Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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SUMMARY: This bill would amend Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A. to temporarily suspend maximum class sizes under certain conditions, but would require a hearing and accountability on the part of the local system.
REQUIREMENTS:
- The suspension would be in effect through June 30, 2013.
- K-5 could exceed by only 1 student.
- 6-12 could exceed by only 2 students
- SBOE could grant an additional student per class above these limits upon a LBOE’s request
- If an LBOE chooses to use the suspension, they would have to:
- Provide 30 days notice with rationale for needing suspension;
- Conduct a public hearing that is advertised 7 days in advance in the newspaper for full discussion and public input;
- Adopt a resolution electing to adopt the suspension.
- To retain the suspension of maximum class sizes, a local system would have to
- Meet minimum performance measures established by the SBOE in total scores and needed targeted subgroups on:
- High school graduation rates;
- SAT or ACT performance;
- State standardized tests and/or
- A combination of all the above, AND
- AP or IB participation and performance, not only a minimal level but matching performance levels as compared with the previous year.
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