Atlanta rapper Silento whips up enthusiasm for Georgia test

The state Department of Education turned to DeKalb recording sensation Silento to persuade Georgia students taking the NAEP test to try their best on it, even though it doesn’t count toward class grades.

A graduate of Redan High School, Silento, 19, is a rapper and songwriter who shot to fame with his debut single “Watch Me” (Whip/Nae Nae.) His real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk.

DOE deserves kudos for seeing the potential of “Nae, Nae” and “NAEP, NAEP,” an idea advanced by the fact someone in the agency knew Silento’s aunt.

Read the full story and see the video featuring Silento and Georgia students on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Get Schooled blog.

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Atlanta parents, residents object to plans to close some schools

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Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Full circle: Sisters who were APS students now serve as APS principals

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Long-range plan could significantly change Atlanta’s schools

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Credit: Ben Gray

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Usher sues business partners over failed Buckhead restaurant plan

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Braves’ original ‘Freeze’ is retired. But you probably still can’t catch him.

As the Atlanta Braves prepare to find their next sprinting mascot, Nigel Talton is enjoying his new career coaching high school athletes at McEachern High.