Testing

ACCESS for ELLs is a state-required English language proficiency test given to Corley Elementary students in the Multilingual Learner program to measure progress in Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. It shows each child’s current level of social and academic English, helps teachers tailor instruction and supports, tracks year‑to‑to‑year growth, and provides data the school uses to evaluate its language programs. ACCESS results also help determine when a student can exit ML services.

District Assessments are short tests given each nine weeks at Corley Elementary to check how well students in grades 3–5 are mastering grade‑level standards in math, science, social studies, and language arts. Results help teachers plan instruction and targeted support, give families a snapshot of their child’s learning, and count toward the report card (elementary district assessments equal about 5% of a student’s course grade).

i-Ready is a short, computer-based screening test given to all Corley Elementary K–5 students to check reading and math skills three times a year (K–3 per state law; K–5 at Corley). Results help teachers see each child’s strengths and where extra support or enrichment is needed, track progress across the year (Fall, Winter, Spring), and guide classroom instruction, interventions, and summer learning plans.

GKIDS is the state-required kindergarten assessment used at Corley Elementary throughout the year to track your child’s progress on the early skills and knowledge that support success in 1st grade and beyond. Results help teachers tailor instruction and supports to meet each child’s needs.

The Georgia Milestones are state-required spring tests for all Corley Elementary 3rd–5th graders: every student takes English/Language Arts and Math; 5th graders also take Science. These assessments measure how well students have learned grade-level standards, help teachers and the district plan instruction and supports, and inform readiness for the next grade. Georgia law requires participation in Milestones (students may not opt out); End‑of‑Course tests for older students count toward course grades and ensure final grades reflect student achievement. For 2025–26 there are new ELA assessments with scores released in fall 2026, so certain reading promotion requirements are temporarily waived.

Gwinnett Writes is a district writing assessment given once each year (third quarter) to Corley Elementary 4th graders; students choose a prompt and write an informative or argumentative response based on Language Arts, Science, or Social Studies topics. It measures grade‑level writing skills taught all year, counts for 5% of the course grade, and helps teachers see each child’s writing strengths and needs so instruction can be targeted.