Richard Woods | Georgia's School Superintendent - Richard Woods

Superintendent Woods speaks out in support of Board rule that would provide the opportunity to eliminate up to 5 high-stakes tests for high school students

9/24/2016

I want to speak for a moment about State Board Rule 160-3-1.-07. You’re voting today to post this rule for public comment.

With the exception of three courses, this would exempt students from taking the end-of-course test for a core subject course if he or she earns a post-secondary credit in that course.

This would solve a problem that’s been brought to us many times by parents and educators in the field: students taking college courses through Move On When Ready/dual enrollment are essentially tested on a class they didn’t take.

If approved, this rule would be another step toward a responsible, common-sense approach to accountability.

It would end duplicative testing – in other words, students having to take a college-level final exam AND a Milestones test.

And it would provide the opportunity to eliminate up to five high-stakes tests for students.

Four Georgia Teachers Earn Yale Educator Award

9/24/2016

The Yale Educator Recognition Program recognizes outstanding educators from around the world who have supported and inspired their students to achieve at high levels.

Dr. Rhea Galati
English
Spencer Shimek
Habersham Central High School
GA

Mrs. Kerry Langley
English
Caleb Kassa
Lambert High School
GA

Dr. Chuck Garner
Mathematics
Matthew Le
Rockdale Magnet School for Sci. and Tech.
GA

Dr. Terry Davis
Science
Victor Ayeni
South Cobb High School
GA

Educating Georgia's Future Workforce

9/3/2016

The Georgia Department of Education is holding six economic development meetings across the state. These meetings are a way for area business and education leaders to come together to discuss how to increase their partnerships, expand relevant opportunities for students, and explore tools/resources.

Learn more at: GeorgiasFutureWorkforce.org

Superintendent Woods and State Board of Education adopt resolution calling for a 'Renewed commitment to literacy and foundational skills'

8/25/2016

Op-ed by Superintendent Woods: Renewed commitment to literacy and K-5 foundational skills

It’s true there are no silver bullets in education – no single change that will set every student on the path toward success. What’s needed, instead, is a holistic approach. We must focus on the whole child, on each child, and all the interlocking elements necessary to equip them with the skills they need.

One of the most essential changes we can make on behalf of Georgia’s students is renewing our commitment to literacy and K-5 foundational skills. The ability to read on grade level by third grade, along with proficiency in math by fifth grade, is the first crucial step toward future academic attainment. We have to get it right in the early grades if students are going to achieve later on.

Governor Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal have, through their advocacy, laid a firm foundation for an increased focus on literacy. Partnerships with the Get Georgia Reading Campaign and Georgia Public Library Service are game-changers in this regard as well. For the first time, a network exists that is expanding the capacity of Georgia’s education system and allowing educators and communities alike to explore new methods of increasing literacy.

At the Georgia Department of Education, we’re working each day to leverage these resources to the very best of our ability and the maximum benefit of Georgia’s students. We’re working closely with our Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs) to help train and equip school districts with the tools necessary to make improvements in the classroom. OurStriving Readers grant provides funding to schools to ensure all children – birth to 12th grade – are able to read on grade level and communicate effectively with others.

Efforts funded by this grant have shown strong results, and we plan to apply for grant funds through the LEARN Act to expand and strengthen our efforts in this area.

Through our agency strategic plan, we’re setting a course to raise and develop viable academic standards and increase the percentage of K-5 students with a strong knowledge of foundational skills and concepts.

Read more: http://www.gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-Policy/communications/Pages/PressReleaseDetails.aspx?PressView=default&pid=463

Georgia students outperform national average on ACT

8/25/2016

For the first time, Georgia students outperformed national average on ACT
Georgia's scores increased as number of ACT test-takers increased
National scores slipped while Georgia's scores increased
Strong scores for African American and Hispanic students as they beat national average
96% of Georgia ACT test-takers earned a silver or gold ranking for career readiness
Strong ACT scores for Georgia students in STEM areas

ESSA Stakeholder Feedback Sessions held across the state #ESSAinGA

8/25/2016

Make plans to attend an #ESSAinGA public feedback meeting near you! Details here: http://bit.ly/2buXE6S

Above pictures are from the first feedback session held in Columbia County.

Georgia educators recognized for excellence in mathematics and science teaching

8/25/2016

Four Georgia teachers were named recipients today of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. They will receive their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on September 8.

