Day 26: Education Bills Pass House3410 on 2/28/2013
On day 26 of the 2013 session of the General Assembly, the House passed three major education bills that have worked their way through the subcommittee and committee process.  These bills now go to Senate committees for action:
  • HB 244 substantially revises the annual evaluation process for teachers, assistant principals, and principals. If passed and signed by the Governor, the process will be implemented in the 2014-15 school year.  Among the provisions is the requirement that growth in student achievement count for at least 50% for the evaluations of teachers, assistant principals, and principals. 
  • HB 283 revises sections of the Georgia education code (Title 20) that have become obsolete, updates terminology, changes instructional program funding weights, modifies the student/counselor ratio beginning in FY 15, deletes references to the middle grades program, addresses charter school facilities as relates to safety standards, etc.
  • HB 327 the Flexibility and Accountability Act for Student Achievement.  Establishes three categories for school districts based upon scores determined by the College and Career Ready Performance Index. Each category is linked to a varying degree of flexibility for school districts relating to state law and state board rules.  
Committee action:
The Senate Education School Choice Subcommittee heard SB 77 related to proposed changes in the student scholarship program.  No vote was taken.
 
The Senate Education Academic Achievement Subcommittee and later the Senate Education Committee gave a do pass to SB 212 requiring school districts to include cardiopulmonary instruction in scheduled physical education and health classes.  
 
The Senate Education Committee gave a three hour hearing to SB 167 which voids and prohibits any actions by the State Board and Department of Education to implement the Common Core State Standards, participate in Race to the Top initiatives, or implement a longitudinal data system.  No vote was taken but it is expected that a vote will be called on Monday, March 4.
 
The House Judiciary Committee passed HB 468 which prohibits use of public funds for litigation purposes related to school board members who were suspended from office due to accreditation issues.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
 The General Assembly will be in session on Friday, March 1.
 
7:30 a.m.   House Appropriations Committee, Room 341 Capitol
8:00 a.m.   House Education Committee, 506 CLOB