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.
- Additional Information: The Work-Based Learning Diploma: High School to High Demand Career
- Contact: Barbara Wall, bwall@doe.k12.ga.us
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
Cell Phone Ban Reminder
As a reminder, House Bill 1009, codified in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-324.8, requires local school systems and public schools to adopt and maintain policies governing student access to personal electronic devices during the school day. Districts should review their local policies to ensure they are aligned with the requirements of the law. When implementing these policies, districts should remember that the law requires students to be permitted access to personal electronic devices when such access is explicitly required by an:
-Individualized Education Program (IEP)
-Section 504 Plan
-Medical Plan for medical or educational purpose
Additionally, the policies shall establish clear procedures for off-site events or activities, including all school sponsored events and field trips, daily transportation, athletic and extracurricular events, and other instructional opportunities that do not occur on school grounds, including, but not limited to, participation in the dual enrollment program, work based learning programs, and apprenticeship programs.
- Contact: GaDOE Policy Team, policy@doe.k12.ga.us
FY27 Title IX, Part A McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Survey
GaDOE has an annual requirement to collect the number of homeless students enrolled and the educational support services provided by LEAs. All LEAs, regardless of receiving McKinney-Vento Program (MVP) funds or not, are required to submit this report. The LEA, typically the homeless liaison, will collect the required data, verify the information is correct, and complete the survey. Each LEA superintendent assures the accuracy of these data by making the final submission to GaDOE through the consolidated application approval process. Records supporting the requested data submitted in this survey must be maintained at the local level for five years or until any pending program audits are settled following the five-year period. The MVP Survey data collection form is available online by accessing the FY27 consolidated application.
- Additional Information: Annual MVP Survey Instructions
- Deadline: September 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- Contact: Whittney Mitchell, wmitchell@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
2026 EOG Retests Available in Assessment Matching Application
The EOG Retests are now loaded in the Assessment Matching application. As soon as the Summer EOCs are loaded, which will be soon, superintendent sign-off will be activated for the Assessment Matching and Non-Participation applications.
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.
- Additional Information: AMPlifying our students’ future: Students train for careers in advanced manufacturing
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.