The Georgia winners are:

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process at the state level. Each nomination year of the award alternates between teachers in the kindergarten through 6th grade level, and those teaching 7th through 12th grades. The cohort of awardees named today represent two nomination years, one of teachers in kindergarten through 6th grade classrooms and the other in 7th through 12th grade classrooms.

Winners of this honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion, and are invited to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony, as well educational and celebratory events.

Georgia's Focus on Literacy

8/20/2016

Learn more about the focus on literacy from the Georgia Department of Education and its partners: literacy for learning, living, and leading.

Public invited to give feedback on Georgia’s education plan

8/20/2016

The Georgia Department of Education and State School Superintendent Richard Woods are urging anyone interested in the future of Georgia’s public education system to attend one of eight public feedback sessions on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

ESSA is the replacement for the law commonly known as No Child Left Behind, and offers an enormous opportunity for Georgia’s students, teachers, parents and communities because it replaces the top-down federal approach required by NCLB. The new law allows states and local schools/districts to make education decisions that are best for their students, and requires states to develop plans that address standards/assessments, school and district accountability, and special help for struggling schools and students.

“For all those invested in the future of Georgia’s education system – and those interested in a more holistic approach for students – whether you’re a parent, a student, an educator, or a community member, I strongly encourage you to offer your feedback as we develop our ESSA state plan,” Superintendent Woods said. “If you can, please attend a meeting – you’ll invest two hours of your time in exchange for many years of education policy. If you’re not able to attend in person, there will be opportunities to offer your feedback online and via email. Again, I urge you to join us as we shape the future of education in our state.”

Meeting Details
Each ESSA feedback session will include a welcome from Superintendent Woods and an introduction to the Every Student Succeeds Act. Participants will then choose specific topics to discuss in working groups. The public will also be informed of next steps and additional opportunities to provide feedback. Before attending the meeting, we encourage you to review thisone-page overview of ESSA topics. For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, a survey opportunity will soon be announced and posted at gadoe.org/ESSA. Feedback can also be emailed to essa@doe.k12.ga.us.

All meetings will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

August 24: Columbia County, Columbia County Board of Education, 4781 Hereford Farm Road, Evans, GA 30809
August 29: Habersham County, Piedmont College (Student Commons Building), 375 Georgia Street, Demorest, GA 30535
September 1: Dougherty County, Dougherty Comprehensive High School, 1800 Pearce Ave, Albany, GA 31705
September 14: Fulton County, North Learning Center, 450 Northridge Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30350
September 19: Muscogee County, Northside High School, 2002 American Way, Columbus, GA 31909
October 12: Laurens County, Old West Laurens (OWL) Training Center, 338 West Laurens School Road, Dublin, GA 31021
October 13: Chatham County, Pulaski Elementary School, 1001 Tibet Avenue, Savannah, GA 31419
October 17: Gordon County, Gordon County College & Career Academy, 305 Beamer Road, Calhoun, GA 30701

Learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act and the development of Georgia’s state plan at gadoe.org/ESSA. View a one-pageoverview here.

Woods: Solid foundation needed to achieve academic success

8/14/2016

Richard Woods wants Georgia’s educational system to be like the Empire State Building – tall and grand with a solid foundation that runs deep underground, invisible to the naked eye.

That’s what the State Superintendent of Schools told Republicans at Forsyth County’s monthly Republican Party meeting Thursday evening.

The party’s guest speaker, Woods spent the earlier part of his day visiting Mashburn Elementary and meeting with Forsyth County School Superintendent Jeff Bearden as well as Board of Education members.
The Mashburn stop was Woods’ first school visit of the year.

At the GOP meeting, Woods outlined his goals for the future of Georgia students and the state’s school system.

A self-proclaimed foundationalist, he emphasized the importance kindergarten through fifth grade has in preparing students for successful higher education.
“If you want to build a skyscraper, the most important part is what you don’t see – the foundation,” Woods said. “If you don’t have that deep foundation, it will limit the height of what you hope to achieve. I don’t want a leaning tower of Pisa-type education system.”

To ensure Georgia students will reach great heights, Woods is focusing on literacy programs in elementary schools – something he said is key to a child’s future.

“The most important skill our children can do and take with them is to be able to read,” he said. “I don‘t care what you go into, what aspect of life you [pursue]; you have to read.”

By third grade, Woods said, research shows literacy is of utmost importance. He did add, however, that other skills, such as math, are also important for children to have a grasp on before they enter middle school.