Metric Six - Student Achievement Goals and Outcomes

Metric 6: Scores on Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE)

The table below shows end-of-program student achievement data for the first graduating cohort of SGSC's new baccalaureate degree program in the Elementary and Special Education program, which enrolled its first class of juniors for the fall semester of 2019. The data includes scores on the Georgia Public Service Commission's approved education content tests and the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE). Students must pass these tests to be certified to teach in the State of Georgia. The data also shows student grade point averages upon entry into and exit of the program.

GACE Assessment	Program Completion	South Georgia State College			Statewide
Test	Year	Total Candidates	Candidates Passed	Pass Percentage	Total Candidates	Candidates Passed	Pass Percentage
Early Childhood Special Education General Curriculum Test I	2019-21	17	17	100	2845	2467	86.7
	2020-22	25	25	100	3253	2834	87.1
	2021-23	23	23	100	1416	1339	94.6
	2022-24	41	39	95	565	513	91
Early Childhood Special Education General Curriculum Test II	2019-21	17	17	100	5856	5368	91.7
	2020-22	25	25	100	5763	5394	93.6
	2021-23	23	23	100	1430	1334	93.3
	2022-24	41	38	93	564	503	89
Source: Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC); SGSC Banner .

Analysis and Evaluation of Metric 6

South Georgia State College’s B.S. in Elementary and Special Education program has consistently achieved impressive GACE assessment pass rates of 93%-100% from 2019-2024, outperforming statewide averages and meeting its goal of 100% graduate certification in Georgia, well above the minimum 90% pass rate threshold within three years. With a strong demand for qualified elementary and special education teachers in Georgia, all program graduates have typically secured employment as certified teachers in the state, underscoring the program’s success in preparing students for both certification and immediate entry into the education field.