MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Cardoza,
GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 651-7358, mcardoza@gadoe.org
State
School Superintendent Richard Woods today released the following statements
regarding introduced legislation that would increase local control and expand
opportunities for students:
HB
801
·
Optional
rigor requirements for HOPE scholarship eligibility
·
Adds
advanced computer science courses to the list of high school courses as an
option to fulfill HOPE scholarship eligibility
·
The
Georgia Student Finance Commission will assist in providing information on
fields in high demand and associated workforce shortages in science,
technology, engineering, mathematics, and healthcare; identify the courses that
are academically rigorous and their relevance to aforementioned fields
·
Applies
an additional GPA 0.5 point weight for specific science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) college courses
“I
support HB 801 because it includes advanced computer science courses as an
option for HOPE scholarship eligibility. With
the higher demand for STEM-related jobs, it is wise to encourage more students
to go into STEM fields in college. This legislation will incentivize that and
remove financial barriers, making the HOPE scholarship more accessible.”
HB
739
·
Revise process for state-approved
instructional material and content allowing for greater transparency and
input at the local level
·
Locally
approved instructional material and content will be available for parents and
community members to view and review
“I
support HB 739 because it would allow parents to be part of the process for
reviewing instructional materials and content to be used in the classroom.
Local communities know best what fits the needs of their students. This
legislation increases transparency and ensures true input at the local
level."
HB
402
·
Insurance;
encourage employers to provide work-based learning opportunities for students
age 16 and older
·
Provides
for an optional reduction in workers’ compensation premiums to employers that
provide work-based learning, which will allow more students to participate in
work-based learning programs
·
Provides
workers’ compensation to students over 16 who are participating in a work based
learning program
“HB
402 is a testament to what can happen when the business and education communities
work together to expand opportunities for Georgia's students. Work-based
learning gives students real-life experiences by teaching them skills that make
them more competitive in the workplace, and help businesses by supplying a
better-trained future workforce. Because HB 402 would encourage
employers to provide work-based learning opportunities, I fully support it.”
