Op-ed by Superintendent Woods: Renewed Commitment to Literacy and K-5 Foundational Skills
It’s true there are no silver bullets in education – no single change that will set every student on the path toward success. What’s needed, instead, is a holistic approach. We must focus on the whole child, on each child, and all the interlocking elements necessary to equip them with the skills they need.
One of the most essential changes we can make on behalf of Georgia’s students is renewing our commitment to literacy and K-5 foundational skills. The ability to read on grade level by third grade, along with proficiency in math by fifth grade, is the first crucial step toward future academic attainment. We have to get it right in the early grades if students are going to achieve later on.
Governor Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal have,
through their advocacy, laid a firm foundation for an increased focus on literacy. Partnerships with the
Get Georgia Reading Campaign and
Georgia Public Library Service are game-changers in this regard as well. For the first time, a network exists that is expanding the capacity of Georgia’s education system and allowing educators and communities alike to explore new methods of increasing literacy.
At the Georgia Department of Education, we’re working each day to leverage these resources to the very best of our ability and the maximum benefit of Georgia’s students. We’re working closely with our
Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs) to help train and equip school districts with the tools necessary to make improvements in the classroom. Our Striving Readers grant provides funding to schools to ensure all children – birth to 12th grade – are able to read on grade level and communicate effectively with others.
Thousands of eBooks Added to GALILEO for K-12 Students and Educators
GALILEO users just gained access to large collections of eBooks covering topics of interest for academic researchers, K-12 students, readers of public library leisure and general reference titles. Most are downloadable onto mobile devices. The collections titled eBook K-8 Collection and eBook High School Collection speak for themselves, but also check out the eBook Community College Collection for career titles and the public library collections for multiple topics for older readers. The eBook High School Collection includes titles on education, such as The Motivated Brain: Improving Student Attention, Engagement, And Perseverance and Starting Strong: Surviving and Thriving as a New Teacher.
Zoo Atlanta's Fall Educator Appreciation Day
Zoo Atlanta is having their Fall Educator Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 17, 2016. Educators receive FREE admission (educator ID required) and $2 OFF general admission for accompanying guests. Visit the Educator’s Lounge in the Ford Tent from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to receive your coupon for 10% off gift shops and food outlets.
2016 Georgia Gravity Games
This event offers a way for students and adults to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills and apply them in order to build the fastest gravity-powered cars while having fun and working together. The Georgia Gravity Games will take place on October 22, 2016 at Church Street in Downtown Douglasville.
Linking PSAT/NMSQT Account to Khan Academy
Students who took the PSAT last year can link to Khan Academy, free of charge, to practice for the SAT or ACT or strengthen skills. Want a FREE personalized SAT experience for your students? Then support students in linking their PSAT/NMSQT results to Khan Academy.
As a result, students will be able to:
- See personalized practice recommendations of skills
- Practice anytime, anywhere, at no cost, plus
- Have access to four FREE official practice exams from College Board.
Schools/Districts with the highest percentage of students linked and participating by October 1st will receive recognition from College Board Southern Regional Office.
September in Georgia History
There are many events that made history in Georgia during the month of September. Students can learn that the biggest battle ever fought in this state, the Battle of Chickamauga, took place between September 18th and 20th of 1863. Booker T. Washington delivered his famous Atlanta Compromise speech in 1895 on the opening of the Cotton States and International Exposition. It was also in September of 1990 that the International Olympic Committee awarded Atlanta to host the 1996 Olympics. Want more Georgia facts? Then visit the
September in Georgia History page or
The New Georgia Encyclopedia.
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Thank you,
Tony Vlachakis
Educational Technologist
Library/Media Liaison
