Curriculum Resource Information for Families
General Information
Georgia Standards
Teachers in the TCSS provide standards based instruction to students. All of the Georgia Standards can be found in the GaDOE SuitCASE.
Inspire is an open access platform that supports Georgia families in understanding the foundational elements of Georgia's K-12 curriculum.
Georgia Milestones Assessment System
The Georgia Milestones Assessment System is a comprehensive summative assessment program and represents a single system of summative assessments that span all three levels of the state's educational system – elementary, middle, and high school. The system is designed to send consistent signals about students' preparedness for the next level, be it the next grade, course, or endeavor, such as entering college or beginning a career after leaving the K-12 educational system.
The Georgia Milestones Assessment System is designed to provide information about how well students are mastering the state-adopted content standards in the core content areas of English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Importantly, Georgia Milestones is designed to provide students with critical information about their own achievement and their readiness for their next level of learning – be it the next grade, the next course, or the next endeavor (college or career).
Georgia Milestones is a single assessment system that consists of end-of-grade or end-of-course measures in the following grades/content areas:
ELA (3 - 8, & Literature & Composition II), Math (3 - 8, & Algebra), Science (5, 8, & Biology), SS (8 & US History)
Georgia Early Literacy, Dyslexia, and the Science of Reading
- Georgia Early Literacy Laws
- Parent Information about Dyslexia
- Science of Reading / Supporting Your Child's Reading Development
- Assessments / Screeners
Georgia Early Literacy Laws
Georgia has strengthened its early literacy requirements to help ensure that students develop strong reading skills in the early grades. HB 307 strengthened the Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act, including requiring all K–3 students to receive a universal reading screener three times each school year and strengthening expectations around identifying and supporting students who may be at risk for reading difficulties.
The Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 (HB 1193) builds on that work by expanding Georgia's statewide literacy supports. It includes requirements related to high-quality, science-of-reading-aligned instruction, literacy planning, intervention and parent communication, and additional literacy coaching support for K–3 schools.
Parent Information about Dyslexia
Dyslexia Informational Handbook
DYSLEXIA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR GEORGIA FAMILIES
Georgia Department of Education - Dyslexia Website
The following websites offer parent-friendly resources concerning dyslexia.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Decoding Dyslexia Georgia
- EduMed
- Get Georgia Reading
- International Dyslexia Association Georgia
- Kids Health Factsheet
- Literacy for Learning, Living and Leading in Georgia (L4GA)
- Understood
- Parent to Parent of Georgia
- National Center on Improving Literacy - Parents and Families
Science of Reading / Supporting Your Child's Reading Development
Science of Reading (A Parent Guide)
You may have heard the term “Science of Reading.” This refers to a comprehensive body of research by cognitive scientists and reading experts that has taught us more about how our brains learn to read and is related to writing. We know learning to read is much different than learning to speak, and is actually a very complex process. Because of that, we want our classrooms and teaching strategies to reflect this research and what we know is best practice. Below are the areas of focus based on this research:
Oral Language:
The system through which we use spoken words to express knowledge, ideas, and feelings. This lays the foundation for reading and writing.
Phonemic Awareness:
This skill is the ability to notice (hear), think about, and work with individual sounds in spoken words. For example: blending sounds into words, segmenting words into individual sounds, and adding/deleting sounds in words.
Phonics:
Classroom instruction focuses on the connection between sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes) including alphabetic letters, various letter blends, groups of letters and their sound, syllable types and multisyllabic words.
Vocabulary
Instruction is designed to engage students in actively thinking about word meanings, the relationships among words, and how we can use words in different situations. This type of rich, deep instruction is most likely to influence comprehension.
Fluency:
The ability to read text accurately, with reasonable speed and with appropriate expression that results in understanding and recalling what is read.
Background Knowledge
Having a wide knowledge of topics provides readers enough understanding to make meaning and build onto what they currently know. The more knowledge a reader has on a topic, the more likely it will have influence for better comprehension.
