North Gwinnett News

More than 50 schools in Gwinnett County have been acknowledged as Math Leader schools for the academic year 2023-2024 by the Georgia Department of Education. These schools demonstrated notable achievement or growth in mathematics.

The list of recognized elementary schools includes Arcado, Beaver Ridge, Camp Creek, Craig, Freeman's Mill, Harmony, Head, Jackson, Mulberry, Norton, Parsons, and White Oaks. Middle schools such as Bay Creek, Coleman, Couch, Creekland, Crews, Dacula, Duluth, Five Forks, Grace Snell, Hull, Jones, Jordan, Lanier MS (Middle School), Lilburn MS (Middle School), McConnell MS (Middle School), Northbrook MS (Middle School), North Gwinnett MS (Middle School), Osborne MS (Middle School), Pinckneyville MS (Middle School), Radloff MS (Middle School), Richards MS (Middle School), Shiloh MS (Middle School), Snellville MS (Middle School), Summerour MS (Middle School), Sweetwater MS (Middle School), Trickum MS (Middle School) and Twin Rivers were also recognized. High schools on the list include Berkmar HS (High School), Central Gwinnett HS (High School), Collins Hill HS (High School), Grayson HS (High School), Lanier HS(High school) , McClure Health Science HS(High school) , Norcross HS(High school) , Parkview HS(High school) and Paul Duke STEM HS(High school).

Dr. Calvin J. Watts from Gwinnett County Public Schools expressed his pride in these achievements: “Congratulations are in order for our Math Leader schools and to everyone who worked hard and smart to support student success in math,” he stated. He emphasized the dedication of teachers and staff as well as the hard work of students and support from families.

The recognition was based on achievement or growth in students scoring at or above the Proficient Learner level in mathematics. The criteria highlight numeracy skills' importance particularly for 5th and 8th graders while requiring more growth from lower-achieving schools.

DeNelle West from GCPS highlighted educators' efforts: “Our teachers are dedicated to building a strong foundation in numeracy skills that goes beyond test scores,” she noted. She praised innovative strategies like hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving used by educators.

Awards were distributed across elementary to high school levels focusing on results from the Algebra: Concepts and Connections EOC exam—a state test for high school mathematics. The GCPS schools join a select group of 624 meeting qualifications for this recognition.