Georgia Department of Education 2020 Legislative Priorities

Responsible
& Aligned Accountability
Our Values: We
support an assessment and accountability system that measures the strengths and needs of
our students and teachers, and reduces the pressures and burdens placed on them
by an over-emphasis on high-stakes testing.
GOAL: Pursue state testing requirements that are more closely aligned with the federal minimum
GOAL: Streamline competing accountability systems and eliminate duplication
GOAL: Address Financial Efficiency Star Rating
GOAL: Transfer accountability, oversight and support of Strategic Waiver School Systems (SWSS) to GaDOE
Strengthening
the Teacher Pipeline
Our
Values: Teachers are the drivers of all educational achievement. We promote efforts to ensure all Georgia’s students have access to highly effective teachers.
GOAL: Pursue robust Teacher Pipeline legislation, including the establishment of a pilot to design an evaluation system built on professional progression with embedded supports for educators
GOAL: Promote changes to allow districts to utilize retired educators full time to fill high-need teaching positions
Expanding
Opportunities for Students
Our
Values: We
are committed to providing a well-rounded education for every student and
addressing all factors that have an impact on student achievement.
GOAL: Expand opportunities for fine
arts and computer science instruction
GOAL: Ensure sustainability and quality of the
Dual Enrollment program
Funding
Public Education
Our
Values: We
believe in fully funding public education, including the continued full funding
of the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula.
GOAL: Support additional funding for
transportation in rural school districts
GOAL: Increase funding for additional school counselors to support student mental health needs