The results of Georgia's standardized tests haven't come in yet, but state Superintendent Kathy Cox is already expressing concern.
She spoke with superintendents throughout the state Monday afternoon about unofficial scores of the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests, which show poorer than expected results in eighth-grade math and sixth- and seventh-grade social studies.
Ms. Cox attributed the drop to the tougher standards associated with the state's revised curriculum in those areas.
Statewide, it appears 60 percent of eighth-graders passed the math portion, a requirement to advance to high school.
"But as Georgians, it is imperative that we are honest about our mathematics achievement," Ms. Cox said in a news release. "For too long we have had a vast majority of our students performing well on state tests, only to be poorly prepared for national assessments. The result has been low national test scores and, ultimately, students who are not college or work ready."
It appears only 20 percent to 30 percent of sixth- and seventh-graders passed the social studies test, she said.
Suspects sought in burglary of Bungalow Road school
Investigators are looking for suspects in a burglary that occurred at Bungalow Road Alternative School between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
They believe the thief, or thieves, entered by breaking through a skylight in the cafeteria, according to a Richmond County sheriff's report. Desks in eight classrooms and the school's main office were rummaged through, the report said.
School officials have not provided a full assessment of the damage, but they have said one computer was stolen, sheriff's Lt. Tony Walden said Monday.
Greyhound back with owner after days of searching
A black greyhound that had been missing since Friday was returned to its owner Monday. The dog was found about 9 a.m. by a neighbor of its owner in the Brookfield West subdivision. He had been seen earlier on River Watch Parkway and Furys Ferry Road.
"How he managed to travel on those busy roads and not get hurt is just a miracle," said Jeanne McGee of Greyhound Friends, which supports adoption of greyhounds retired from racing.
MCG to hold meeting on campus expansion
The Medical College of Georgia will hold a town hall meeting at 5:30 p.m. today to discuss a new facilities master plan that will guide campus growth for the next decade.
The meeting will be in the Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditoria Center and will include opportunities for the public to participate and comment, said Dr. J. Michael Ash, the vice president for administration.
The master plan, created by the Boston-based Shepley Bulfinch architectural firm, will be presented to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents in June.
Parking will be available behind the Kelly Administration Building off Laney-Walker Boulevard.
-- From staff reports
