In order to have a stronger education system for all of Georgia’s students – from early childhood education through the workforce – Georgia’s education agency heads and the Governor’s office have formed a collaborative partnership. Referred to as the Alliance of Education Agency Heads, this collaboration is student-focused and facilitates student success by aligning policymakers, education agencies, and strategic partners to promote a shared commitment and improve educational outcomes. Specifically, the partners work to:
- Coordinate efforts on policies and projects that involve multiple agencies and accomplish together what no one agency can accomplish alone;
- Support and integrate the Governor’s education priorities and initiatives into agency strategic plans;
- Quickly identify and address any issues / barriers to collaborative work between agencies;
- Provide a united message about Georgia’s education priorities to agency staff, stakeholders, and the public; and
- Coordinate and leverage work with strategic partners in furtherance of the state’s education goals
The state’s overarching education goals are:
- Increase the percentage of graduates from high school and postsecondary institutions prepared for the demands of college, workplace, a global economy, and responsible citizenship.
- Increase the percentage of students reading at grade level by completion of third grade.
- Increase the percentage of effective teachers and educational leaders.
Structure of Georgia’s State Education System
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG)
TCSG’s 22 colleges are Georgia’s top resource for skilled workers. TCSG offers world-class training in 600 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs to students who are trained on state-of-the-art equipment by instructors who are experts in their fields. The system also houses Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, which promotes and provides adult literacy and education programs, including the GED® testing program, throughout the state. In addition, TCSG partners with companies through Quick Start, the nation’s top customized workforce training program, and through its individual colleges, who work with local industry to provide workforce and training solutions. Visit TCSG to learn more about these programs.
Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)
DECAL administers the nationally recognized Georgia’s Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers federal nutrition programs, and manages voluntary quality enhancement programs. Visit DECAL to find Pre-K or child care service locations and to learn more about early childhood education.
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE)
GaDOE administers policies established by the State Board of Education. Under the direction of the State School Superintendent, the GaDOE disburses state education funds, provides technical assistance and support services to local school systems, operates three state schools for hearing and visually impaired students, and provides intensive assistance to local schools identified with significant student achievement issues.
The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA)
GOSA provides policy support to the Governor and ultimately the citizens of Georgia through communicating meaningful education data to stakeholders; providing research support and data analysis on various education programs in Georgia to inform the Governor’s policy, budget, and legislative efforts; auditing education programs to ensure fidelity at the district and school-level to performance and accountability requirements; and identifying, supporting, and sustaining educational innovations that align with the Governor’s education priorities. Visit GOSA to access the state’s P-20 report card and learn more about innovation grant opportunities.
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC)
GAPSC is responsible for establishing and upholding standards for the preparation of educators, providing a regulatory system of certification/licensure, and establishing and enforcing standards of professional conduct of certified personnel employed in Georgia public schools. Visit GaPSC for information on becoming a Georgia educator.
The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC)
GSFC helps students achieve their educational goals by administering state- and lottery-funded financial aid programs, including the HOPE Scholarship and Grant programs. GSFC provides financial aid and educational services to K-12 and community organizations across the state. GSFC’s outreach efforts include the College Goal Georgia FAFSA completion initiative, financial literacy and the importance of saving for college with Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan. GSFC disburses more than $640 million in scholarships, grants and loans to over 225,000 Georgians annually to help pay for their higher education.
The University System of Georgia (USG)
USG, under the direction of the Board of Regents is the governing body for the state’s colleges and universities, the state archives, and the public libraries. Visit USG to learn more about its 28 institutions and its work in spurring research and creativity that make the state a center of innovation, discovery, and entrepreneurship.
For more information, please contact AEAH Coordinator Jennifer Rippner at jennifer.rippner@usg.edu.