Comprehension:
The understanding and interpretation of what is read. Many complex skills must work automatically in fluent coordination to attain comprehension.
Writing:
Instruction involves using letter sound knowledge to spell and write (within developmental appropriateness) and to communicate ideas clearly in an expressive and organized manner appropriate for the genre. It also includes using proper strokes to correctly form letters and have neat handwriting.
Click the image below for access to many resources that can be used to support your child's reading development.
Assessments / Screeners
In accordance with HB 307, Troup County School System will administer a universal reading screener that has been approved by the State Board of Education of Georgia. Universal Reading Screeners will be administered three times each school year in grades K-3 and results will be shared with parents. This year TCSS will be administering Amira’s Dyslexia & Reading Difficulties Screener. This screener has been ranked as a top screener for reliability, validity, and effectiveness by the Sandra Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy. Amira’s universal screener assesses critical foundational literacy skills, including phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling, oral language, and rapid automatized naming (RAN).
Parent Resources
- Parent Resources
- Birth - 3 years Resources
- PreK Resources
- K-2 Resources
- Grade 3 - 5 Resources
- Grades 6 - 12 Resources
Parent Resources
Birth - 3 years Resources
Parent Supports for Literacy
Books Your Child Should Hear Before Kindergarten
1000 Books Before Kindergarten Phonics
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Videos for Family Literacy Support
Having a Conversation about a Book
National Center for Improving Literacy
West Georgia Regional Libraries
Georgia Department of Early Learning and Care
Building a Family of Readers - Phonological Awareness
Get Ready to Read - Tips for Parents
Building Vocabulary with Read Alouds
Activities to Build Literacy at Home
Names & Words Android App available on Google Play
Names & Words iOS App available on iTunes
Numbers & Shapes Android App available on Google Play
Numbers & Shapes iOS App available on iTunes
ABC Letter Writing Android App available on Google Play
ABC Letter Writing iOS App available on iTunes
Fingerplay Songs for Developing Literacy and Fine Motor Skills
Fine Motor Activities that Promote Pincher Grasp
Jack Hartman-Music for Learning
PreK Resources
Parent Supports for Literacy
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Videos for Family Literacy Support
Having a Conversation about a Book
11 Ways to Support Your Child's Reading
The Role of Orthographic Mapping in Learning to Read
National Center on Improving Literacy
West Georgia Regional Libraries
Georgia Department of Early Learning and Care
Building a Family of Readers-Phonological Awareness
Get Ready to Read-Tips for Parents
Building Vocabulary with Read Alouds
Activities to Build Literacy at Home
Fingerplay Songs for Developing Literacy and Fine Motor Skills
K-2 Resources
Parent Supports for Literacy
Helping Your Child Read and Spell Long Words
Teaching your Child to Self-Monitor for Understanding and Self-Correct Word Reading Errors
Top 10 Resources for Comprehension
The Hidden Benefits of Reading to Older Students
A Phoneme, A Grapheme, A Morpheme: What’s the Difference?
Helping Your Child Read and Spell Long Words
How to use Elkonin Boxes for Decoding
Having a Conversation about a Book
Top 10 Resources for Comprehension
11 Ways to Support Your Child's Reading
Supporting Your Child's Reading at Home
National Center on Improving Literacy
Building Vocabulary with Read Alouds
West Georgia Regional Libraries
Activities to Build Literacy at Home
Nessy Reading, Spelling and Writing Videos
Helping Your Kid With Basic Phonics at Home
Spelling and Decoding Multisyllabic Words
Printable Books and Activities
Jack Hartman-Music for Learning
Grade 3 - 5 Resources
Grades 6 - 12 Resources
Parent Supports for Literacy
Ways to Keep Your Middle Schooler Interested in Reading
West Georgia Regional Libraries
Activities to Build Literacy at Home
Elementary
ELA
UFLI Foundations (K-2)
UFLI Foundations is a research-based program used to teach students the foundational skills they need to read and spell words successfully. The program is aligned with the Science of Reading and provides explicit, systematic instruction—meaning skills are taught directly and in a carefully planned sequence that builds from simpler skills to more complex ones.
