The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has recognized Banks County Middle School as a Math Leader School. Schools across Georgia were recognized for achievement or growth in the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above in mathematics. This recognition reflects Banks County Middle School's commitment to developing essential math skills that empower students for success, reinforcing the system’s motto this year: Expectations Influence Success.
Principal Lisa Saxon shared her excitement about the honor. “We just received the Literacy Award, and adding this new one to our school is amazing. We are excited to share this with our students, teachers, and the community. We have an excellent staff and student community; our students continually work hard to excel, and our teachers are excited to see growth.”
A total of 624 schools met the qualifications to be recognized as Math Leaders. The 2023-2024 Math Leader Awards criteria recognize the importance of numeracy skills in fifth and eighth grades and require higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels.
“Congratulations to our first-ever Math Leader schools!” State School Superintendent Richard 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.”
Throughout the fall, Superintendent Woods will visit schools identified as Math Leaders to recognize and congratulate them. Math Leader qualifications are based on students achieving the Proficient Learner level or above on the Georgia Milestones mathematics assessments.