The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has announced its legislative priorities for 2023. In addition, the department shared a press release listing all the areas it intends to strengthen. These areas include support and opportunities for students, school safety, the teaching profession, and public education.
The press release also contains a federal priority to extend the deadline for school districts to utilize funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.
“As we look toward 2023, we will remain laser-focused on investing in academic recovery and preparing Georgia’s students for a stronger future,” said Richard Woods, the state’s school Superintendent, in a quote from the press release. “I look forward to working with the Georgia General Assembly and other partners to strengthen supports and opportunities for students, support for public education, school safety, and the teaching profession and educator pipeline. We have an enormous opportunity as we move beyond the pandemic to build a public education system centered on the needs of Georgia students.”
In January 2022, Woods described the challenges and lost learning opportunities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since March of 2020, public education has seen its overwhelming share of adversity. Teachers and staff dealt with the abrupt suspension of face-to-face instruction in spring 2020. Educators and administrators had to adjust learning with the proverbial plane in mid-flight. They transitioned to virtual learning or created learning packets for continued instruction. Meals had to be delivered to students daily.”
“I want to express my personal gratitude, and that of a grateful state, to each and all within public education. Because of your unselfish acts, the needs of our students are being met. We continue to move forward academically. These challenging days will come to an end, and you will get a much-needed rest.”
The press release can be seen here on the GaDOE webpage.