Newton County Schools Announces Six “Beating the Odds” Schools Recognized by State
Newton County Schools is proud to announce that approximately one quarter of the district’s schools are outperforming their demographic peers across the state, according to the most recent statewide accountability data released through Georgia’s Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA).
Six Newton County Schools have been identified as “Beating the Odds” schools — a designation recognizing schools that are performing at a higher level than would statistically be expected when compared to schools across Georgia serving similar student populations and facing similar demographic and contextual challenges.
The following Newton County Schools were identified as “Beating the Odds” schools:
• Alcovy High School
• Eastside High School
• Newton County STEAM Academy
• Oak Hill Elementary School
• Porterdale Elementary School
• South Salem Elementary School
“Beating the Odds” (BTO) is a statistical analysis that compares a school’s actual performance on the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) with the projected performance of schools with similar characteristics across Georgia. The analysis considers a variety of factors outside of a school’s direct control, including poverty rates, English learner populations, students with disabilities, student mobility, enrollment, race and ethnicity demographics, and grade configuration.
According to GOSA, schools identified as “Beating the Odds” are demonstrating stronger academic performance than projected within a single school year when compared to demographically similar schools statewide.
“This recognition is meaningful because it places school performance in proper context,” said Dr. Duke Bradley III, Newton County Schools’ superintendent. “Having roughly one quarter of our schools identified as outperforming their demographic peers across the state is significant. Our educators and school leaders are working each day to help students succeed despite very real challenges that can impact teaching and learning, and this recognition is another indicator that the progress taking place across Newton County Schools is both real and measurable.”
The designation serves as a companion accountability measure to Georgia’s CCRPI system and is intended to provide additional insight into school performance by comparing schools serving similar populations rather than evaluating schools solely on raw achievement outcomes.
“We are proud of the work taking place in these schools and the commitment of our teachers, administrators, support staff, students, and families,” said Tracy Blackburn. “The ‘Beating the Odds’ designation highlights schools that are demonstrating strong outcomes while serving diverse student populations with varying needs. It reinforces the importance of examining student achievement through multiple measures and recognizing growth and progress within context.”
Superintendent Bradley noted that the “Beating the Odds” designation is only one of several accountability measures used to evaluate school and district performance, but said the recognition adds another layer of validation to the district’s broader academic progress.
“As we continue moving forward, we remain focused on ensuring every school and every student has the support necessary to succeed,” Bradley said. “This recognition reflects the hard work taking place across our district and demonstrates that meaningful progress is occurring in schools throughout Newton County.”