The Georgia Department of Education and State School Superintendent Richard Woods are urging anyone interested in the future of Georgia’s public education system to attend one of eight public feedback sessions on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
ESSA is the replacement for the law commonly known as No Child Left Behind, and offers an enormous opportunity for Georgia’s students, teachers, parents and communities because it replaces the top-down federal approach required by NCLB. The new law allows states and local schools/districts to make education decisions that are best for their students, and requires states to develop plans that address standards/assessments, school and district accountability, and special help for struggling schools and students.
“For all those invested in the future of Georgia’s education system – and those interested in a more holistic approach for students – whether you’re a parent, a student, an educator, or a community member, I strongly encourage you to offer your feedback as we develop our ESSA state plan,” Superintendent Woods said. “If you can, please attend a meeting – you’ll invest two hours of your time in exchange for many years of education policy. If you’re not able to attend in person, there will be opportunities to offer your feedback online and via email. Again, I urge you to join us as we shape the future of education in our state.”
Meeting Details
Each ESSA feedback session will include a welcome from Superintendent Woods and an introduction to the Every Student Succeeds Act. Participants will then choose specific topics to discuss in working groups. The public will also be informed of next steps and additional opportunities to provide feedback. Before attending the meeting, we encourage you to review this one-page overview of ESSA topics. For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, a survey opportunity will soon be announced and posted at gadoe.org/ESSA. Feedback can also be emailed to essa@doe.k12.ga.us.
August 29: Habersham County, Piedmont College (Student Commons Building), 375 Georgia Street, Demorest, GA 30535
September 1: Dougherty County, Dougherty Comprehensive High School, 1800 Pearce Ave, Albany, GA 31705
September 14: Fulton County, North Learning Center, 450 Northridge Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30350
September 19: Muscogee County, Northside High School, 2002 American Way, Columbus, GA 31909
October 12: Laurens County, Old West Laurens (OWL) Training Center, 338 West Laurens School Road, Dublin, GA 31021
October 13: Chatham County, Pulaski Elementary School, 1001 Tibet Avenue, Savannah, GA 31419
October 17: Gordon County, Gordon County College & Career Academy, 305 Beamer Road, Calhoun, GA 30701