During UFLI lessons, students learn how sounds and letters work together. They practice hearing and working with sounds in words, connecting sounds to letters, blending sounds to read words, breaking words apart to spell them, and reading words accurately and automatically.
Students also receive lots of opportunities to practice previously learned skills while new skills are gradually introduced. This helps students build confidence and become increasingly independent readers and writers.
Heggerty Phonemic Awareness (K)
Heggerty Phonemic Awareness is a supplemental resource that can provide additional support for students who need more practice with the sounds they hear in spoken words. Heggerty is not used as part of our core reading curriculum. Instead, teachers can use it as an additional layer of support to reinforce important phonemic awareness skills and strengthen the foundation students need for successful reading and spelling.
EL Education (K-1)
Teachers facilitate standards-aligned reading instruction using complex, grade-level texts and a variety of multimodal resources. Instruction is grounded in close reading practices and includes explicit support for vocabulary development, analysis of text structures and author’s craft, and the application of comprehension strategies. Students engage in purposeful reading, thinking, and writing tasks that require them to cite evidence and build understanding over time.
Students actively collaborate through structured discussions, turn-and-talks, and accountable talk routines that promote equity of voice and deepen comprehension. Through these interactions, students process ideas, articulate their thinking, and respond to text using evidence. Academic vocabulary is intentionally taught and reinforced in context to support language development and meaningful participation in learning.
Scholastic Storyworks (2-5)
Scholastic Storyworks is a literacy resource designed specifically for elementary students. It provides engaging, age-appropriate fiction and nonfiction texts across a variety of genres and topics. The texts are paired with opportunities for students to build vocabulary, comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening skills while working toward grade-level ELA standards.
Along with the student texts, teachers receive instructional guidance that helps them plan purposeful lessons around each story. This guidance identifies important reading skills and standards and provides questions, activities, and opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding.
Project Read Assessment and Planning Portal (K-2)
Project Read Assessment and Planning Portal is a tool teachers use alongside UFLI Foundations to help monitor students’ foundational reading skills. Teachers enter information from UFLI assessments, and the portal helps identify specific skills students have mastered or may need additional practice with. It also helps teachers use that information to create flexible instructional groups and plan targeted reading instruction based on students’ needs. Over time, the assessment information can help teachers monitor students’ progress and adjust instruction as needed.
LitLab (K-2)
Litlab is an online platform that gives teachers and students access to decodable texts. Decodable texts are specially designed books and passages that allow students to practice reading words using the phonics skills and letter-sound patterns they have already learned.
Teachers can use LitLab as an additional resource to provide students with meaningful reading practice that connects directly to their foundational reading instruction. This gives students opportunities to apply their phonics skills in real text, rather than practicing words only in isolation.
Magnetic Reading (3-5)
Magnetic Reading provides additional texts that teachers in grades 3-5 can use to extend learning of the ELA standards.
360 Writing
(K-5)
An Instructional Framework for Georgia’s Writing Standards
Teaching writing is not easy. It becomes more manageable when broken up into steps. That’s exactly what 360Writing does. It is an evidenced-based instructional framework designed to help students meet the writing expectations of Georgia’s standards. The frameworks for each grade level and genre follow a 3-step pathway to success:
-
Build genre vocabulary
-
Build shorter pieces in the genre
-
Build more extended pieces in the genre
Each step of the way, the lessons build students’ confidence and skill, leaving them better-prepared for the next step. And because each framework follows the same pathway, writing instruction stays consistent from one grade level and genre to the next.
Math
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IXL Math (K-5)
IXL Math provides standards-aligned instruction designed to help students build a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and skills. Teachers use explicit modeling, guided practice, hands-on models, problem-solving tasks, and collaborative discussions to help students understand not only how to solve a problem, but why the math works.
