GaDOE's Commitment to a Plan for Georgians, by Georgians
The Georgia
Department of Education (GaDOE) has been committed to a ESSA state plan
development process that was truly stakeholder-driven.
A State
Advisory Committee was established to provide high-level direction and
feedback to the Georgia’s ESSA working committees. The Committee was made up of
forty individuals representing state agencies, organizations, nonprofit,
education advocacy groups, policymakers, superintendents, teachers, parents,
and students.
Each of
Georgia’s ESSA working committees was made up of a cross-section of
twenty individuals with five members representing different areas of GaDOE and
fifteen members representing stakeholders. Each of the six working committees
was chaired by a GaDOE leader and key stakeholder.
How was
stakeholder feedback gathered?
The Georgia Department
of Education (GaDOE) held eight feedback sessions across the state. These were
opportunities for parents, students, educators, business and industry, and
community members to share their thoughts and concerns. Feedback was compiled,
analyzed, and summarized by a third party so participants could engage in
candid conversations.
Feedback sessions were
also held with each of the State School Superintendent’s advisory councils,
representing middle and high school students, parents, teachers, and district
superintendents. Business and industry, as well as civil rights organizations,
were also engaged.
ESSA Summary of
Feedback:
Timeline: From Draft to Approval
- May 2016 - April 2017: State Advisory
Committee and working groups convene. GaDOE provides multiple opportunities for
stakeholder feedback and to communicate ESSA developments
§ April 2017: All decisions and items completed
by working groups to finalize draft.
§ June 15, 2017: 30-day public review period ofGeorgia’s State ESSA Plan.
§ June 15-July 14, 2017: Co-chairs host public
webinars to gain feedback during 30-day period.
§ July 14-July 24, 2017: Feedback is compiled and
presented to the working groups and advisory committee
§ July 24-Aug 4, 2017: Working groups reconvene to
discuss feedback and make revisions based on feedback.
§ Aug 4-Aug 11, 2017: Finalize all aspects of plan to
submit to the Governor.
§ Aug 14-Sept 14, 2017: Governor’s review period of final plan.
--September 6, 2017: Governor Deal's Recommendations
--Redline of Georgia's ESSA plan in response to Governor's recommendations
§ Sept 14-Sept 18: Georgia’s plan is finalized
based on recommendations.
§ Sept 18, 2017: Georgia’s State Plan is
submitted.
