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ATLANTA (WJBF) – In a significant move to enhance educational outcomes in Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has enacted a comprehensive suite of education reforms, with a strong focus on boosting early literacy.
Unveiled on Tuesday at the Georgia State Capitol, this legislative package introduces several pivotal adjustments: prohibiting cell phone use for students from kindergarten through eighth grade, creating alternative graduation routes, revising the state’s math curriculum, and implementing the newly established Georgia Early Literacy Act.
The cornerstone of these reforms is the Georgia Early Literacy Act, designed to bolster reading proficiency among kindergarten to third-grade students.
As part of this law, public schools throughout Georgia will welcome literacy coaches, a strategic initiative that lawmakers believe could dramatically enhance early reading skills.
According to Jon Burns, the state intends to deploy around 1,300 literacy coaches, although not all the positions will be immediately occupied.
State leaders believe the investment will pay off long-term by strengthening foundational reading skills at an early age.
Georgia currently ranks among the bottom five states in early reading performance, a statistic that has raised concern among educators and lawmakers.
State School Superintendent officials estimate that adding literacy coaches could improve reading proficiency by as much as 15%.
Lawmakers say improving literacy at a young age is critical to setting students up for success later in life, from high school to college and into the workforce.
Supporters of the legislation point to success in other states that have adopted similar “science of reading” approaches.
States like Mississippi, Alabama and Florida have seen significant gains in reading scores after implementing structured literacy programs focused on phonics and comprehension.
Georgia leaders said they expect similar, if not faster, results.
The new law mandates a science-based approach to reading instruction, emphasizing phonics and foundational literacy skills.
It also allows schools to retain kindergarten students who do not meet reading proficiency benchmarks before advancing to first grade.
In addition, the legislation includes a state-funded initiative to provide books to families beginning at birth, aiming to encourage reading at home from an early age.
Governor Kemp has about one week remaining to sign any additional bills passed during this legislative session.
State leaders said the newly signed education measures represent a significant step toward improving academic outcomes and strengthening Georgia’s education system.