Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Click here for the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard.
Corrected Link: Top State for Talent FY26 School Counselor Checklist
On December 8, 2025, the Top State for Talent Act (2025 HB 192) advisement checklist for school counselors was sent to Georgia’s school counselors. This document is for school counselors to use as a guide for preparing students in grades 6-12 and a planning tool to collect and report the FY26 data as required by legislation.
Please note that this is the first step to implementing the legislative requirements. Thus, information on reporting the data gathered will be provided in an upcoming email.
- Additional Information: Top State for Talent Checklist
- Contact: Barbara Wall, bwall@doe.k12.ga.us
Save the Date: Statewide Day of Service on March 18, 2026
As Georgia’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Rachel Kinsaul is encouraging schools and districts across the state to engage students in meaningful service learning through a Day of Service focused on community connection, real-world learning, and civic responsibility.
The statewide Day of Service will be observed on March 18, 2026. Schools are encouraged to participate on that date or schedule their own service day, empowering districts to adapt the initiative to local needs.
Schools and districts are encouraged to complete the Day of Service participation interest form to indicate their intent to participate and receive updates as resources become available. Additional information will be shared next week.
- Additional Information: Day of Service Participation Interest Form
Required Reporting – Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act
February 1 is the deadline for reporting middle-of-year (MOY) data on Universal Screening and Tiered Reading Support Plans in the MyGaDOE Portal. These data are reported by each school that serves students in grades K, 1, 2, and/or 3. School-level data must be approved by district-level administration – superintendent or curriculum director.
- Additional Information: Reporting Requirements for the Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act
- Deadline: February 1 at 5 p.m.
- Contact: Amy Denty, amy.denty@doe.k12.ga.us
Reminder: International Baccalaureate Exam Fee Initiative Grant Now Open
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam Fee Initiative Grant is intended to support students by providing financial support to partially cover exam costs for students who qualify for a fee reduction and for students who take a STEM exam at high schools offering the International Baccalaureate program. A total of $319,000 in grant funds is available, with a maximum of $40,000 per district. All Georgia public school districts with authorized IB schools administering IB exams in May 2026 are eligible to apply.
- Additional Information: GaDOE Grant Opportunities
- Deadline: January 30, 2026 at 5 p.m.
- Contact: Martha Smith, masmith@doe.k12.ga.us