Georgia

How Are Georgia Milestone Assessment Scores Grouped for Reporting?

Understanding how Georgia Milestone Assessment System (GMAS) scores are grouped can empower educators, administrators, and families to support every student’s academic journey. These scores provide clear insight into a student’s mastery of Georgia Standards of Excellence and help schools tailor instruction based on individual needs.

What Are the 4 GMAS Performance Levels?

GMAS scores fall into four distinct performance levels:

  1. Beginning Learner
    Students in this category do not yet demonstrate proficiency and require substantial academic support to succeed in the next grade level or course. This group is not currently on track for college and career readiness.
  2. Developing Learner
    These students show partial proficiency. They need additional support to meet grade-level expectations and to ensure long-term academic success.
  3. Proficient Learner
    Proficient Learners have demonstrated grade-level mastery and are prepared for the next academic step. They are considered on track for college and career readiness.
  4. Distinguished Learner
    This group exceeds grade-level expectations, demonstrating advanced mastery. They are not only on track, but well ahead in preparation for college and career.

Performance Level Score Ranges by Subject and Grade

Below is a breakdown of scale score thresholds for each level across various subjects and grades, along with estimated numbers of correct answers needed to achieve each performance level. Please note that the exact number of correct answers required can vary depending on the specific test form and administration.

English Language Arts (ELA)

Grade Beginning Learner Developing Learner Proficient Learner Distinguished Learner Est. Correct Answers
(out of ~55)
3 180–474 475–524 525–580 581–830 0–27 / 28–35 / 36–45 / 46–55
4 210–474 475–524 525–573 574–775 0–27 / 28–35 / 36–45 / 46–55
5 210–474 475–524 525–586 587–760 0–27 / 28–35 / 36–45 / 46–55
6 140–474 475–524 525–598 599–820 0–27 / 28–35 / 36–45 / 46–55
7 165–474 475–524 525–591 592–785 0–27 / 28–35 / 36–45 / 46–55
8 225–474 475–524 525–580 581–730 0–27 / 28–35 / 36–45 / 46–55

 

Mathematics

Grade Beginning Learner Developing Learner Proficient Learner Distinguished Learner Est. Correct Answers
(out of ~55)
3 290–474 475–524 525–579 580–705 0–28 / 29–36 / 37–46 / 47–58
4 270–474 475–524 525–584 585–715 0–28 / 29–36 / 37–46 / 47–58
5 265–474 475–524 525–579 580–725 0–28 / 29–36 / 37–46 / 47–58
6 285–474 475–524 525–579 580–700 0–28 / 29–36 / 37–46 / 47–58
7 265–474 475–524 525–579 580–740 0–28 / 29–36 / 37–46 / 47–58
8 275–474 475–524 525–578 579–755 0–28 / 29–36 / 37–46 / 47–58

 

Science (Grades 5 and 8)

Grade Beginning Learner Developing Learner Proficient Learner Distinguished Learner Est. Correct Answers
(out of ~55)
5 160–474 475–524 525–594 595–780 0–27 / 28–35 / 36–45 / 46–55
8 165–474 475–524 525–592 593–785 0–27 / 28–35 / 36–45 / 46–55

 

Social Studies (Grade 8)

Grade Beginning Learner Developing Learner Proficient Learner Distinguished Learner Est. Correct Answers
(out of ~55)
8 240–474 475–524 525–571 572–715 0–27 / 28–35 / 36–45 / 46–55

 

Note: The estimated number of correct answers is based on approximate total items per test and general performance level thresholds. Actual scoring may vary depending on test form and specific item weighting.

Supporting Students Across All Levels

For Beginning Learners

These students need the most academic intervention. Progress Learning offers Liftoff, an adaptive tool that helps identify learning gaps and delivers personalized instruction. Our tools are proven effective in moving students toward grade-level proficiency, especially when paired with data from diagnostics or NWEA MAP.

For Developing Learners

These students benefit from targeted remediation to bridge knowledge gaps. Progress Learning makes it easy for teachers to assign standards-based practice based on diagnostic results, and our quick-click remediation streamlines intervention to ensure timely support.

For Proficient Learners

Proficient students are on grade level, and our tools reinforce learning through practice that mirrors state assessments. Regular progress monitoring ensures students stay on track and continue to grow.

For Distinguished Learners

To keep high-achieving students engaged, we offer enrichment activities and gamified learning through arcade-style games. These students can also benefit from deeper-level questions and cross-grade challenges.

Why It Matters: What If a Student Doesn’t Meet Expectations?

Failing to meet expectations can affect confidence and academic progression, not to mention school accountability measures. Immediate, individualized support is essential—and it’s exactly what Progress Learning delivers. With resources designed by veteran educators, our platform provides both the data and tools needed for fast, effective remediation.

Real-World Impact: Douglas County, GA

A Johns Hopkins study found that students in Douglas County using Progress Learning significantly outperformed their peers in math by over 4 points on the Georgia Milestones Assessment. Even in ELA, where gains were more modest, Progress Learning users showed stronger growth than non-users​.

This isn’t just a win for test prep—it’s a win for instruction, intervention, and student growth at every level.

Need tools built for Georgia educators? Explore our solutions for Georgia elementary, middle, and high schools or get in touch to learn how Progress Learning can support your district. Whether your students are just starting out or aiming for Distinguished Learner status, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Subscribe below for more help navigating the Georgia Milestone Assessments.

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