• The percentage of students in grades 3-5 scoring Proficient or Distinguished on the Milestones End of Grade exam rose to 37.5%, surpassing the 2019 high of 37.1%.
• While middle school ELA scores have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, there was an improvement from 31.8% in 2023 to 33.4% in 2024.
• In SY2023-2024, 31.3% of students scored Proficient or Distinguished on the American Literature Milestones End of Course Exam, an increase of 4.7 percentage points from the previous year. However, this is below both the SY2021-2022 rate and the state average of 41.8%.
• 48.7% of elementary and middle school students achieved High Growth on the MAP exam(Fall 2023 to Spring 2024). However, 33.2% of students were classified as having Low Achievement and Low Growth.

Stakeholder Feedback: 

• Support for Literacy Beyond Elementary Grades
  • Parents expressed support for the district’s emphasis on literacy but believe additional literacy interventions are needed at the middle and high school levels:
    • Quote: "I appreciate the focus on elementary but I think resources need to also be given to students who are still struggling with literacy at the older grades as well."
• Transparency in Literacy Data and Reporting
  • Provide detailed reports to parents about their children’s literacy progress, especially through tools like MAP tests.
    • Quote: “Can we parents get the detailed report so we can help strengthen/support those opportunities at home?”
• Accountability for Literacy Outcomes
  • Stakeholders raised questions about the measurable literacy goals and expected outcomes from investments in literacy initiatives.
    • Quote: “What are the literacy and numeracy goals of the district? Is it possible to move beyond proficiency goals to scale score or Lexiles for example?”

• Year-over-year proficiency rates increased from 34.1% in 2023 to 36.7% in 2024, but the percentage of students in the "Beginning" category is still 5+ points higher than in 2018 (32.6% vs. 27.4%).
• The 2023-2024 introduction of new GaDoE math standards showed improvement:
  • Middle School proficiency Increased from 22.9% to 26.1%. High school algebra: increased from 17.2% to 24.8%.Despite progress, performance remains below state proficient and above rates ( 37.23% for Middle School Mathematics and 43.98% for Algebra).
  • 8^th grade EOG proficiency rates reached their highest level since 2015 in 2024. 
• 47.3% of elementary and middle school students showed high growth on the MAP exam (Fall to Spring), however 36.8% remain in the low achievement and low growth category.

Stakeholder Feedback:

• New Math Curriculum
  • While the new curriculum has been well-received, stakeholders requested more professional development to help teachers adapt and effectively deliver the content.
    • Quote: "The new math curriculum at the elementary level is much better than the old one, but teachers need more support to implement it successfully."

• Performance increased from FY23 in all but one College and Career Readiness indicators on CCRPI, including subgroups.
• Atlanta Public Schools’ 4-year graduation rates have been increasing yearly since 2019 and exceeded the state average in 2023 and 2024. 
• Over 48% of Cohort 2024 students completed at least one Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Dual Enrollment course.

 Stakeholder Feedback:

• Disparities in College and Career Readiness by Race:
  • Stakeholders emphasized significant racial gaps in college and career readiness, particularly for Black students.
    • Quote: "Only 25% of Black students are considered college and career ready based on the state's metrics, compared to 80% of their white peers. We are a majority black district and we are doing a disservice to our kids.”

Seamless College Enrollment & Persistence 

Performance increase from FY23 in every category of College and Career Readiness on CCRPI, including subgroups

• Chronic absenteeism has decreased annually from a high of 38.5% in 2021 to 33.1% in 2024, but remains above the state average.
• Subgroup data shows 40% of Black students, 40% of students with disabilities, and 64% of unhoused students are chronically absent in 2024.
• Absenteeism increases significantly in middle and high school, rising by 8 percentage points in middle school and continuing to climb through 12th grade.

Stakeholder Feedback:

• Enhanced Communication:
  • Schools should continue and expand efforts like attendance-related calls, texts, and mailed notices to inform families of absences.
    • Quote:  “The communication…letters in the mail that tell you exactly how many days [missed]…that’s really good.”
• Behavior and Attendance Links:
  • Attendance is connected to behavior issues, which can compound challenges for schools.
    • Quote: “There’s a lot of opportunity still around attendance. We need our students to show up to school.”

