More than 118,000 students in Georgia cope with disabilities. Some are students with visual or hearing impairments while others have autism or developmental delays. Many have learning disabilities, speech impairments or other intellectual or physical disabilities. These children need extra
Proposals to create school voucher programs, including tax credit scholarship programs, continue to pop up in a growing number of states and at the federal level. This has spurred some voucher proponents to call for greater accountability for schools participating
Medicaid protects Georgia’s children. Nearly half of our children, or 1.3 million, are able to go to a doctor and access other health care services through Medicaid benefits. This helps them stay healthy and in the classroom so they can
School districts across Georgia face financial challenges that limit their ability to meet the needs of all students, especially when they’re from low-income families. This jeopardizes Georgia’s economic future. The state needs a skilled workforce to attract and develop industries
Dozens of struggling schools that were once flagged for state support have since made strides. The state Department of Education announced this week that one-third of the 274 schools identified as “focus” or “priority” schools because achievement gaps or low
This year could be a big one for school choice. State lawmakers are considering expanding a program that gives tax credits to Georgians who help bankroll private school scholarships. Supporters say the program gives students in public schools better access to other
Georgia taxpayers could soon be funding private schools to the tune of nearly $1 billion a year or more, disproportionately benefiting well-off families in urban areas. An “education savings account” program would cost only about $39 million in its first
Teacher skepticism of the governor’s announcement yesterday of a 2 percent raise reflects their recent experience. Gov. Nathan Deal promised a 3 percent raise last year — really a one-time bonus — but many teachers saw their paychecks unchanged or
Looking ahead to the new year, Gainesville and Hall County school officials remain committed to managing growth and funding capital projects, while staying focused on student achievement. Gainesville School Board Chairwoman Delores Diaz said that adding to the challenges ahead
The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute recently released an evaluation on the much vaunted and duplicated Georgia HOPE Scholarship. They reported that while it has led to an increase in enrollment, it has not benefitted lower-income and students of color in
The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute works to advance lasting solutions that expand economic opportunity and well-being for all Georgians.
Georgia Budget & Policy Institute
