COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Schools
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is working closely with the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Department of Public Health (GaDPH), and other agencies to ensure local school districts, parents, and students have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 (commonly called coronavirus). State School Superintendent Richard Woods is a member of Governor Brian Kemp’s Coronavirus Task Force, and GaDOE’s Office of School Climate and Safety is communicating daily with GaDPH and its Commissioner, Dr. Kathleen Toomey.
GaDOE has distributed detailed guidance to school districts on the preparations they should take to prepare for the potential spread of COVID-19, and is distributing the most up-to-date guidance from GaDPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as it is released. |
Quick Links
Georgia's COVID-19 Hotline
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March 16, 2020 | Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order closing all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools from March 18, 2020 to March 31, 2020 to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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We know food insecurity for students who rely on school meals is a major concern if extended school closures become necessary. GaDOE has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for alternate meal service flexibility in the case of extended closures. This will allow schools to serve students meals through USDA-approved meal service options, at approved sites within the community.
Working with district nutrition directors, GaDOE’s school nutrition team has approved 181 applications. Special thanks to school officials, nutrition staff, bus drivers, and volunteers that are preparing, packing, and delivering meals to students. Many school districts are serving meals for students using bus routes or at approved sites within the community. For more information about options near you, visit your local school district’s website or social media accounts. What GaDOE is Working On – Additional USDA waivers, support for school staff
GaDOE is seeking and USDA is granting additional flexibility for school meal services, including portion sizes and meal components. These waivers along with training opportunities are being regularly communicated with district school nutrition directors. |
Resources
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WHAT RESOURCES EXIST TO support GEORGIA EDUCATORS MAKing THE SHIFT TO ONLINE LEARNING?
Just in Time for Teachers: Digital Learning Days Course introduces digital learning basics and will assist in planning for digital learning days. This course provides critical best practices, tools and knowledge to assist educators who are planning for and transitioning to a remote learning online format to support digital learning days.
WHAT RESOURCES EXIST TO SUPPORT GEORGIA EDUCATORS in MEETing THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN A VIRTUAL SETTING?
COMING SOON! Teaching Students with Disabilities (free online course for all Georgia Educators)
WHAT INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT IS GEORGIA PUBLIC BROADCAST (GPB) TO GEORGIA EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS?
Working with GBP, the Georgia Department of Education recently launched Georgia’s Home Classroom -- Pre-K through 5th grade resources are now available and we will be adding 6-12 resources in the coming days. Students in Pre-K through 12th grade can now access free, educational PBS daytime programming designated for each grade level weekdays on GPB-TV.
What GaDOE is Working On – Devices/Hotspots
GaDOE and GOSA’s foundations are teaming up with other non-profits to provide devices/hotspots for schools in need. We are working with providers to finalize details and will be sharing opportunities for districts shortly. To support this project, make a donation the the Georgia Foundation for Public Education or the Innovation Fund Foundation. |
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will students be required to take georgia milestones?
On March 16th, Superintendent Woods suspended the state assessment window/administration (including Georgia Milestones EOGs and EOCs, the Georgia Alternate Assessment/GAA 2.0, and all other required testing (i.e. End of Pathway Assessments, GKIDS).
On March 20th, USED 'approved' Georgia's statewide testing waiver. There will not be Georgia Milestones testing this school year. will students be required to take end of grade (eog) OR END OF COURSE (EOC) TESTS?
On March 16th, Superintendent Woods suspended the state assessment window/administration (including Georgia Milestones EOGs and EOCs, the Georgia Alternate Assessment/GAA 2.0, and all other required testing (i.e. End of Pathway Assessments, GKIDS).
On March 20th, USED 'approved' Georgia's statewide testing waiver. There will not be Georgia Milestones testing this school year. At the upcoming State Board of Education meeting (March 26th), Superintendent Woods will recommend the approval of a package of waivers for all school districts, including waiving the 20% EOC course grade requirement. WILL ADVANCE PLACEMENT (AP) EXAMS STILL BE OFFERED?
College Board is offering AP exams virtually. This year’s AP Exams will not include questions from the final units of the course – units typically covered in March and April. In addition, the streamlined Exams will take no longer than an hour and will be doable on a mobile phone.
By April 3, College Board will publish the full exam schedule including the specific free-response question types that will comprise each AP Exam. Keep in mind, the Exams will be “open book.” Any student already registered for an Exam can choose to cancel at no charge.
