Data Requests & Contact

November 21, 2025 – Superintendents

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

ELA and Assessment: Aligning for Impact

With the launch of Georgia’s new ELA standards and assessments this year, it’s essential that every teacher understands what’s changing and how to support students effectively in the new ELA classroom. To support that work, we’ve created a 20-minute overview video that clearly explains the new assessments, instructional expectations, and the resources available to help schools implement the standards well.

We’re asking all districts to ensure that every teacher and leader responsible for ELA instruction watches this video. This shared foundation is critical as we work together to prepare students for success and elevate literacy outcomes across the state. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to strong ELA and literacy outcomes for students!

Georgia Schools Care Winter 2025

GaDOE is proud to launch the third annual Georgia Schools Care initiative, uniting students, teachers, and staff statewide in the spirit of giving. This year’s effort – running through December 17, 2025 – continues our tradition of supporting Clark’s Christmas Kids, ensuring every child in Georgia’s foster care system receives a gift on Christmas morning. Schools are encouraged to collect small donations from students and staff, showing how even the smallest contributions can make a big difference. Together, Georgia’s schools are demonstrating the power of compassion, community, and care this holiday season.

All funds should be submitted as one combined school donation, with checks made payable to DFCS Secret Santa (not GaDOE) and mailed to:

DFCS Secret Santa, c/o Georgia Department of Education, 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, 2066 Twin Towers East, Atlanta, GA 30334

Teacher Connections November 2025

The latest edition of Teacher Connections is available! GaDOE Teaching & Learning has curated the latest and greatest resources for K-12 classroom teachers. Teacher Connections has more than 6,000 subscribers and strives to connect classroom teachers to GaDOE resources.

School Climate Survey Links Available

School Climate Survey URLs and QR codes are now available in the MyGaDOE Portal for each school to test. Before administering surveys, school leaders need to verify specific details regarding the links:

  • Are any survey links missing?
  • Do you have any links you shouldn’t (e.g., an elementary link, but you are a high school administrator)?
  • Do the links lead to the appropriate survey?
  • Are there any other issues that would cause problems?

It is also recommended that school leaders review the four sections called “Before the Windows Open” in the Survey Administration Checklist.

NOTE: There is now only one link for the teacher and staff surveys. When school personnel log in, they will click “teacher” or “staff” and be directed to the appropriate survey. A video explainer is linked below.

Required Mid-Year Report for Student Mental/Behavioral Services Grant Due December 19

Georgia’s FY26 state budget established $19.6 million for the Student Mental/Behavioral Health Services Grant. At its August 20, 2025, meeting, the State Board of Education approved state mental health grant funds for school districts based on a state-defined formula of $20,000 to each middle school and high school, and a mid-year report is required for all participating districts. The mid-year report will be used to provide valuable information to the Georgia General Assembly as they prepare the FY27 state budget and must be completed by December 19, 2025.

Reminder: GaLEADS Cohort D – Intent to Participate for 2026-2027

Districts are invited to indicate their intent to participate in GaLEADS Cohort D for the 2026-2027 school year. Interested districts should review the participation timeline and submit their decision by December 19, 2025.

Reminder: AI Guidance and Innovation in Georgia School Districts

The AI Guidance and Innovation in Georgia School Districts survey is designed to gather insights on how districts are adopting and implementing artificial intelligence in education. It focuses on current practices, local AI policies, and innovative applications to support teaching, learning, and operations. The survey aims to inform statewide strategies and promote ethical, effective AI integration across Georgia schools.

AI in Education Webinar with Parent ProTech

Join GaDOE and Parent ProTech for a webinar on AI in education – there are two time options on December 3, 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Participants will receive practical strategies and resources to help students navigate the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. The session will focus on fostering critical thinking, spotting misinformation, and promoting ethical AI use, while building your own confidence as an educator in the digital age.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving break! Superintendent Woods and I are deeply thankful for the work you do every day to support Georgia’s students and lead our education workforce.