State School Superintendent Richards Woods had a car full of banners Thursday as he visited Mount Zion Elementary to award 11 Carroll County schools for student performance in either literacy or math.

Earlier this month, the Georgia Department of Education recognized its first Literacy Leader schools and Math Leader schools, and Woods is traveling the state awarding banners to high performers. He was joined today by State Board of Education member Helen Rice.

“We’re incredibly proud of these schools for their excellent performance in reading and math,” Carroll County Schools Superintendent Scott Cowart said. “The banners will hang in the schools to honor students and teachers who have worked hard to show growth in these two areas which are foundational to student success regardless of grade level.”

Mount Zion Elementary School, Providence Elementary School, Temple Elementary School and Whitesburg Elementary School were recognized as Literacy Leader schools for achievement or growth in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level. The criteria for the Literacy Leader awards recognize the crucial importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades and require higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels.

“I am so proud to announce this year’s Literacy Leader schools,” Woods said. “These schools are moving the needle on literacy in our state – and, as a result, changing the lives of the students they serve. The ability to read opens the doors to lifelong learning – that’s why we remain laser-focused on literacy at the Georgia Department of Education and as a state. I am honored to recognize these schools, educators, students, families, and communities for their outstanding work.”

Literacy Leader qualifications use the Georgia Milestones Reading Status indicator, which is based on the Lexile score associated with students’ performance on a subset of questions on the ELA assessment.

“Georgia educators are embracing the science of reading and structured literacy,” GaDOE Director of Literacy Amy Denty said. “The Literacy Leaders recognition honors the dedication, commitment, and hard work of our students, teachers, and leaders. Together, we can ensure all children in Georgia learn to read well. I’m excited to see how our schools continue to grow and excel in the literacy arena.”

Bay Springs Middle School, Bowdon Middle School, Central High School, Central Middle School, Sharp Creek Elementary School, Temple Middle School and Villa Rica Elementary School were recognized as Math Leader schools.

“Congratulations to our first-ever Math Leader schools!” Woods said. “The skill of numeracy is an essential one, both as students progress through their K-12 education and in their futures. These schools and their educators, students, families, and communities have worked hard to implement the new K-12 Mathematics Standards and prepare all students for life. I commend them on their outstanding work.”

Math Leader qualifications are based on students achieving the Proficient Learner level or above on the Georgia Milestones mathematics assessments.

“What a great opportunity to celebrate and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of students and educators in the state of Georgia,” Dr. April Aldridge, GaDOE Deputy Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, said. “Georgia’s new K-12 Mathematics Standards have been implemented with intentionality and a commitment to expand opportunities for students. We applaud the hard work that has resulted in the accomplishments recognized by the Math Leader designation.”

Both literacy and math recognitions align with work in Carroll County Schools to focus on student achievement in these areas.

“Literacy has been elevated to a focus priority for Carroll County this year because we recognize that the fundamentals of literacy are essential regardless of subject area,” Associate Superintendent of School Performance Dr. Jessica Ainsworth said.

Recognition in math can be attributed to a focus on STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) at all grade levels she said.

“We have been using a STEM learning model for several years to help students excel in these areas and be prepared for occupations that require advanced skills,” Ainsworth said. “Since last spring, we can say that all Carroll County schools have achieved certification in STEM learning at the district level. Seventeen schools have gone beyond that to achieve national STEM certification through the National Institute for STEM Education.”

Carroll County Schools announced last month that a 97.2 percent district graduation rate last year capped a 30 point increase in graduates since 2010.

“Today’s recognitions continue to show the success that Carroll County students can have when we align our preparation, effort and resources.” Cowart said. “All our work centers on preparing them to graduate ready for enrollment, enlistment or employment. We applaud our schools for catching that vision and helping our students achieve more.”