentage point gain is a step forward, and we’re proud of the growth our students are showing,” Lett said.

“We are extremely excited about the school year ahead, and while we acknowledge that we are not where we want to be, we are proud of our leaders, our teachers and our students,” Lett added. “We are deeply committed to clearing the path for the push.”

District officials expect to present more data next month as they analyze results and set academic goals for closing achievement gaps.

More information and detailed test results can be found on the Georgia Department of Education website.