SUMMARY:  LC 33 3474               LC 33 3656S

Eliminates CRCT in grades 1 and 2.  Allows State Board to waive other state mandated tests when state funds  re inadequate.       

Establishes a system of grading schools based upon student achievement.

REQUIREMENTS:

• requires the Department of Education to use a student growth model as the primary factor in calculating AYP
• establishes individual school ratings for grades 4-8 of A, B, C, D, or F based upon student performance on CRCT scores
  • school ratings shall be calculated on a complicated formula called a 'year of learning' (see the bill, below)
  • a maximum of 20% of schools shall receive a grade of A
• establishes individual school ratings for grades 9-12 of A, B, C, D, or F based upon student performance on end-of-course tests
  • school ratings shall be calculated on a complicated formula involving an "acceptable growth threshold" and other data (see the bill, below)
• schools which receive an A shall receive a bonus of up to $50 per FTE.  The school council shall determine how such funds will be spent.
• schools which receive an F shall not be eligible for waivers of state law
• schools which receive an F for two or more consecutive years shall have a three-member oversight board appointed by the Governor which may impose interventions or sanctions
• CRCTs will be limited to English and language arts, mathematics, reading, and social studies in grades 3-8
• in the 2013-14 school year, end-of-course assessments shall replace the Georgia High School Graduation Test
• writing assessments shall be administered in grades 3, 5, 8, and 11

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

• provides a parallel grading system for Georgia schools in addition to AYP
• involves a complicated system for calculating grades to be assigned to schools
• provides for awards and interventions
• will add to the cost of school and school operations in a time of declining fiscal resources

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon approval by the Governor or by becoming law without such approval.