We attended the HR 550 initial meeting [
View agenda] yesterday and have provided an outline of the proceedings below. The meeting consisted of high-level overviews and explanations of DoE, BoE and Federal Education grant policies and procedures. There was little to no discussion on intended action or opposing viewpoints. [
Download a video archive of the meeting] GSTA is closely monitoring developments in the Common Core debate, as decisions related to Common Core standards in Georgia may impact the review and revision process for the state's science standards.
The relevant discussion from this group will come in the later meetings closer to September. As of now it appears that there will be three more meetings. One in late August, September and October. We will keep you informed of any developments.
- The panel of lawmakers, teachers and parents appointed by Speaker David Ralston to explore Common Core and the federal government's role in Georgia's K-12 education system held their first meeting in late July at the State Capitol. [View committee membership]
- The meeting was almost entirely informational, and did not include any testimony or public comment. Dr. John Barge gave a detailed explanation of the origins of Common Core, which was followed by supporting information from a number of his staff members. [View Dr. Barge's presentation]
- Clara Keith and Susan Andrews both gave lengthy overviews of the process related to federal grants, including Race to the Top. Also of interest was a discussion from Jennifer Hackemeyer about the status of data sharing in local school districts. She noted that data sharing both within school districts and across the state is cumbersome, but the development of a longitudinal data system has been helpful. [View presentation]
- There was also a brief discussion from Melissa Fincher, Director of Assessment at DOE, about the Georgia Milestones Assessment system and the high hopes that they have for its performance.
- Moving forward the consultants will monitor the final three meetings of this study committee. Meetings will be held across the state toward the end of each of the upcoming three months. They will likely be held in Gwinnett, Milledgeville and Hall County, respectively.
Tyler J. Kaplan
Legislative Director
J.L. Morgan Company
Supporting Excellent Science Teaching for Georgia