Students also have opportunities to practice skills independently and build accuracy and fluency. Ongoing assessment helps teachers identify individual strengths and needs so they can adjust instruction and provide targeted support or enrichment.
GaDOE Learning Plans (K-5)
The Georgia Mathematics standards are designed to help learners achieve a balance among concepts, skills, and problem solving. They provide clear expectations for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student work. The standards stress rigorous concept development and real-world applications while maintaining a strong emphasis on computational and procedural skills. At all grades, the standards encourage students to reason mathematically, to evaluate mathematical arguments both formally and informally, to use the language of mathematics to communicate ideas and information precisely, and to make connections among mathematical topics and to other disciplines. Georgia Mathematics K-12 Parent Letters
Reflex & Frax (2-5)
Reflex and Frax are online math programs that give students additional practice with important math skills in an engaging, interactive format.
Reflex helps students build math fact fluency so they can quickly and accurately recall basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. Strong fact fluency allows students to focus their thinking on more complex math rather than spending so much effort calculating basic facts.
Frax helps students develop a strong understanding of fractions through interactive activities and problem solving. Students build an understanding of how fractions work, how they relate to one another, and how to use fractions in different situations.
Extended Learning Opportunities
TCSS Greenpower Initiative
The Troup County Greenpower initiative offers students in grades 4-12 the opportunity to design, build, and race electric cars through Greenpower USA. Students are provided with a hands-on, project-based learning experience that engages them academically and builds critical employability skills. Elementary students in grades 4-5 can participate in the Goblin program, while students in grades 6-12 participate in the Formula 24 program. Both programs utilize race events and team presentations on a variety of topics and formats for competition.
In the Goblin program students learn critical lessons in areas such as tool use and safety, effective communication, time management, critical thinking, and teamwork. At this level, the teacher is giving close supervision and direction, and the focus of the Goblin build is on teaching students to work collaboratively and understand foundational concepts in STEM.
For middle and high school students completing the F24 build, the foundational skills learned through the Goblin program are built upon with the introduction of functional system changes such as tire composition and pressure, gear ratio changes, drive systems, electrical, steering and brakes systems, weight reduction, and motor control. In the process of implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of these changes, students learn that they must work together for their team to be successful. This concept is reinforced as the students begin to shift from teacher direction to student direction with teacher support and oversight.
Teams also have the opportunity to learn & utilize computer aided design (CAD) to create custom parts to make their F24 more competitive, providing a rich learning experience with the engineering design process. The result is that students are being equipped with valuable, employable skills that will benefit them no matter what they decide to do after high school.
Starting in August 2017 the three Troup County middle schools piloted the Greenpower program with great success. It has since expanded to almost every school in our district, totaling 40 race cars and teams at all levels are achieving success on a national level. There are currently over 500 teams across the United States. At the conclusion of the 2021-2022 season, five of the top ten Goblin teams in the nation were TCSS teams. In the middle school division Long Cane’s Cougar Strong Racing won their fourth consecutive national championship in the modified division. And in the high school division Troup High School had a second place national finish in the stock division.
Moving forward we will continue to develop & strengthen the Greenpower opportunity for the students of Troup County. We believe that the Greenpower STEM program is the very best workforce development program available, and it equips students with valuable skills that will benefit them no matter what career path they choose.
We are currently working with the Development Authority of LaGrange to connect our local industries to our Greenpower initiative in Troup County. The result of that work is going to be very exciting, and we cannot wait to see how it develops in the coming months.
See you at the finish line!
Matthew Graham
Greenpower Coordinator, TCSS
Strings Attached
AWIM
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers)
SAE International’s A World In Motion® (AWIM) is a teacher-administered, industry volunteer-assisted program that brings science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to life in the classroom for students in grades 1-8. Aligned to the national standards, AWIM incorporates the laws of physics, motion, and flight into age-appropriate hands-on activities that reinforce classroom STEM curriculum and engineering concepts for high student engagement.
