For a fifth consecutive year, a third of all Fulton County schools have been recognized for improving and promoting academic excellence, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Education and the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.

The Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) recognition program awarded 31 Fulton County schools – the second highest number of any school system in the state – in two categories, Greatest Gains and Highest Performance.

Schools in the Greatest Gains category showed the greatest improvement in scores on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) or the Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT). Those in the Highest Performance category demonstrated the highest achievement on the CRCT or GHSGT. Awards are granted in four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. (See chart for a description of awards criteria)

In addition, three of Fulton’s four Greatest Gains schools – Heards Ferry Elementary School, Alpharetta High School and TEACH Charter High School – also were featured in the High Performance category. Of the 327 schools listed statewide, they are three of only 20 schools statewide to receive awards in both categories. Fulton County has the most schools statewide earning the award in both categories.

The SSAS award structure combines criteria for making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), a cornerstone of the No Child Left Behind act, with performance data on state curriculum exams.

The recognized schools will receive an acknowledgement letter from State Superintendent Kathy Cox and a special banner announcing the award.