Georgia state superintendent honors Crisp County Primary after 15-point third-grade literacy gain

Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods presented the Literacy Leader Award to Crisp County Primary School Friday, praising the school for a 15-point gain in third-grade literacy.

"Today we're recognizing Crisp County Primary for the work they did ... especially as we get ready for our statewide test," Woods said, calling the 15-point increase "phenomenal." He credited teachers' dedication and classroom collaboration for the improvement.

Woods placed the school's progress in a broader context, saying "the state of education across Georgia is good, but there is room for improvement." He pointed to persistent obstacles that affect early learning, including poverty and chronic absenteeism, and said these factors mean some students "start a little bit behind" at the beginning of the school year.

Citing statewide trends, Woods said the graduation rate has risen from about 70 percent to 87 percent since he took office and that the career pathway completer graduation rate is 98 percent.

The award presentation was framed as both recognition and encouragement: "We just wanted to make sure that we at the state are supporting and serving these individuals. Their success is our success," Woods said.

The ceremony concluded with congratulations to staff and students at Crisp County Primary School. For the city of Cordele, Rick Smart reported on the event.