The SAE Foundation encourages and strives to increase student participation and achievement in science, technology, engineering and math through educational programs, including A World In Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series™. SAE International is a global association of more than 133,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries. SAE International’s core competencies are life-long learning and voluntary consensus standards development.
KIA - Partner in Education
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As a partner in education, KIA provides funding support for the AWIM curriculum implementation in the Troup County School System
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KIA provides volunteers to assist and interact with students in the classroom and at the in-person JetToy Challenge for 5th grade.
AWIM Curriculum Implemented in TCSS
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Grade |
AWIM Curriculum Experience |
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1 |
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2 |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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AWIM Curriculum Middle School |
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6 |
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7 |
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8 |
Middle School
ELA
myPerspectives
myPerspectives is a powerful English language arts curriculum for Grades 6–8 that values the perspective of the learner, collectively and individually, and provides next-gen learning experiences that promote higher achievement and develop the competencies needed for college and career readiness. Interactive learning blends print and technology in a student-centered, teacher-inspired classroom. This dynamic Savvas program creates an interactive, engaging, and relevant learning environment through readings, meaningful activities, and purposeful performance tasks. myPerspectives encourages social collaboration as well as student ownership of learning through goal setting, choice, and reflection. myPerspectives ties in media, blogs, films, and multimedia as well as debates to make connections to 21st century learners in profound ways.
myPerspectives creates a teacher-led, student-centered classroom. The literature gets students excited to read and respond through conversations and writing. The teacher models concepts for the class, then students collaborate in smaller groups on specific tasks. Next, students complete independent work and come back and share their learning. This framework supports and challenges students to become collaborative and self-directed learners.
Knowing and using skills are an integral part of myPerspectives. The program is backward designed from standards-based learning outcomes. All activities, instruction, and assessments contribute to students demonstrating their learning in response to an achievable performance-based assessment. Students integrate the knowledge they acquired, apply critical thinking skills, cite evidence, and use effective expression to respond to a complex multi-step writing and/or speaking and listening task.
Extensive resources support, engage, and extend learning.
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Digital Library with 140+ eBooks
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Interactive Writing and Research Lessons
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Academic Vocabulary Interactive Lessons
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English Language Support Lessons
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2-3 Trade Book Suggestions per Unit, with Lesson Plans and Assessment
iReady Reading
i-Ready Reading is an online program that helps students of all ages become thoughtful, analytical readers and supports the Ready instruction in the classroom. It provides personalized instruction that adjusts the lesson path to meet every reader at their individual level. Teachers monitor their students’ progress, provide instructional support, assign specific lessons as needed and help students prepare for assessments.
i-Ready Reading includes:
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Lessons that teach foundational skills such as phonological awareness, high-frequency words, and phonics to help students understand their connection to reading
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Vocabulary lessons at earlier grade levels that teach words researchers have identified as the most essential to reading success
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Instruction for Grade 3 and above that helps students build word learning strategies that maximize vocabulary acquisition
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Reading Comprehension instruction that is designed to motivate learners of all ages as they grow accustomed to reading independently
A major component to the digital curriculum is the i-Ready Diagnostic which is an adaptive assessment given 3 times a year designed to assess students' Reading skills and prescribe differentiated instruction so learners of all abilities can achieve success.
360 Writing
An Instructional Framework for Georgia’s Writing Standards
Teaching writing is not easy. It becomes more manageable when broken up into steps. That’s exactly what 360Writing does. It is an evidenced-based instructional framework designed to help students meet the writing expectations of Georgia’s standards. The frameworks for each grade level and genre follow a 3-step pathway to success:
-
Build genre vocabulary
-
Build shorter pieces in the genre
-
Build more extended pieces in the genre
Each step of the way, the lessons build students’ confidence and skill, leaving them better-prepared for the next step. And because each framework follows the same pathway, writing instruction stays consistent from one grade level and genre to the next.
