What’s in the Pipeline?

1. What’s in the Pipeline? Highlights from the GADOE Policy Division

2. Overview of the Policy Division 2006 Policy Revisions In the Pipeline for 2007

3. The Policy Division • Furthers the mission of the Georgia Department of Education by: • collecting, developing, and disseminating useful, accurate and timely research • Professional learning • Block scheduling • Alternative education

4. The Policy Division • Furthers the mission of the Georgia Department of Education by: • promoting data driven decision making and a research-based approach to policy making

5. The Policy Division • Furthers the mission of the Georgia Department of Education by: • assisting the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent of Schools, and the General Assembly in the development of legislation, regulations, and policies that promote student learning and achievement

6. The Policy Division • Core Businesses • Research • Policy Development • Program Evaluation

7. The Year in Review:2006 Revisions to State Board Rules

8. 2006 Policy Revisions • List of State funded K-8 Subjects and 9-12 Courses • A majority of the courses added were Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses • Student Attendance • Allows for up to five (5) excused absences for students whose parent or legal guardian has been called to active duty or returns from overseas deployment to a combat zone.

9. 2006 Policy Revisions • Student Enrollment and Withdrawal • New rule, developed btw December ’04 to July ’06 • Compiles all relevant federal and state laws/rules into one document to ensure uniformity, clarity and compliance • Provides consistent procedural practices for enrolling and withdrawing students for FTE and student record purposes

10. In the Pipeline for 2007

11. In the Pipeline for 2007 • Georgia Performance Standards for the Literature and History of the Old and New Testaments • From “Textbooks” to “Learning Resources” • High School Graduation Requirements

12. In the Pipeline for 2007 • Exceptional Students • Changes are being made to put state rules in full compliance with 2004 revisions to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). • After the 2004 changes to IDEA, the U.S. Department of Education spent 18 months developing federal rules and guidance for states. That guidance was received by GaDOE in October, and the process of creating state rules was begun

13. In the Pipeline for 2007 • Exceptional Students Initial Input Sessions • December 13: Columbus Public Library • December 14: Chattahoochee Flint RESA, • January 3: Southwest Georgia RESA • January 4: East Georgia GLRS • January 8: First District RESA • January 9: Gwinnett Co. Instructional Support Center • January 10: South Central GLRS • January 18: North Georgia RESA

14. In the Pipeline for 2007 • Exceptional Students • March 1st Revised rules to be posted for comment • Additional Input Sessions: March 2nd, March 6th • The goal is to have the new rules in place by July 1, 2007.

15. In the Pipeline for 2007 • Gifted Education • Amendments being considered • 60 calendar days for evaluation • Clarification of the requirements for use of outside assessment data • Reciprocity with other states

16. In the Pipeline for 2007 • JROTC • Exemption from Health and Physical Education Requirement • English Language Learners • Implementation of new federal regulations • Moving away from pull-out to more effective instructional models

17. How can you get involved? • Subscribe to the Education Partners listserv • Watch for emails requesting input • Attend input sessions • Tell us what your needs and concerns are

18. We are here to help. Dr. Cassandra Herring Policy Director cherring@doe.k12.ga.us policy@doe.k12.ga.us