Monthly update, 2017 July

July 2017 Monthly Update
GOSA Releases Words2Reading Website On July 25, Gov. Nathan Deal, in conjunction with GOSA, announced the launch of the Words2Reading website, a web tool with curated resources for families, caregivers, and teachers to help develop and sharpen early childhood language and literacy skills. "Strong language and reading skills lay the foundation for a student's long-term academic success," said Deal. "Words2Reading promotes increased engagement in childhood education by putting effective learning resources in the hands of families and early educators anywhere in the state. By making these resources readily available for families, caregivers, and educators, we are further investing in Georgia's greatest resource, the minds of our youngest learners, for generations to come." GOSA developed Words2Reading to build awareness of the importance of early language and literacy development in students from birth to age 8. The tool, which is easily accessible on mobile devices, helps to enhance school readiness and success by providing quick access to easy-to-use resources, strategies, and learning tips, all categorized by age and type. To build the platform, GOSA partnered with Georgia-based organizations and other education providers to compile the best resources for developing early language skills. One partner, Ready4KGA, is an evidence-based text messaging program for parents of newborns and children ages 1 to 5. Each week, Ready4KGA subscribers receive fun facts and easy tips to boost early learning. Parents can sign up for these age-specific messages at no cost here. To view the full press release, click here.
Watch the Latest Installment of the Real Teachers, Real Voices Campaign On July 11, Gov. Nathan Deal, inconjunction with GOSA, unveiled "Be Extraordinary," the 16th installment of the Real Teachers, Real Voices campaign. This initiative, which highlights exceptional educators around the state, stems from feedback provided by Deal's Teacher Advisory Committee. "Be Extraordinary" features Maria Norris, an educator at Rockmart Middle School in Polk County. "I've been fortunate to have the opportunity every day to connect with my students. I believe every child in the state of Georgia should have an extraordinary teacher," said Norris. "Be extraodrinary, become a teacher."
"Be Extraordinary"
To view rest of the Real Teachers, Real Voices campaign videos, click here.
Deal Announces Innovation Fund Tiny Grant Winners On June 29, Gov. Nathan Deal announced 39 award winners for the Innovation Fund Tiny Grant Program, a competitive grant opportunity that provides funding to traditional public schools, charter school, and school districts to implement small-scale programs that directly engage students. Programs funded by Tiny Grants must align with one of the three priority areas:
Applied Learning with a Focus on STEAM Education, Development and Replication of Blended Learning School Models, or Birth-to-Age Eight Language and Literacy Development. Grantees will evaluate the impact of the programs on student engagement and achievement and submit their findings to GOSA at the end of the grant period. Gov. Deal awarded 26 tiny grants for Applied Learning with a Focus of STEAM Education, 6 tiny grants for Blended Learning, and 7 tiny grants for Birth-to-Age Eight Language and Literacy. To read summaries of the June 2017 Tiny Grant award winners, click here. To view the full press release, click here.
Job Opportunities None available at this time.
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As the state's P-20 education agency, the Governor's Office of Student Achievement (G.OSA) strives to increase student achievement, school completion, and life opportunities for all Georgia students. 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
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