Message from State Superintendent Kathy Cox

Welcome to the Georgia Department of Education's Parent Guide. I hope you will bookmark this page and visit us frequently for the most up-to-date information about education in Georgia as well as resources designed to serve parents throughout their child's education. When it comes to parent involvement, the research is clear when schools and families support each other, students of all backgrounds and ability levels achieve at higher levels. As a former classroom teacher and the mother of two school-aged sons, I know that parents are their child's first teachers and have a wealth of information to share with educators about their students. We hope that the information provided on this page will help facilitate your student's success.

Georgia is currently implementing a new standards-based, world-class curriculum called the Georgia Performance Standards or GPS. The GPS outlines clear expecations for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level and in each core subject. Choose your student's grade level to view a brochure explaining what your student will learn in each core subject during the school year.

The Assessments Division of the Georgia Department of Education offers many resources to help students prepare for standardized tests. Choose from Elementary School, Middle School, or High School to view an explanation of assessment programs administered at each of these levels as well as resources to help your students prepare. For general assessment program information, including currently scheduled test administration dates, visit the Testing Division website.

The Division of Special Education Services and Supports offers resources to parents of students with disabilities. You'll find a guide to your rights and responsibilities, information about dispute resolution, and special education legal aid providers as well as links to major family organizations that can provide additional supports.

Find information about how students are identified for gifted education programs as well as information about other programs and opportunities for gifted students.

The Title I Parent Service Unit provides information to parents of students attending Title I Schools about:

1. Supplemental Education Services, including academic assistance like tutoring and remediation;
2. Parental Involvement, which provides training to parents about their rights under Title I of the No Child left Behind law;
3. Preschool and Family Literacy, including parent training about how you can help your child prepare to enter Kindergarten.