Share and Follow
ATLANTA — Georgia legislators are advancing a comprehensive set of education initiatives this session, with a focus on improving classroom safety, fostering early literacy, enhancing teacher recruitment, and broadening higher education opportunities.
As the countdown to Crossover Day intensifies—next Friday is the pivotal deadline for bills to clear at least one legislative chamber to stay viable—lawmakers are diligently pushing key proposals through the process.
A major initiative in the spotlight is the “Math Matters Act,” designed to revamp math education statewide. This proposal aims to update academic standards and introduce new teacher certification requirements, all with the goal of boosting math performance among Georgia students.
Efforts are also underway to address challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, with particular attention to issues surrounding long-term benefits and compensation packages.
State Senator Derek Mallow (D–Savannah) has highlighted a potential financial hurdle linked to the state’s benefit plan, urging the need for proactive solutions.
“In 2027, the state benefit plan has a looming cliff for teachers, and we need to address that now,” Mallow said, pointing to deferred healthcare cost increases. “We’re a state with a multibillion-dollar surplus. We can do the right thing for teachers right now.”
House Bill 310, known as the Student Teacher Promotion Act, aims to support and retain educators entering the profession.
House Bill 372 would allow retired teachers to return to the classroom to help address ongoing staffing shortages.
Mallow argued that investing in educators has long-term economic benefits.
“If we truly want to grow our economy, reduce poverty and reduce crime, pay a teacher,” he said.
State Rep. Brian Prince (D–Augusta) also raised concerns about how poverty impacts school funding.
“The Quality Basic Education law does not fully account for poverty, and many rural districts are being asked to do more with less,” Prince said.
House Bill 1009 would expand a cell phone ban to all K–12 classrooms during instructional time. Current restrictions primarily apply to younger grades. Supporters say the change would reduce distractions and improve focus in schools.
House lawmakers have approved House Bill 1193, the Georgia Literacy Act, aimed at improving reading proficiency and student outcomes statewide.
The measure builds on ongoing efforts to address literacy rates in Georgia’s early grades.
House Bill 1123 would expand access to after-school care programs, providing additional support for working families and enrichment opportunities for students.
With Crossover Day fast approaching, lawmakers face mounting pressure to advance these education measures before the legislative deadline.