Data Requests & Contact

May 8, 2026 – Superintendents

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.

Worldwide Canvas/Instructure Outage

We understand that there is a worldwide Canvas/Instructure outage impacting over 9,000 institutions. At this time, the Georgia Department of Education has not received detailed guidance from Canvas/Instructure regarding the impact and scope of this incident, including which institutions may have been affected. Instructure shared this link with us for updates on the outage.  

Out of an abundance of caution, GaDOE has implemented security protocols and directed Georgia Virtual School students and staff not to use the platform until further notice. We continue to coordinate with the Georgia Technology Authority and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency on this matter.

We recognize that some Georgia school districts may contract independently with Canvas/Instructure.  As this is a vendor platform issue and not a GaDOE platform issue, these districts should contact Canvas/Instructure directly and monitor the link above for additional updates. Districts also maintain local flexibility regarding assignments and coursework impacted by the outage.

As we continue to coordinate with GTA and GEMA/HS, we will advocate to ensure local school districts have the support they need as more details evolve.

FAQ Document: Literacy Coach Funding

GaDOE has developed in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement a Frequently Asked Questions document regarding literacy coach funding under HB 1193. The resource includes information on funding calculations, timelines, T&E earnings, hiring expectations, and implementation considerations for local school systems.

Special Education Parent Survey Deadline

As a reminder, the Special Education Parent Survey closes May 31, 2026. No submissions will be accepted after this date.

  • Deadline: May 31, 2026

One Year Funding Support for Home Study Student Exams

For the 2025-2026 school year, GaDOE will utilize additional available funds to cover the cost of select assessments for home study students as a one-time opportunity to expand access. In alignment with Senate Bill 63, LEAs that offer the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, PreACT, ACT, or ASVAB must make these assessments available to both public school and home study students within their attendance area and establish clear local procedures for validating and registering home study students.

Looking ahead, this funding is temporary, and standard cost expectations will resume; all assessments carry an associated cost, and LEAs may charge home study students only the actual cost of administration – no more and no less than what is incurred for public school students. Included in the link below is the current FAQ for SB 63 (2025) Home Study Student Exams.

Student Vaping Mini-Grant Now Open

The Student Vaping Mini-Grant is intended to support middle and high schools by providing funds for localized interventions to decrease the incidence of vaping by students in Georgia. A maximum of $150,000 will be awarded in grants, with up to $25,000 per LEA. Georgia LEAs are eligible to apply.

  • Deadline: June 5, 2026 at 5 p.m.

2026 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools

The 2026 AP Honor Schools are named in eight categories based on the results of 2025 AP exams. A list of categories is below, and a complete list of schools in each category is linked. An electronic award badge will be sent to your District AP Coordinators for use on your website, social media, or printed materials.

Student Advocacy Specialist FAQ

GaDOE’s Office of Whole Child Supports recently developed a Frequently Asked Questions document to provide clarification about the Student Advocacy Specialist position. Utilize this as a tool for clarification.

Upcoming Release of School Climate Star Ratings

The Georgia School Climate Star Rating will be released in the MyGaDOE Portal on May 26, 2026. Ratings will be embargoed for a 1-week review period (May 26 to June 1) to allow district and school staff with existing portal access to review the ratings prior to public release. The Star Ratings will be released to the public June 2.