Fayette’s third graders made big gains on the 2009 Third Grade Writing Assessment, according to results just released by the Georgia Department of Education.

Compared to last year, scores in the “does not meet” category dropped from three to eight percent with passing scores in the “meets” and “exceeds” category increasing five to nine percent collectively.

Fayette continues to outpace both the state and neighboring school systems in its region, which include Butts, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Newton, Pike, Spalding and Upson counties, by having nine to 10 percent fewer students “not meeting” standards and anywhere from 10 to 14 percent more students posting passing scores.

The Georgia Third Grade Writing Assessment covers four types of writing: narrative, informational, persuasive and response to literature. Third grade teachers assess the writing analytically in four domains: ideas, organization, style and conventions. Teachers collect writing samples by providing many opportunities for students to produce the various types of writing throughout the year.