Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Click here for the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard.
Share With ELA Instructional Staff: K-3 Teacher Survey
Please share this information and survey link with all instructional staff in your district who teach ELA, including reading, to students in grades K, 1, 2, or 3. The 2024-25 school year was the first year of implementation for several new policies related to reading and dyslexia, including teacher training in structured literacy and the use of High Quality Instructional Materials aligned to the science of reading for K-3 ELA. GaDOE is seeking responses on the current state of K-3 knowledge and instructional practices. Responses are anonymous and will be used to inform GaDOE’s guidance and support in 2025-26 and beyond.
The survey contains 23 questions and should take about 10 minutes to complete. For the best experience, we recommend using a computer browser.
- Additional Information: Survey Link
- Contact: Amy Denty, amy.denty@doe.k12.ga.us
- Deadline: February 10, 2026
2025-2026 John Hancock Banner UPDATE
GaDOE is proud to continue the John Hancock Banner, recognizing schools where students demonstrate excellence in cursive writing. Schools can earn this honor when 90% of students can write their name – or their name and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution – in cursive, in accordance with updated criteria for the 2025-2026 school year. Submissions are open through June 1, 2026.
- Additional Information:
- Deadline: June 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Contact Information: Kimberly Wetzel, kimberly.wetzel@doe.k12.ga.us
Free SAT Prep Classes
GaDOE is offering free, live, virtual SAT Prep Classes this spring in partnership with Tutored by Teachers. Students will strengthen foundational math, reading, and writing skills; build confidence with SAT questions; and learn effective test-taking strategies. This accessible virtual series is designed to support students across the state as they prepare for the SAT. The next sessions are March 2-5, 2026.
- Additional Information: Registration Link
Free Webinar for Students and Families | Reading Smarter: Strategies for Focus and Retention
This February 10 session introduces high-impact reading strategies students can apply across subjects, along with tips for parents to reinforce them at home. The webinar will cover annotation techniques, how to navigate texts using structural language, reading with purpose, and managing unfamiliar vocabulary without losing momentum.
- Additional Information: Registration Link
Reminder: Special Education Grants Available
Three special education grants are available to provide funds for services and supports for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Details and application links for all grants below are available on the GaDOE Grant Opportunities page.
Grant for Residential and Reintegration Services
This grant assists with the placement of students with severe disabilities in private residential settings, and the reintegration of students back into the LEA or other community services, as defined by the student’s IEP.
- Contact: Danielle Smith, danielle.smith@doe.k12.ga.us
- Deadline: February 16, 2026
High Cost Fund for Special Education Services Grant
This grant helps LEAs cover the direct special education instructional costs of children with disabilities whose intensity, frequency, and diversity of special education and related service needs are at least three times the state average.
- Contact: Danielle Smith, danielle.smith@doe.k12.ga.us
- Deadline: February 16, 2026
Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership
This grant supports engagement with families who have students with IEPs by providing funds for parent mentors.
- Contact: Belinda Tiller, belinda.tiller@doe.k12.ga.us
- Deadline: April 17 at 5 p.m.