The Fayette Citizen-News Page

Wednesday, March 14, 2001

Fayette ranks #1 in math scores

Special to THE CITIZEN

Fayette is at the top of the class in math, according to the 1999-2000 Georgia Public Education Report Card released by the Georgia Department of Education.

Out of 179 school systems in Georgia, Fayette County public schools are ranked number one in third and fifth grade mathematics based on scores from the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. The number one ranking has resulted in the school system receiving numerous telephone calls from other systems across the state.

"I didn't know that we had received a first place ranking until I began receiving calls from people wanting to know more about our math curriculum," said Kay Seabolt, math curriculum coordinator. "One caller finally told me that she had seen the report card on the Internet and wanted to learn how we got to be number one."

System officials believe a combination of factors lead to the high placement. Seabolt credits a good student population and parent involvement as being key ingredients to Fayette's success. In addition, strong teaching materials and dedicated, well-prepared teachers played a major role in generating high test scores.

"Our teachers are always willing to give up their time to come to staff development programs so that they can become well prepared to teach our students," said Seabolt.

Placing ITBS objectives into curriculum guidelines were one way the school system prepared students to master math concepts. The guidelines served as a supplement to the approved math textbooks so teachers would know what objectives were not thoroughly taught in the texts. In these situations, supplemental materials were provided to meet the objectives.

Seabolt said this summer the school system will develop similar guidelines to coincide with the Stanford 9 and CRCT tests.

Seabolt said the schools' success would not be possible without support from Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis and the Fayette County Board of Education.

"They have provided us with adequate math materials and teaching objectives. Without that support, we would not be enjoying the triumph we are today," Seabolt said.

To view Fayette's report card and how it compares to other systems in Georgia, visit the Georgia Department of Education's Web site at www.doe.k12.ga.us.