The Challenge

• Putnam County Middle School had a history of low expectations for students, especially special education students, in mathematics. As a result, performance was low. Administrators in the rural school were determined to turn that around.

The Solution

• Students who were seriously behind in mathematics were enrolled in Ramp-Up Mathematics to help them catch up.

The Results

• Ramp-Up students had an increase of 7.9 percentage points from 5th to 6th grade in meeting or exceeding mathematics standards on the Georgia test. In the same time period, state results fell 10 percentage points.

From 5th to 6th Grade, Ramp-Up
Students Exceed State Growth

Percentage increase in proficiency on
Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Test 2004-05

School Snapshot
Putnam County Middle School
Putnam County School District

• Grades: 6-8
• 628 students
• 73 percent economically disadvantaged
• 17 percent special needs
• 4 percent English language learners
• 46 percent white
• 45 percent African American
• 8 percent Hispanic

Source: schoolmatters.com