WILL ACT, SAT, OR IB EXAMS STILL BE OFFERED? WILL GEORGIA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES REQUIRE ACT/SAT SCORES FOR ADMISSION?
SAT Testing. In response to the rapidly evolving situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19), College Board canceled the May 2 SAT administration. Click here for details.
ACT Testing. ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S. in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date. Click here for details. SAT/ACT testing has been suspended for the remainder of the school year. USG will be waiving SAT/ACT entrance requirements for admissions. Click here for their guidance. IB Testing:
ARE KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS STILL REQUIRED TO ADMINISTER THE GEORGIA KINDERGARTEN INVENTORY OF DEVELOPING SKILLS (G-KIDS)?
On March 16th, Superintendent Woods suspended the state assessment window/administration (including GKIDS).
Schools are not required to administer or complete GKIDS for the 2020-2021 school year. The Georgia Department of Education has kept access to the GKIDS open so kindergarten teachers can access instructional information to meet the needs of their students. WILL STUDENTS BE REQUIRED TO TAKE END-OF-PATHWAY ASSESSMENTS (EOPA) FOR CAREER, TECHNICAL, AND AGRICULTURAL (CTAE) CLASSES?
On March 16th, Superintendent Woods suspended the state assessment window/administration (including End of Pathway Assessments).
Students can request, and local school districts have the flexibility to administer, a End of Pathway Assessment to earn an industry credential. These decisions should solely be student-based. WILL STUDENTS WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES BE REQUIRED TO TAKE GEORGIA ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS (GAA 2.0)?
On March 16th, Superintendent Woods suspended the state assessment window/administration (including Georgia the Georgia Alternate Assessment/GAA 2.0).
On March 20th, USED 'approved' Georgia's statewide testing waiver. There will not be GAA 2.0 testing this school year. WILL END OF COURSE (EOC) EXAMS STILL COUNT FOR STUDENTS? WILL DISTRICTS BE REQUIRED TO ADMINISTER A FINAL EXAM IN PLACE OF MISSED EOCS?
At the upcoming State Board of Education meeting (March 26th), Superintendent Woods will recommend the approval of a package of waivers for all school districts, including waiving the 20% EOC course grade requirement.
The Georgia Department of Education will not require local school districts to administer a local final exam in the place of a missed EOC. However, local school districts do have the authority to add that requirement. will students still be required to take local assessments?
Decisions to administer local assessments are solely made by local school districts.
Superintendent Woods calls on school districts to suspend local assessments, in line with recent federal and state actions to suspend high-stakes testing. |
Updates
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WHAT'S THE GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE DUAL ENROLLED?
Students in dual-enrollment should continue classes unless
The Georgia Department of Education does not supervise institutes of higher education. We are working with USG and TCSG on a detailed FAQ document for districts; it will be posted once finalized. HOW WILL STUDENTS BE PROMOTED OR RETAINED?
At the upcoming State Board of Education meeting (March 26th), Superintendent Woods will recommend the approval of a package of waivers for all school districts, including waiving 20% EOC course grade, promotion/retention, and other requirements related to graduation and course completion. We are collaborating with University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Student Finance Commission, and others to ensure no punitive effects for seniors.
After approval, detailed guidance will be sent to districts and posted on this page. WHAT'S THE GUIDANCE FOR COURSE COMPLETION (GRADES, CLASSWORK, ETC.)?
At the upcoming State Board of Education meeting (March 26th), Superintendent Woods will recommend the approval of a package of waivers for all school districts, including waiving 20% EOC course grade, promotion/retention, and other requirements related to graduation and course completion. We are collaborating with University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Student Finance Commission, and others to ensure no punitive effects for seniors.
After approval, detailed guidance will be sent to districts and posted on this page. WHAT ARE THE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SENIORS?
At the upcoming State Board of Education meeting (March 26th), Superintendent Woods will recommend the approval of a package of waivers for all school districts, including waiving 20% EOC course grade, promotion/retention, and other requirements related to graduation and course completion. We are collaborating with University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Student Finance Commission, and others to ensure no punitive effects for seniors.
After approval, detailed guidance will be sent to districts and posted on this page. WILL SENIORS STILL HAVE GRADUATION CEREMONIES? WHAT ABOUT OTHER SCHOOL FUNCTIONS?
Local school districts are advised to follow the guidance of the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health regarding public gatherings during the COVID-19 crisis.
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WHAT ASSISTANCE IS BEING PROVIDED TO FAMILIES EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY?
