As amended by the A+ Education Reform Act of 2000, Georgia law requires that all students in grades one through eight take the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) in reading, English/language arts, and mathematics. Students in grades three through eight are also assessed in science and social studies. The CRCT assesses the content standards outlined in the Quality Core Curriculum (QCC).

The A+ Educational Reform Act of 2000, O.C.G.A. §20-2-281, also mandates that the State Board of Education adopt end-of-course assessments in grades nine through twelve for core subjects to be determined by the State Board of Education. With educator input and State Board approval, the End-of-Course Testing program is comprised of the following eight content area assessments:

Mathematics

• Algebra I
• Geometry

Social Studies

• United States History
• Economics/Business/Free Enterprise

Science

• Biology
• Physical Science

English Language Arts

• Ninth Grade Literature and Composition
• American Literature and Composition

The EOCT will be administered during the fall/winter, spring, and summer. The Georgia High School Graduation Tests address the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, social studies and science.

Merit’s Language Arts and math software programs correlate to Georgia’s Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) and can help students prepare for the CRCT, EOCT and the High School Graduation Tests. The content and format of Merit’s programs can help students develop and strengthen their test-taking skills as well as their reading, writing and math skills.

Merit reading software has been proven -- through rigorous, scientifically based research -- to increase both student reading comprehension and standardized test scores. Merit research study findings reveal that education software is an effective tool to improve test scores and academic performance.



Published: May 2005