SB 596: "Quality Basic Education Act"; State Board of Education to establish a program of state-wide coordinated support for summer literacy programs offered by local school systems and other public schools; require

Senate Bill 596

By: Senators Mangham of the 55th, Jones II of the 22nd, Wicks of the 34th, Parkes of the 7th and Orrock of the 36th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

To amend Part 9 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to grants for educational programs under the "Quality Basic education Act," so as to require the State Board of Education to establish a program of state-wide coordinated support for summer literacy programs offered by local school systems and other public schools; to provide for eligibility for such program; to require the Department of Education to develop a plan to implement such program and to submit such plan to the General Assembly; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Part 9 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to grants for educational programs under the "Quality Basic education Act," is amended by revising Code Section 20-2-255, which is reserved, as follows:

"20-2-255.

(a) The State Board of Education shall establish a program of state-wide coordinated support for summer literacy programs offered by local school systems and other public schools to students in kindergarten through grade three. The program shall include, but shall not be limited to, grants for eligible local school systems and other public schools.

(b) To be eligible to receive grant funds under the program established pursuant to this Code section, local school systems and other public schools shall submit an application to the Department of Education on a form and in a manner determined by the Department of Education, which details:

(1) The summer literacy program or programs to be offered to students in kindergarten through grade three;

(2) How only high quality instructional materials and instructional practices aligned to the science of reading shall be used;

(3) How student progress will be measured; and

(4) What particular strategies will be deployed to provide prioritized supports for students who are identified as significantly at risk of not attaining grade level reading proficiency, as provided for in Code Section 20-2-153.1.

(c)(1) By November 1, 2026, the Department of Education shall consult with local school systems and other public schools, the Office of Student Achievement, and the regional educational services agencies (RESAs) to develop a plan for implementing the program required by this Code section. Such plan shall:

(A) Include a request for appropriations sufficient to provide for the program required by this Code section and a proposal for the most effective method of awarding grants to local school systems and other public schools in order to maximize positive impacts on student progress; and

(B) Detail how:

(i) The Department of Education, working in conjunction with local school systems and other public schools, the Office of Student Achievement, and the regional educational services agencies (RESAs), will provide state-wide coordinated support for summer literacy programs offered by local school systems and other public schools to students in kindergarten through grade three;

(ii) Existing state and federal funding sources may be used for purposes of the program;

(iii) Additional appropriations by the General Assembly would be used for purposes of the program;

(iv) Students who are identified as significantly at risk of not attaining grade level reading proficiency, as provided for in Code Section 20-2-153.1, will receive prioritized supports; and

(v) Student progress will be measured and reported by local school systems and other public schools to the Department of Education.

(2) The plan required by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be provided by November 1, 2026 to the chairpersons of the House Committee on Education, the Senate Education and Youth Committee, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Senate Appropriations Committee. Reserved."

SECTION 2.

Said All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.