Math
GaDOE Learning Plans
The Georgia Mathematics standards are designed to help learners achieve a balance among concepts, skills, and problem solving. They provide clear expectations for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student work. The standards stress rigorous concept development and real-world applications while maintaining a strong emphasis on computational and procedural skills. At all grades, the standards encourage students to reason mathematically, to evaluate mathematical arguments both formally and informally, to use the language of mathematics to communicate ideas and information precisely, and to make connections among mathematical topics and to other disciplines.
Georgia Mathematics K-12 Parent Letters
iReady Math
i-Ready Mathematics is an online program that provides students in grades K-8 with differentiated instruction and supports them on their individual paths to success. Backed by cutting-edge research on best mathematics learning practices, students gain experience through concrete examples and engaging lessons. Its responsive instruction provides consistent insight into student understanding and performance, enabling teachers to monitor their students’ progress, to provide instructional support, assign specific lessons as needed and help them prepare for standards-based assessments and beyond.
i-Ready Mathematics:
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Provides just-in-time instruction that is responsive to individual student needs
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Engages students with relevant challenges and provides pathways to deeper understanding
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Enables students to advance quickly once they master a skill, building their confidence and maximizing their engagement
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Presents real-world problems that help students understand the “why” behind the “how”
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Builds internal motivation while encouraging productive struggle with Learning Games
A key component to the digital curriculum is the i-Ready Diagnostic which is an adaptive assessment given 3 times a year designed to assess students' Math skills and prescribe differentiated instruction so learners of all abilities can achieve success.
Ready Georgia Mathematics is a K-8 math curriculum for TCSS. It helps teachers create a rich classroom environment in which students at all levels become active, real-world problem solvers. Through teacher-led instruction, students develop mathematical reasoning, participate in discussion, and build strong mathematical habits. Ready Georgia Mathematics:
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Encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of mathematics concepts
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Builds on students’ prior knowledge with lessons that make connections within and across grade levels
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Prepares students for the challenges of the Georgia Milestones with tasks and activities
Extended Learning Opportunities
TCSS Greenpower Initiative
The Troup County Greenpower initiative offers students in grades 4-12 the opportunity to design, build, and race electric cars through Greenpower USA. Students are provided with a hands-on, project-based learning experience that engages them academically and builds critical employability skills. Elementary students in grades 4-5 can participate in the Goblin program, while students in grades 6-12 participate in the Formula 24 program. Both programs utilize race events and team presentations on a variety of topics and formats for competition.
In the Goblin program students learn critical lessons in areas such as tool use and safety, effective communication, time management, critical thinking, and teamwork. At this level, the teacher is giving close supervision and direction, and the focus of the Goblin build is on teaching students to work collaboratively and understand foundational concepts in STEM.
For middle and high school students completing the F24 build, the foundational skills learned through the Goblin program are built upon with the introduction of functional system changes such as tire composition and pressure, gear ratio changes, drive systems, electrical, steering and brakes systems, weight reduction, and motor control. In the process of implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of these changes, students learn that they must work together for their team to be successful. This concept is reinforced as the students begin to shift from teacher direction to student direction with teacher support and oversight.
Teams also have the opportunity to learn & utilize computer aided design (CAD) to create custom parts to make their F24 more competitive, providing a rich learning experience with the engineering design process. The result is that students are being equipped with valuable, employable skills that will benefit them no matter what they decide to do after high school.
Starting in August 2017 the three Troup County middle schools piloted the Greenpower program with great success. It has since expanded to almost every school in our district, totaling 40 race cars and teams at all levels are achieving success on a national level. There are currently over 500 teams across the United States. At the conclusion of the 2021-2022 season, five of the top ten Goblin teams in the nation were TCSS teams. In the middle school division Long Cane’s Cougar Strong Racing won their fourth consecutive national championship in the modified division. And in the high school division Troup High School had a second place national finish in the stock division.
