GOSA Monthly Update 
 
April 2015 Monthly Update 
April E-Bulletin: Connections for Classrooms: Improving School Internet Connectivity and Enabling Digital Learning 
In response to the growing need for a globally competitive and technically literate workforce, Governor Nathan Deal signed an executive order on April 30, 2012, creating the Digital Learning Task Force (DLTF) for the state of Georgia. The task force assessed digital learning in Georgia and developed a report of recommendations for improvement. The Connections for Classrooms (CFC) program was created in response to the infrastructure needs referenced in the DLTF's final report. Connections for Classrooms is a grant program joining multiple state agencies around the common goal of ensuring Georgia schools and classrooms have the high-speed broadband access required for digital and blended learning. 
This month's e-bulletin provides an overview of the 2014 CFC grant program that provided nearly $37 million to 104 local education authorities (LEAs) and highlights how school districts will use the grant funds to implement digital learning in Georgia's K-12 schools. In addition, it outlines the upcoming 2015 grant program, which will invest an additional $30 million into school- and classroom-network infrastructure and allow districts to earn more than $100 million in federal E-rate funds for same purpose. 
To read the full e-bulletin, click here. 
 
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The Governor's Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) strives to increase student achievement and school completion across Georgia through meaningful, transparent, and objective analysis and communication of statewide data. In addition, GOSA provides policy support to the Governor and, ultimately, to the citizens of Georgia. 
 
Annual State Charter School Evaluation Released 
The State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC) recently contracted with GOSA to evaluate the performance of all state charter schools during the 2013-14 school year. GOSA partnered with Dr. Tim Sass, Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Economics and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, to conduct this evaluation. 
The evaluation examines multiple measures, including 1) student performance on state assessments, 2) a "value-added" model (VAM) that includes statistical controls for student characteristics and prior academic performance, and 3) the student growth model utilized by the Georgia Department of Education. Because this analysis includes a value-add component that controls for student characteristics, it allows for more robust performance comparisons between state charters and traditional schools. The report represents just one piece of a larger, more comprehensive accountability profile that the SCSC uses for each state charter school. 
To view the full report, click here. 
To view the SCSC's accountability page, click here . 
 
Governor Deal Signs Opportunity School District and Dual Enrollment Bills into Law 
On April 21, Gov. Nathan Deal signed legislation that would implement an Opportunity School District (OSD) to turn around failing schools. This law provides the framework for how the OSD would work should voters approve a constitutional amendment in 2016. Click here for the press release. 
On April 30, Gov. Deal signed SB 2 and SB 132, both of which remove barriers to dual enrollment participation and expand opportunities for Georgia students. Click here for the press release. 
 
Employment Opportunities 
GOSA is hiring for the following positions: 
Reading Mentor Program Language and Literacy Program Manager (2 openings) 
Language and Literacy Specialists (15 openings) 
Governor's Honors Program (summer positions) Resident Assistant (Male) 
 
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