Bill > HB740

This bill amends Georgia's education laws to expand and refine promotional standards for students in early grades, specifically focusing on kindergarten, first, and second grades. The bill requires the Department of Education to develop new promotional standards and criteria for first grade readiness, building upon existing policies for determining student advancement. Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, the State Board of Education will establish new criteria for placement and promotion policies for kindergarten through second grade, similar to existing policies for third, fifth, and eighth grades. Key changes include requiring the Department of Education to create specific guidelines for determining whether a student is ready to advance to the next grade level, with particular attention to students with disabilities or limited English proficiency. The bill mandates that local school systems document reasons for not promoting a student and provides a structured process for reviewing student performance, including potential retention and opportunities for additional instruction. The implementation will be phased in over several years, with kindergarten policies beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, first grade in 2027-2028, and second grade in 2028-2029, ultimately aiming to ensure students are adequately prepared before advancing to higher grade levels.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71218