SUMMARY:

            This bill would amend Part 12 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A. to establish the “Georgia Closing the Achievement Gap Commission.”

REQUIREMENTS:

• Commission would be appointed by SBOE.
• • 4 recommended by Governor
  • 3 recommended by President of the Senate
  • 3 recommended by the Speaker of the House
  • 1 recommended by the Chair of Senate Education and Youth Committee; and
  • 1 recommended by the Chair of House Education
• The recommendations would take the form of lists of no fewer than two nominees for each appointment to the commission.
• Two year terms with staggered initial terms.
• SBOE will ensure diversity and representatives for at-risk populations.
• Purpose of the commission is to provide a public policy focus on closing the achievement gap to include:
• • Developing successful strategies, reports and recommendations
  • Focusing disaggregated student achievement data
  • Researching programs and strategies utilized in Georgia and nationally
  • Reporting to Education Coordinating Council and the General Assembly
• The commission would be authorized to:
• • Gather data and research information on the status of at-risk students in Georgia public schools;
  • Identify and visit programs in and out of Georgia that appear to be successful;
  • Consult higher education faculty and others engaged in research;
  • Conduct hearings throughout the state to gather information on successful programs;
  • Identify, consult and meet with representatives of national, regional and state-level organizations and agencies that could be helpful in addressing at-risk concerns;
  • Recommend steps to take separately and collectively by:
  • • State government agencies;
    • Local government agencies;
    • Public schools and higher education institutions;
    • Nonprofit organizations;
    • Professional educational organizations;
    • Foundations;
    • Faith based organizations or institutions;
    • Civic organizations;
    • The business community; and
    • Other entities.
• The commission would receive reports from and consult with GOSA
• The commission would receive per diem, subsistence and travel allowance subject to appropriation by the General Assembly
• The commission would be provided staff and administrative support by GOSA.

NOTES:

• This bill has the potential to cost taxpayers of this state an enormous amount of money on travel, meeting, meals and administrative costs.
• Much of the information that this bill seeks already exists and could be assimilated by the SBOE.