Georgia Department of Education Website
Data Requests & Contact

August 19, 2026 – Principals

Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Here are your links to the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard and the Digest Archive.

New: Guidance on Work-Based Learning Diploma

In June 2026, GaDOE launched the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Diploma, which provides Georgia’s high school students with an additional route to graduation through a combination of high school academic coursework, completion of high school CTAE pathways in high demand career fields, and hands-on paid experiences through WBL courses in one of those high demand career pathways. The document linked below provides additional, detailed guidance for school districts on implementation of the WBL Diploma.

Help Shape Georgia’s Special Education Teacher Retention Strategy

GaDOE is gathering feedback from current special education teachers to better understand the resources, supports, and conditions that contribute to teacher retention. Results will inform Georgia’s participation in the U.S. Department of Education Human Capital Learning Agenda. District and school administrators are encouraged to share the survey with current special education teachers.

  • Additional Information: Survey Link
  • Deadline: September 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Contact: Celeste Martin, cmartin@doe.k12.ga.us

HB 1123 Georgia’s Pre-K Program and After-School Programs

HB 1123 was passed by the legislature to “require certain schools that offer after-school programs to make such programs available to pre-kindergarten students on the same basis as the school’s other students.” Schools that offer afterschool programs and Georgia’s Pre-K program should review this bill to determine applicability. Additional information about HB1123 and the waiver process, if applicable, is available by contacting the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning through the contact information below.

  • Contact: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, prekbusiness.support@decal.ga.gov

District Spotlight

The Bibb County School District launched a new Advanced Manufacturing Pathway to connect students with high-demand career opportunities in the Macon-Bibb community. The inaugural cohort of approximately 30 students spends half of each school day at the district’s Innovation and Technology Academy, gaining practical experience with industry-standard robotics, machinery and other advanced technologies while also having the opportunity to earn college credit through Central Georgia Technical College. Developed in partnership with the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy, and local employers, the pathway responds directly to regional workforce needs while helping students build technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities and career-ready skills. Bibb’s collaborative approach provides students with a valuable head start on rewarding careers available in their own community.

Inside GaDOE

  • GaDOE Deputy Superintendent for Assessment and Accountability Dr. Allison Timberlake presented at the second meeting of the Blue Ribbon Study Committee on Education Performance Metrics and Workforce Stability this week. Dr. Timberlake’s presentation — CCRPI: Alignment with Federal Law, State Priorities, and Student Outcomes — provided an overview of the history of CCRPI and the state and federal laws with which it must comply.
  • Georgia Teacher of the Year Charm Mapp has begun accepting speaking engagements across the state and has had the opportunity to speak with teachers and staff in several of your districts thus far. If you would like for Charm to come to your district, please see the Event Request Form on the Georgia Teacher of the Year webpage.
  • The State Board of Education met this week at the Georgia School for the Deaf — the board agenda is available here.

Additionally, don’t forget to explore the Professional Learning Catalog (linked below) for upcoming GaDOE conferences, trainings, and events.