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Cherokee County schools honored this week as among the top 10 in the state for science test scores cite preparation as the method for their success.

Freedom Middle, Sequoyah High and Woodstock High all garnered inaugural Superintendent's Distinguished Achievement awards presented by State Superintendent Kathy Cox in the field of science achievement.

The Cherokee County School District's practice of consistent review and practice using state test sample questions helped propel the schools into the state spotlight, officials said.

"It says a lot for the quality of teachers in Cherokee County," Jan Nourollahi, science teacher on special assignment for the district, said of the awards. "It indicates they are committed to high quality and standards."

Sequoyah High ranked at No. 5 and Woodstock High at No. 6 on the list of the 10 schools statewide that saw the highest percentage of students exceeding standards on the Georgia High School Graduation Test.

For the end-of-course test awards, Sequoyah High was named to the top-10 lists for students' achievement on the biology (No. 9) and physical science (No. 9) exams. The school also made the list at No. 10 for its geometry test scores.

Freedom Middle was honored for eighth-graders' achievement on the science portion of the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests, making the list at No. 10.

Woodstock High Principal Bill Sebring said his science department deserves all the credit for the award.

"Our science department does a great job with Kelly Burke as chair," he said.

The school made the list because 79.6 percent of students exceeded standards on the test last school year.

Although not a factor in the state ranking, the school's overall science scores went up, with 96 percent passing last school year, an increase from 95 percent the previous year.

Sebring said he was pleased to see Woodstock, as well as Sequoyah, outrank other schools in the state deemed high-achieving, such as Lassiter High and Pope High, both in Cobb County.

"When you look at some of the best high schools in Georgia... it makes us feel good about what's happening in our system," he said.

Mrs. Burke said the entire science staff at Woodstock High "strives constantly to motivate students."

One way they do this, she said, is by scheduling review sessions for the graduation test before and after school beginning in February.

She said teachers also provide students with practice questions for the exam.

"Our achievement is a reflection of our entire science department," she said. "Our entire staff works doggedly everyday."

At Sequoyah High, 79.8 percent of the students exceeded standards on the science test last school year. Overall, 99 percent of students passed the science test - an increase from 97 percent the previous year.

On the end-of-course tests last school year, 94 percent passed biology, 96 percent geometry and 95 percent physical science. The previous spring, 86 percent passed biology, 97 percent geometry and 91 percent physical science.

Out of the 326 Freedom Middle students tested last school year, 35 percent exceeded standards for the science portion of the CRCT.

Freedom Principal Karen Hawley said she was pleased to see the school ranked in the top 10 for science achievement.

"I credit all the work to the teachers and students," she said. "They've worked really hard. I'm proud of them and we are going after more awards next year."

Freedom Science Department Chairwoman Melissa Christensen said teachers' focus on "inquiry-based, hands-on activities" help students "learn by discovery."

"We have a goal and that's for students to be problem-solvers," she said. "They become confident in problem-solving."

Polaris Evening was honored for students' improvement on the High School Graduation Test in the social studies section (No. 3) with a 23-percent increase to 93 percent passing and the math section (No. 6) with a 12-percent increase to 84 percent passing.

Polaris Principal Dr. Judy Battles said the recognition could be attributed to increased participation among students and their determination to graduate high school.

School staff honored students with a pizza party Friday night and congratulated them on their achievements.

"We are continuing to communicate and praise them," Dr. Battles said.

kdixon@cherokeetribune.com

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