Many school districts are serving meals for students using bus routes or at approved sites within the community. For more information about options near you, visit your local school district’s website or social media accounts.
Other Resources
what supports exist to address the mental health needs of families during the covid-19 crisis?
HOW DO FAMILIES ACCESS STATE ASSISTANCE?
In efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and assist families, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) requests that families with school-age children be allowed and encouraged to use district-issued student devices to access SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) applications and information remotely.
To limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) encourages families to access self-service options online during this period. Those without internet access can contact the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877-423-4746 for additional information or to request a paper application. Once completed, applications and any required verification can be mailed back to your local county DFCS office. County office locations are available online at https://dfcs.georgia.gov/locations. |
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Guidance
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are educators/schools required to MAKE UP DAYS?
On March 16th, Superintendent Woods announced the suspension of attendance-related consequences (including CCRPI, TKES/LKES, Star Climate Rating, and make-up day requirements). Click here to read the full announcement.
Per State Board of Education rule, K-12 public schools are not required to make up days if the Governor declares a State of Emergency. By executive order, Governor Kemp has declared statewide school closures from March 16-31, 2020. Per the Governor's Office, digital/distance learning can continue to take place. Minimal staff can continue to report in order to sustain core functions/services, such as providing food services and supporting digital/distance learning efforts. Ultimately, the decisions on whether to make up days and when/how instruction continues are made by local school districts. will EVALUATIONS still be given?
On March 16, Superintendent Woods suspended Teacher and leader evaluation (TKES/LKES) requirements and reporting for the remainder of the school year. Click here to read full announcement.
Data access in the online evaluation platform has been placed to 'Read Only'. will the covid-19 crisis impact my PAY?
State and federal funding allocations will remain unchanged, covering the salaries of these funded positions for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
Pay and salary decisions are ultimately made by each local school district. Human Resources and personnel decisions are made locally, not at the state level. During this challenging time, Superintendent Woods calls on districts to continue to fully pay educators, school leaders, and support staff. how is PREPARATION & CERTIFICATION impacted?
Certification and preparation falls under the purview of a separate state agency, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission is closely monitoring the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the anticipated impact to candidates enrolled in educator preparation programs, Georgia educators and educators arriving by reciprocity, local units of administration (LUAs), and educator preparation providers (EPPs).
will HIGH-STAKES TESTs be given? how will high-stakes testing be used?
On March 16th, Superintendent Woods State suspended the assessment window/administration (including Georgia Milestones EOGs and EOCs, the Georgia Alternate Assessment/GAA 2.0, and all other required testing (i.e. G-KIDS, EOPAs). GaDOE does not have any control or authority over the scheduling or administration of SAT, ACT, or AP exams.
On March 20th, USED 'approved' Georgia's statewide testing waiver. State assessment scores will not be used as a component for the teacher or leader evaluations for the 2019-2020 school year. Local school districts have the authority to required the completion and continuation of local assessments. For more detailed information regarding testing, please see the Testing section of this web page. |
Helping Others -- CTAE Teachers Donate Personal Protection Equipment
To assist local hospitals and local boards of health secure Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for nurses, medical technicians, physicians and other providers in hospitals, CTAE Healthcare Science teachers are being asked if they can donate their stock of PPE during this crisis. Click here to find out how.
Georgia Professional Standards Commission
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assessment and accountability flexibiLIty
Click here to view Georgia's approved testing and accountability USED waiver.
Assessment State and Federal Assessments have been waived for the 2020-2021 school year:
Accountability CROSS FUNCTIONAL MONITORING
Superintendent Woods, for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, is suspending the following:
Cross Functional Monitoring visits will be rescheduled for the 2020-2021 school year. CLIP & S-CLIP
FEDERAL FUNDS ALLOCATIONS (1003 & OTHERS)
IDEA & SERVING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
bridge bill (CTAE)
All BRIDGE bill requirements have been waived for the 2020-2021 school year.
What GaDOE is Working On -- Additional Flexibility for School Districts
Superintendent Woods will recommend a package of waivers for SBOE approval at the March 26th meeting. Though most districts have performance contracts, there remain gaps in the waivers currently granted. This recommendation will fill those gaps and provide waivers to all districts. The Georgia Department of Education is also working with the Governor’s Office to waive requirements in state law through executive action. Across the agency, we are identifying data, reporting, and other required submissions – either extending deadlines, pushing them into the next school year, or eliminating them altogether, wherever possible so school districts can continue to focus on the safety and well-being of students and staff. |
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USED Guidance
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