What’s In the Pipeline Notes from the GADOE Policy Division

1. What’s In the Pipeline Notes from the GADOE Policy Division

2. Overview of the Policy Division 2006 Policy Revisions Looking Forward to 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 • Research • Policy Development • Program Evaluation

7. The Year in Review:2006 Policy Revisions

8. 2006 Policy Revisions • Hearing Processes • Plaintiffs who bring a claim under IDEA bear the burden of proof • Brought state policy into conformance with U.S. Supreme Court opinion in Schaffer v. West • Early Intervention Program • Incorporated new checklists/rubrics that are aligned with GPS or QCC in reading and math, respectively

9. 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.

10. 2006 Policy Revisions • Remedial Education • Expanded the 9-12 remedial program to include grades 6-8 • Schools to use most recent data in making REP placements, including the online assessment system • Class Size • Seeks to provide clear information to parents as to the maximum number of students that may be in a classroom in grades K-8.

11. 2006 Policy Revisions • Suspension of Laws and Rules • Amended to incorporate guidelines for class size waivers • First waiver requests to be heard by the State Board in December, 2006 • 26 school systems • 105 schools • 820 seats

12. 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

13. 2006 Policy Revisions • Charter School Rule • Repealed/Replaced • The Charter Schools Act of 1998 was amended by the Georgia General Assembly in the 2005 session. • New rule comprehensively addresses the changes to Georgia charter school law and is more responsive to the needs of petitioners, authorizers, and other stakeholders.

14. Looking Forward to 2007

15. Looking Forward to 2007 • From “Textbooks” to “Learning Resources” • High School Graduation Requirements • The Bible Course Dr. Sue Snow will discuss further

16. Looking Forward to 2007 • Gifted Education • Amendments to be considered • 60 calendar days for evaluation • Clarification of the requirements for use of outside assessment data • Reciprocity with other states • Clarification of the time requirements for teacher collaboration in the utilization of the collaborative model

17. Looking Forward to 2007 • Gifted Education (con’t) • Two public hearings (TBD) • Rule to be initiated in February

18. Looking Forward to 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

19. Looking Forward to 2007 • Exceptional Students 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

20. Looking Forward to 2007 • Exceptional Students (con’t) • At each location, there will be two hearings held, one in the morning/early afternoon and another in the evening. • The goal is to have the new rules in place by July 1, 2007.

21. Looking Forward to 2007 • JROTC • Exemption from Health and Physical Education Requirement • English Language Learners • Implementation of new federal regs

22. 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

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