Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has reported progress in its 2025 College and Career Readiness Index (CCRPI) results, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Education. The CCRPI evaluates schools on five components: Content Mastery, Progress, Closing Gaps, Readiness, and Graduation Rate for high schools.
APS achieved a score of 100 in the Closing Gaps component at the elementary level and saw improvements in Readiness and Content Mastery across all grade bands. Gains were also noted among students with disabilities and those who are economically disadvantaged in 11 out of 12 measured areas.
Dr. Robin Christian, principal of Barack and Michelle Obama Academy (BAMO), explained some of the strategies that contributed to these results. “At BAMO, we took an ‘all hands-on deck’ approach to supporting every learner. Working closely with the APS Data Dig team, we were very intentional in our use of various data metrics to guide which supports students would receive. We also tailored the support by leveraging the strengths of our teachers and support staff to work with aligned student groups.”
She added that leadership ensured every teacher and support staff member working directly with third- through fifth-grade students understood all aspects of CCRPI. Staff also attended training sessions on how CCRPI components are measured.
On driving student growth, Dr. Christian said: “BAMO has a growth-oriented mindset. Teachers and staff are particularly proud of the 100 on progress as that is aligned directly to how our instructional delivery model was created last year and this school year. For example, we tailored students’ predicted achievement level bands to an ‘owner’ of that group of students. These ‘owners’ delivered tailored instruction daily as an additional opportunity to work with students who may need foundational support or high-level enrichment and acceleration.”
The “owners” included school leadership such as principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, MTSS specialists, EELTs, teacher tutors, and classroom teachers. Each student received an additional support plan with supplemental time focused on their needs related to Georgia Milestones Assessment System Achievement Level Bands.
Dr. Christian highlighted what distinguishes BAMO’s teaching approach: “What sets BAMO apart is our approach to using additional support staff, classroom tutors, volunteers, partners, and external agencies to add value to what is already happening in the classrooms with our amazing teachers. For a classroom teacher to be expected to do this work alone is almost unrealistic when serving a wide range of students… This is why…we believe in pushing into the classroom…that we are all accountable for improving student achievement.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Christian shared her hopes for continued progress: “Our collective hopes and expectations for moving the work forward at BAMO are that we will maintain our 100 in progress while getting back to our 100 in closing gaps related to CCRPI.” She said they aim to improve proficiency levels by maintaining their comprehensive approach.
To further support student achievement, BAMO has introduced extended learning days on Mondays and Thursdays for identified students needing extra help in literacy and mathematics; over 50 students participate in these sessions each week alongside regular academic instruction.