• ‘Substantial disparities in Milestones proficiency rates between Black and White students persist. Results range from 84% proficient for White students to 23% proficient for black students in English Language Arts. 
•  Students with disabilities met 3 of 8 CCRPI improvement targets, with proficiency rates below the state average: 11.5% vs. 14.4% for end-of-grade exams and 8.9% vs. 5.6% for end-of-course tests.
• APS met its improvement targets for English Language Proficiency among English Learners; 67.87% of students moved one or more bands on the WIDA Access Assessment.

Stakeholder Feedback:

• Lack of Transparency and Implementation Issues in Special Education
  • Parents expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and effective implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
    • Quote: "I have no way to know if my child’s IEP is being implemented daily. There’s no tracking or accountability."
• Challenges in Identifying and Supporting Gifted Students
  • Teachers need better training to identify and support gifted students, particularly those from underrepresented groups or those who may not fit traditional giftedness criteria.
    • Quote: "Many teachers don’t know how to identify giftedness in underrepresented groups, leading to missed opportunities."

• The percentage of students suspended for minor (Level 1) incidents decreased from 37% to 9%.
• Total suspension days dropped from 16,361 in 2023 to 15,607 in 2024, reflecting less frequent use of out-of-school suspensions.
• Black students and students with disabilities continue to be suspended at rates disproportionate to their enrollment compared to their peers.

Stakeholder Feedback

• Transparency and Consistency in Discipline Policies
  • Parents and teachers emphasized the need for clear and consistent enforcement of discipline policies across schools.
    • Direct Quote: "The discipline system lacks transparency. Parents aren’t told how incidents are being handled, and there’s no consistency between schools."
• Over Reliance on Punitive Measures
  • Participants called for a shift from punitive discipline to restorative practices that address the root causes of behavior.
    • Direct Quote: "Instead of punishing students for acting out, we need to understand the underlying issues and provide support, not just consequences."
•  Need for Mental Health and Behavioral Support
  • Stakeholders highlighted the link between behavior issues and unmet mental health needs, calling for better counseling resources.
    • Direct Quote: "Students acting out often have unaddressed trauma or mental health issues. We need more counselors to provide the right interventions."

• The 5th annual Family Engagement Conference saw the most attendance this year.  
• This year’s Family Engagement survey had the highest number of responses 4,386 compared to last year 2,676 since our full roll-out 2022-2023.
• Our area with the highest favorability is “Embracing Warm & Welcome Environments,” while our lowest is “Collaborating with Community.”

Stakeholder Feedback 

• Utilizing District Resources for Family Support
  • Using hubs and other one-stop-shop resources for family services was seen as a positive initiative.
    • Direct Quote: “I want to shout the HUB out… It’s a one stop shop for families.”
• Transparency and Feedback Loops:
  • Building trust through clear communication and continuous dialogue with families.
    • “Parents are your customers, students are your customers, but we’re also your partners….we need to ask parents what they want to learn about and how we can support their needs.”
    • “I am really enjoying the transparency, and the feedback and the opportunities for the community to actively engage.”

• Over 135,000 social media engagements
• Average open rate of 61% for APS Now Newsletter
• 57 Direct Messages to Families
• Average of 78,000 views of APS website

Stakeholder Feedback

• Excessive Robocalls:
  • Parents with multiple children reported being overwhelmed by duplicate or excessive robocalls.
    • Quote: "The robocalls come in eight times for each child...it interrupts my workday."
• Virtual Engagement Options:
  • Offer live or recorded virtual options to allow broader parent participation.
    • Quote: "We need virtual options for meetings so all stakeholders can stay informed."

• 63% of students reported feeling a sense of belonging at their schools, according to the AMP UP Survey. However, an 11-point gap exists between white and Black students, with white students scoring 12 points higher on average compared to English Learners (EL) and Students with Disabilities (SWD).
• The % of elementary students who responded favorably with the statement ‘I Like School’ dropped 2 percentage points to 59% in 2024.
• From SY2026 to SY2024, positive responses on the Georgia Climate Survey remained steady, with parents and personnel reporting higher satisfaction than students. 

