FCS Leads the State with 26 GADOE Literacy Leaders

The Georgia Department of Education announced the 2024 Literacy Leaders, and for the second year in a row, Fulton County Schools (FCS) leads the state. This recognition highlights 26 schools for their achievement or growth in the percentage of elementary and middle school students reading at or above grade level, as well as high school performance based on the American Literature End-of-Course (EOC) assessment.

“The Literacy Leader designation confirms the results of our investment in literacy,” said Board President Kimberly Dove. “Fulton County Schools students are leading the way in student success.”

This year brought adjusted criteria, which now include high schools and added a scale for growth. The Literacy Leader qualifications are based on the Georgia Milestones Reading Status indicator, which uses Lexile scores from the ELA assessment. Schools were recognized for achievement or growth in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level, with particular emphasis on third and sixth-grade reading. The criteria also require higher growth for schools with lower achievement levels.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney added, “A sustained effort, focused on data-driven strategies, has had a system-wide impact on literacy. It was not easy. It required resources and dedication, but results like this confirm we have made the right investments.”

A multiyear investment in literacy, funded largely through federal ESSER grants, supported initiatives like Every Child Reads. These grants enabled district-wide LETRS training (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), ensuring that all staff members are equipped with Science of Reading strategies to enhance literacy instruction across FCS.

A full list of schools can be found in the linked Executive Summary here.