Moving forward we will continue to develop & strengthen the Greenpower opportunity for the students of Troup County. We believe that the Greenpower STEM program is the very best workforce development program available, and it equips students with valuable skills that will benefit them no matter what career path they choose.
We are currently working with the Development Authority of LaGrange to connect our local industries to our Greenpower initiative in Troup County. The result of that work is going to be very exciting, and we cannot wait to see how it develops in the coming months.
See you at the finish line!
Matthew Graham
Greenpower Coordinator, TCSS
Strings Attached
High School
ELA
360 Writing
An Instructional Framework for Georgia’s Writing Standards
Teaching writing is not easy. It becomes more manageable when broken up into steps. That’s exactly what 360Writing does. It is an evidenced-based instructional framework designed to help students meet the writing expectations of Georgia’s standards. The frameworks for each grade level and genre follow a 3-step pathway to success:
-
Build genre vocabulary
-
Build shorter pieces in the genre
-
Build more extended pieces in the genre
Each step of the way, the lessons build students’ confidence and skill, leaving them better-prepared for the next step. And because each framework follows the same pathway, writing instruction stays consistent from one grade level and genre to the next.
Math
GaDOE Learning Plans
The Georgia Mathematics standards are designed to help learners achieve a balance among concepts, skills, and problem solving. They provide clear expectations for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student work. The standards stress rigorous concept development and real-world applications while maintaining a strong emphasis on computational and procedural skills. At all grades, the standards encourage students to reason mathematically, to evaluate mathematical arguments both formally and informally, to use the language of mathematics to communicate ideas and information precisely, and to make connections among mathematical topics and to other disciplines.
Extended Learning Opportunities
TCSS Greenpower Initiative
The Troup County Greenpower initiative offers students in grades 4-12 the opportunity to design, build, and race electric cars through Greenpower USA. Students are provided with a hands-on, project-based learning experience that engages them academically and builds critical employability skills. Elementary students in grades 4-5 can participate in the Goblin program, while students in grades 6-12 participate in the Formula 24 program. Both programs utilize race events and team presentations on a variety of topics and formats for competition.
In the Goblin program students learn critical lessons in areas such as tool use and safety, effective communication, time management, critical thinking, and teamwork. At this level, the teacher is giving close supervision and direction, and the focus of the Goblin build is on teaching students to work collaboratively and understand foundational concepts in STEM.
For middle and high school students completing the F24 build, the foundational skills learned through the Goblin program are built upon with the introduction of functional system changes such as tire composition and pressure, gear ratio changes, drive systems, electrical, steering and brakes systems, weight reduction, and motor control. In the process of implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of these changes, students learn that they must work together for their team to be successful. This concept is reinforced as the students begin to shift from teacher direction to student direction with teacher support and oversight.
Teams also have the opportunity to learn & utilize computer aided design (CAD) to create custom parts to make their F24 more competitive, providing a rich learning experience with the engineering design process. The result is that students are being equipped with valuable, employable skills that will benefit them no matter what they decide to do after high school.
Starting in August 2017 the three Troup County middle schools piloted the Greenpower program with great success. It has since expanded to almost every school in our district, totaling 40 race cars and teams at all levels are achieving success on a national level. There are currently over 500 teams across the United States. At the conclusion of the 2021-2022 season, five of the top ten Goblin teams in the nation were TCSS teams. In the middle school division Long Cane’s Cougar Strong Racing won their fourth consecutive national championship in the modified division. And in the high school division Troup High School had a second place national finish in the stock division.
Moving forward we will continue to develop & strengthen the Greenpower opportunity for the students of Troup County. We believe that the Greenpower STEM program is the very best workforce development program available, and it equips students with valuable skills that will benefit them no matter what career path they choose.
We are currently working with the Development Authority of LaGrange to connect our local industries to our Greenpower initiative in Troup County. The result of that work is going to be very exciting, and we cannot wait to see how it develops in the coming months.
See you at the finish line!
Matthew Graham
Greenpower Coordinator, TCSS
Strings Attached