Two McDuffie County Schools were recently recognized by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) as leader schools. GaDOE released its list of schools that demonstrated exceptional achievement or growth in reading and mathematics during the 2024-2025 school year, naming Literacy Leader schools for excellence in reading and Math Leader schools for excellence in mathematics.
Dearing Elementary was recognized as a Literacy Leader school, and Thomson-McDuffie Middle was recognized as a Math Leader school. The criteria for these honors recognize the crucial importance of grade-level reading in third grade and numeracy skills in eighth grade.
“Strong literacy and math skills open the door for every opportunity our students will encounter in school, in their future careers, and in life,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “The schools recognized as Literacy Leaders and Math Leaders have shown a deep commitment to ensuring every student has the tools to succeed. I’m proud to honor their work and the positive impact they’re making on students across our state as we work to prepare all students for life.”
Dearing Elementary was one of 406 schools across the state to meet the qualifications for recognition as a Literacy Leader. These qualifications use the Georgia Milestones Reading Status indicator, which is based on the Lexile score associated with students' performance on a subset of questions on the ELA assessment.
Thomson-McDuffie Middle was one of 479 schools to meet the qualifications for recognition as a Math Leader. Awards were given for the high-school level Algebra: Concepts and Connections EOC, which is the state test for mathematics. Math Leader qualifications are based on students achieving the Proficient Learner level or above on the Georgia Milestones mathematics assessments.
“We are proud of the work that is happening in classrooms at all levels across our district,” said McDuffie County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mychele Rhodes. “We are particularly honored that Dearing Elementary and Thomson-McDuffie Middle have achieved the level of criteria set by the state to be recognized for the exceptional learning that takes place there every day.”
Georgia’s continued progress in literacy and mathematics reflects sustained, statewide efforts to strengthen foundational learning. In recent years, GaDOE has implemented new, high-quality K-12 Mathematics Standards and launched comprehensive initiatives to support evidence-based literacy instruction, including professional learning, coaching support, and resources for classrooms. This school year, new English Language Arts standards — developed by Georgia educators and aligned to the science of reading — also took effect, ensuring students build strong reading, writing, speaking, and language skills from the earliest grades.
State Superintendent Woods will visit select schools identified as Literacy and Math Leaders throughout the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year to recognize and congratulate them.