Stakeholder Feedback

• Student Voice and Leadership
  • Students expressed a desire to participate in decisions that impact their daily lives, such as school rules and policies.
    • Quote: “Include student voice in leadership decisions and hiring practices.”
• More Opportunities for Career and Skill Development
  • Students want access to internships, work-based learning, and vocational training to prepare for life after school.
    • Quote: “Provide more funding to increase the number of AP course offerings and career pathway programs and make courses available not just at certain APS schools, but available to all APS schools.”
• Extracurricular Activities and Creative Outlets
  • Theme: Students emphasized the importance of extracurriculars, clubs, and creative spaces for fostering engagement and well-being.
    • Direct Quote: "There aren’t enough creative outlets like art and music. We need spaces to express ourselves and unwind."

• Employee retention within the district increased by 2 percentage points while retention in the same school or department increased by nearly 4 percentage points.
• HR partnered with school leaders to increase the percentage of teachers stating they have adequate planning time by 5 percentage points, from 71.6% in 2023 to 77% in 2024.
• APS narrowed the Teacher Quality Gap between high and low poverty schools by 5 percentage points through broad retention efforts and targeted recruitment efforts. 

Stakeholder Feedback: 

• Concern: Participants stressed the importance of wellness initiatives and support systems to reduce burnout and improve morale.
  • Direct Quote: "Burnout is a real issue. Teachers and staff need access to wellness programs and better work-life balance."

• 42 of 73 School Facilities have <65% utilization
• 8 of 73 School Facilities are at or approaching capacity
• Rezoned to reduce overcrowding at Woodson Park Academy

Stakeholder Feedback:

• Overcrowding in Schools
  • Concern: Parents and teachers raised concerns about overcrowded classrooms and schools, particularly in high-demand clusters.
    • Direct Quote: "We’re running out of space. Maynard Jackson High School is beyond capacity, and we need a clear strategy to manage overcrowding."
• Security and Safety Enhancements
  • Concern: Participants requested security upgrades, including ballistic film on windows and improved entry-point monitoring systems.
    • Direct Quote: "Any public-facing windows should be fortified with ballistic film to provide additional protection for our students and staff."

• Transitioned to a customer-focused, fiscally responsible, in-house nutrition model
• 55% lunch participation rate in SY2024-2025 so far, a 4% increase from SY2023-2024
• Implementation of Chew Crew to continue

Stakeholder Feedback: 

• Improved Quality of School Meals:
  • Theme: Students and parents noted improvements in the quality of school meals and expressed satisfaction.
    • Quote: "The food is really good this year; it’s much better than before."
    • “My new freshman tells me that the new cafeteria menu at MJHS is great! Lots of options and food is really good so far. And coming off of Chef Bradley at ANCS, that's a huge statement. My son loves to buy school lunch, so I'm thrilled he has great options this year. Thanks for making the investment in change.” -Maynard Jackson High School, Parent

• Bus driver vacancies are at their lowest point in several years (currently 19 vacancies). There are 28 drivers completing the training process.
• Current AM on-time arrival (OTA) is 97%.

Stakeholder Feedback:

• Challenges for Elementary and Middle School Students Near Schools:
  • Concern: Parents reported issues with buses either arriving late or skipping scheduled stops.
    • Quote: "The bus either doesn’t stop in the mornings or just stops for a few minutes and leaves the kids behind."
• Overburdened and Underappreciated Bus Drivers:
  • Concern: Bus drivers expressed frustration over low pay and lack of recognition compared to other staff members, contributing to driver shortages.
    • Quote: "We are the first people kids see, and yet we are not valued like teachers or other staff. How will kids get to school if we leave?"

• 71% of elementary students and 65% of middle and high school students stated they felt safe at school
• Assault & Battery Charges down 25%
• Confiscated firearms down 25%
• Restorative practices are up 19% overall
• 3,000 Elementary School Check-ins (Fall 2024)

Stakeholder Feedback:

• Security Enhancements for School Buildings
  • Theme: Parents and community members called for improved security measures, such as ballistic film for windows and entry-point monitoring systems.
    • Direct Quote: "All publicly facing windows should have ballistic film to provide time for response in case of an external threat."
• Mental Health as Part of Safety Strategy
  • Theme: Several participants highlighted the importance of integrating mental health support as a proactive measure for enhancing school safety.
    • Direct Quote: "School counselors support school culture and mental health, which are critical for preventing safety issues. But they’re spread too thin to be effective."