On Thursday, November 19th the Georgia Board of Education voted to reduce the weight of Milestone tests on grades from 20% to 0.01% . The measure passed 10-3 but it is not final, and the 20% standard weight will remain if the measure does not gain final approval next month. Earlier in October, Georgia School Board Superintendent Richard Woods proposed to remove the tests completely of their influence on grades. The board initially rejected Wood’s proposal, and chose to reduce the effects of the test by half. That vote resulted in a 30-day public comment period, which showed that about 86% of the 93,079 respondents supported Woods. Public comment will continue to be taken by until Dec.16 by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-311-3627. The final board vote will take place Dec. 21.