Committee members discussed the importance of building the "move on when ready" concept into pre-K as well as traditional K-12 classrooms. CLICK HERE to review the proposed recommendations from the Move on When Ready committee.

 

Anthony Townsend, the principal of Locust Grove Middle School, tied this in to the need to ensure that all committees are working together to make recommendations that will truly reform Georgia's education system.

Rep. Brooks Coleman (R-Duluth), the chairman of the House Education Committee and member of the Move on When Ready committee of the ERC, introduced a proposal for an "innovative grant" program that he plans to turn into legislation in the 2016 legislative session. This program would create a pool of $75 million that would be separate from the state budget for school systems and educators with innovative ideas to improve student achievement. This money would be donated by citizens and businesses in Georgia that would receive a tax exemption on any amount donated. Committee members and staff from the Governor's Office of Student Achievement and Governor's Office of Planning and Budget have been supportive of the proposal as long as flexibility exists regarding how the grants can be used.

• All participants agreed students in the elementary grades should be allowed to move on when ready.
• Teachers agreed that it is important for all students to have a pre-K experience. They encourage the state to do what's necessary to expand the program to include all students.
• Small class sizes are essential for grades K, 1 and 2.
• Teachers must have professional learning for teachers who do not have the skills necessary to teach reading.
• Teachers were unanimous in their concern about over-testing of students. They believe teachers at the elementary level must have more flexibility in testing and also must have a quicker turnaround for test results.