Data Requests & Contact

February 5, 2026 – Superintendents

Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Click here for the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard.

District Guidance on Appropriate Student Conduct

As a state agency, we are required to follow state and federal law. Students have the right to free speech, and districts have the responsibility to keep them safe and ensure learning continues. For students wishing to express their First Amendment right to free speech, districts should work with students to find a responsible, appropriate outlet. All districts should partner with their local school boards to adopt and enforce clear policies that do not distract from bell-to-bell instruction, ensure student safety, and maintain an orderly learning environment.

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.

School Climate Survey Window Open

The mandatory Georgia School Climate Survey for students, faculty, and families is now open and will close at midnight on March 31. There are several resources available (and linked below) to support administering the survey successfully.

Options for School Climate Star Rating Training

Changes to the 2024-25 School Climate Star Rating have promoted the development of additional training opportunities. GaDOE’s Whole Child Supports team has developed a plan to meet the needs of all districts through three options: recorded webinar, by-request webinar, or by-request consultation. For additional information, use the resources below.

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.

2024 LEA Poverty and Population Challenge Period with Census Bureau

The Census Bureau is providing a challenge period for LEAs to review the 2024 LEA poverty and population data for certain non-statistical errors. The U.S. Department of Education uses the 2024 Census data to calculate fiscal year 2026 (SY2026-27) Title I, Part A state allocations, which are used to calculate the Title I LEA allocations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership

This grant supports engagement with families who have students with IEPs by providing funds for parent mentors.