“Georgia lawmakers delivered a strong, student-centered package of education policies that will raise achievement and expand opportunity for families statewide. These policies focus on what matters most for long-term success: high-quality instruction, effective educators and clear pathways that help every learner reach their goals.
“Georgia has made significant progress in recent years, and this comprehensive package builds on that momentum. Stronger literacy and math instruction, guaranteed access to advanced math courses, more focused classrooms, investments in educators and greater educational choice reflect Georgia’s commitment to improving results and preparing students for long-term college and career success.
“We are grateful to Gov. Brian Kemp, Lieutenant Gov. Burt Jones, House Speaker Jon Burns, Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones, Rep. Chris Erwin, Rep. Sandy Donatucci, Rep. Carmen Rice, Rep. Scott Hilton, Rep. Matt Hatchett, Sen. Blake Tillery and Sen. Billy Hickman for continuing to set the bar for academic achievement, meaningful opportunity and workforce readiness.”
About the Legislation
The legislation, accompanying budget and supplemental budget include key K-12 education investments:
Literacy and Math Policy
- HB 1193 improves statewide literacy policy by providing access to a literacy coach for every elementary school.
- Provides $18.5 million for regional literacy coaches and $70 million for school-based coaches to strengthen instruction and support student learning.
- HB 1030 establishes the Math Matters Act and guarantees access to advanced math courses for middle and high school students, requires 60 minutes of daily math instruction in grades 4–5 and strengthens educator preparation programs in math training.
Private School Choice
- Provides $100 million to support the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act program, an education scholarship account program that serves students who attend or are zoned to attend low-performing public schools.
College and Career Pathways
- HB 1302 establishes a strong cross-agency pathways governance framework led by the new Office of Education and Workforce Strategy.
- SB 556 creates DREAMS scholarships, the state’s first needs-based financial aid for undergraduates to provide up to $3,000 per year on a last-dollar basis. The budget invests $325 million to endow the program and ensure long-term support for students.
- HB 1293 expands the Dual Achievement Program to allow students who have dropped out of high school to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and a postsecondary credential or degree at a Technical College System of Georgia institution.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention
- HB 1107 strengthens the state’s Educator Preparation Program Report by adding data for student outcomes, teacher evaluations and retention rates.
- SB 150 addresses teacher shortages by allowing retired teachers to fill open positions.
Digital Policy
- HB 1009 expands phone-free school policies to include grades 9-12.
Financial Transparency
- HB 1164 improves financial transparency and reporting in K-12 schools.
Solution Areas:
College & Career Pathways, Digital Access & Equity, Early Literacy, Math Policy, Private Education Choice, Teachers & Leaders
