Educator Evaluation Bill Passes Senate
HB 244, a comprehensive overhaul of Georgia’s educator evaluation system, passed the Senate tonight and is on its way to the Governor for his signature. The legislation takes the new evaluation system piloted in Georgia’s Race to the Top systems statewide and links educator evaluation to student achievement and standardized tests (in classes in which such tests are administered). The new evaluation system also links the evaluation process to targeted professional development and to teacher certification.
Senate Passes Bill Allowing Waiver of Voucher Requirement
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Rich Golick (R-Smyrna) and pertains to Georgia’s special needs voucher program. The bill allows the State Board of Education to waive the requirement that a student with special needs attend public school for at least a year before becoming eligible for a private school voucher. Students with special medical needs could bypass the attendance requirement, subject to approval by the SBOE.
House Adds Tuition Tax Credit Increase on Title 20 Rewrite
HB 283, commonly referred to the Title 20 Cleanup Bill, has become this session’s “Christmas Tree” legislation upon which unsuccessful bills are hung as the underlying legislation moves through the committee process. Today, the House voted to add SB 243 to HB 283, but the House did not add HB 123, referred to by many as the “Parent Trigger Bill.” SB 243 adds much-needed fiscal transparency to Georgia’s tuition tax credit program, but it also expands the program to allow an extra $15 million annually to be funneled away from public coffers and to private school voucher program. The Senate will need to agree to the House addition of SB 243; if the body votes to disagree, a conference committee will be appointed. Sending the bill to conference is a dangerous proposition, because it opens up HB 283 to further manipulation.
Only One Day Left
Thursday March 28 marks the final day of the 2013 Legislative Session. Legislative Day 40 is referred to as “Sine Die,” which means “without a day,” signifying the last day of the general assembly. With the notable exception of HB 283 and an omnibus gun bill impacting both k-12 and higher ed schools, most education-related bills have either stalled or are already on their way to the Governor’s office. So, 2013 Sine Die is unlikely to be a nail biter for education advocates. Everybody under the Gold Dome will be watching for a compromise on the 2014 Budget and on new ethics requirements, however.
WATCH “Legislative Week in Review” for more on education-related issues at the Capitol
Professional Association of Georgia Educators
Providing professional learning to enhance competence and confidence, build leadership, and increase student achievement
