L-R: Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson, Sen. David Perdue, Rep. Rick Allen and Rep. Buddy Carter

  As educators and educational leaders, you know how state and national legislation impacts the work we do. That's why I want to bring you this update on some of what has been happening in these arenas during the past month.

   As incoming president of Georgia Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (GACTE), I recently had the opportunity to participate in the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) State Leaders Institute and Day on Capitol Hill events. For two days, I gathered with other state AACTE chapter leaders to develop and refine state action plans, learn about and discuss federal and proposed legislation and receive an update on CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accreditation. On the final day, I met with Rep. Rick Allen (GA 12th District, including Statesboro) and staffers from Allen's office as well as from the offices of Sen. Johnny Isakson and Sen. David Purdue and Rep. Buddy Carter (GA 1st District, including Savannah).

  The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was reintroduced as the Student Success Act in the House of Representative and the Every Child Achieves Act in the Senate. Both House and Senate versions prioritize strong clinical preparation of teachers and measurement of teacher effectiveness. Troubling in the House bill is the elimination of the Teacher Quality Partnership Grants in the Higher Education Act and inclusion of the GREAT Act, allowing funds to be used to create new teacher preparation academies outside the requirements of higher education programs. Click here to continue reading.