In August 2019, the State of Georgia announced a citizen-led, student-focused effort to review and revise the academic standards used in Georgia's K-12 public schools. Undertaken by the Office of the Governor in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education and State School Superintendent Richard Woods, these efforts address the K-12 mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA) standards.
Math Standards Adoption
On August 26, 2021, the State Board of Education approved Superintendent Woods' recommendation to adopt the new K-12 Mathematics Standards. The current (2020-2021) school year will be dedicated to teacher training on the new standards, with implementation to follow in future years.
The new standards were drafted by Georgia mathematics teachers with input from educational leaders, parents, students, business and industry leaders, and community members. They are designed to provide a strong foundation beginning in the early grades and to be clear, understandable, and present a reasonable amount of content in each year – so students can truly master concepts, rather than simply being quickly exposed to them.
The standards specifically provide for teaching of the standard algorithm, as opposed to “new math" methods.
ELA Standards Process
Following this adoption of the new mathematics standards, a review of the K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) Standards will begin. Additional information will be posted here as that process moves forward.
Survey Results
In July 2019, we released surveys on the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Mathematics and English Language Arts. Both surveys were made available to all stakeholders, including teachers, educational leaders, business/industry, and community members. In total, from July 23 to September 26, nearly 14,000 Georgians completed the math survey and more than 11,000 completed the ELA survey. Results and key findings are below. from their responses are below.
Key Findings from the ELA Survey
Mathematics Results
ELA Results
Review Process
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Citizens Review Committee
The Citizens Review Committee is composed of 21 members appointed by the Governor and State School Superintendent, representing parents, students, business leaders, educators, and concerned citizens.
Click here for a report on the Citizens Review Committee's feedback.
Click here for an overview of the Citizens Review Committee's January 27, 2021 meeting.
Click here for an overview of the Citizens Review Committee's December 6, 2019 meeting.
Academic Review Committee
The Academic Review Committee is composed of 18 members appointed by the Governor and State School Superintendent, including business and industry partners, academic professionals, and leaders from K-12 schools and districts, the University and Technical College Systems of Georgia, the Department of Early Care and Learning, the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget, the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instruction Supervisors, and the State Board of Education.
Updates & Resources
