Final report

Year 2008
JOSHUA'S LAW GRANTS
High School Funded Programs Public Library Funded
Programs
Report to the Georgia Driver Education Commission
Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety
Gary T. Butler, Project Manager
Atlanta, GA September 2008

2
10,200 Students Served by High School Grants
The fiscal year (FY) 2008 Georgia Driver Education Commission (GDEC) grant program was authorized on April 11, 2007 to be issued to public high schools and public libraries across the state. During the first year of implementation, 10,200 students completed the grant provided driver education courses in 35 high schools. Public libraries in 113 locations made available online driver education instructions to high school students across the state. The Joshua's Law grant program was designed effectively to implement a fair and equitable objective grant award distribution process and management system for the intended purposes. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) formulated the application and grant procedures. The goal of the grant effort was to meet the training needs of high school students with the availability of affordable quality driver education programs. Grant Objectives
To promote, aid and encourage the successful completion of a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) approved driver training course for high school students who desire to qualify for a Georgia Class D driver's license as required per O.C.G.A. 40-5-22, also known as Joshua's Law.
To promote the advancement and further the mission of the GDEC with a grant program which is administered by the GOHS in cooperation with the DDS and designed to facilitate knowledge and application of traffic safety rules, regulations, and procedures necessary for the safety of licensed beginning drivers.

3
General Grant Requirements
For high schools, competitive grant applications were selected that presented concise plans to start or enhance/expand programs to meet high school driver students' needs and motivation to learn. The successful applicants put forward convincing plans for concerted efforts to maximize the potential of influencing the safe performance of as many future drivers as possible. Towards that mission, DDS approved driver training components and processes for obtaining a Class D driver's license were included in the implementation projects.
For libraries, grant applications were chosen that focused on enabling driver education learning opportunities (online virtual classroom instruction) for high school students by purchasing computers with internet capabilities, prioritizing computer use for students, designating suitable learning locations, providing signage to the assigned locations, maintaining technical support for the equipment, announcing the program to the community and keeping a record of computer use for driver education purposes.
Request for Proposals The GOHS established a working relationship with the Georgia Department of Education for the purpose of circulating the Request for Proposals (RFP) to all Georgia public high schools. GOHS also announced the grant opportunity on its web site and grantees list serve. The RFP was opened for electronically filed applications on April 20, 2007 and closed on June 1, 2007. Subsequently, fifty-six (56) eligible high school applicants responded with a collective request that exceeded $7.6 million with the maximum individual award set at a limit not to exceed $200,000. As a result, GOHS reduced the maximum individual award to not exceed $140,000 in order to allow the greatest number of grantees with the available funds. This resulted in the top thirty-five (35) applications being funded with $3,829,300. Thirteen (13) additional school applications were scored acceptable but not funded due to insufficient available funds and because of their ranking within the priority order. Eight (8) school applicants were judged to be unacceptable for funding because of the quality of their proposals. Twenty (20) applicants started the application process but for various reasons failed to complete their applications.

4
Application Review . Specifically, the grant application review process included:
A Grant Application Review Committee of at least 3 members with a senior GOHS planner taking the lead in the review process.
Each application was numerically scored based on the established guidelines. Each team member completed an individual rating sheet and an average overall
score was determined. A minimum score of 75 of a maximum100 points is necessary to be considered acceptable. The review covered key areas of each application to include the following: Problem Identification (number of students to be served/ the teen safety problems) Program Assessment (status of driver education in the community, school) Project Objectives (what is planned to be accomplished) Proposed Activities (how will the objectives be achieved) Implementation Schedule with Milestone Chart (timeline for significant events) Evaluation Plan (methods and collections for proving success) Media Plan (how grant award and project to be announced to the community) Self-Sufficiency Assurance (ability to sustain the program after funding ends) Resource Requirements (describe the significant resources sought) Itemized Budget (specific driver education related expenditures) Based on the merits of the application and recommendations of the review team, a priority ranking of eligible grantees was established. The Grant Review Committee, taking all acceptable grant applications into consideration and the amount of funds available, proposed funding decisions and recommended action to be taken by the GOHS. The GOHS Director and Deputy Director reviewed the recommendations of the Grant Review Committee and made award decisions based upon the availability of funds. The awarded high schools are shown on the next page along with their various project cost categories.

Agency Name
Banks County School System Bleckley County Schools Brantley County High School Bryan County High School Calhoun High School-Gordon Co. Carroll County School System Charlton County High School Clarke County School District Coffee County Board of Education Dade County High School DeKalb County School System Early Board of Education Effingham County High School Elbert County High School Forsyth County School System Gilmer County Schools Gordon Lee High School Harris County High School Jenkins County School System Jones County High School Lumpkin County High School Madison County High School Marietta High School Meriwether County School System Pickens County High School Rabun County High School South Effingham High School Tattnall County High School Telfair County High School Thomasville City School-Thomas Co Tift County High School Wayne County School System Webster County Board of Education White County High School Wilkinson County Schools
Total

Personnel Services

$ 84,200.00

$ 12,500.00

$ 87,100.00

$

-

$

-

$ 37,400.00

$ 107,900.00

$ 17,200.00

$ 38,500.00

$ 78,100.00

$

-

$ 39,400.00

$ 104,800.00

$ 66,700.00

$

-

$

-

$ 18,700.00

$

-

$ 34,600.00

$ 72,300.00

$

-

$

-

$ 74,500.00

$

-

$

-

$ 55,200.00

$ 81,200.00

63,400.00

$ 65,700.00

$

-

$ 53,300.00

$ 90,000.00

$ 39,000.00

$

-

$ 84,100.00

$ 1,405,800.00

Regular Oper.

Expenses

$

-

$

300.00

$ 7,500.00

$

-

$ 13,900.00

$ 13,100.00

$ 2,500.00

$ 3,200.00

$

-

$ 14,000.00

$

-

$ 2,500.00

$ 1,200.00

$ 3,500.00

$

-

$

-

$ 15,200.00

$

-

$

-

$ 13,500.00

$

-

$ 4,000.00

$ 4,000.00

$ 1,800.00

$

-

$ 1,500.00

$ 1,200.00

$

-

$ 1,200.00

$

-

$

800.00

$ 6,400.00 $ 10,700.00 $ 3,300.00 $ 125,300.00

2008 High School Driver Education Grant Expenditures

Employee's Travel

Equipment Purchases

Contractual Services

Per Diem & Fees

$

-

$28,100.00 $

-

$

-

$

-

$ 42,300.00

$

-

$

-

$ 1,800.00

$ 16,000.00

$

-

$

-

$ 300.00

$ 300.00

$

-

$

-

$ 600.00

$

-

$

-

$ 18,300.00

$ 2,500.00

$ 41,500.00

$ 7,000.00 $ 300.00

$ 1,600.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 400.00

$ 49,600.00

$

-

$ 40,000.00

$ 200.00

$ 34,400.00

$ 31,200.00 $

-

$ 500.00

$ 44,100.00

$

-

$ 300.00

$

-

$ 140,000.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 81,500.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 13,000.00

$

-

$

-

$ 1,500.00

$ 8,000.00

$

-

$ 23,700.00

$

-

$ 45,600.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 124,000.00

$ 6,200.00 $

-

$ 100.00

$ 80,800.00

$

-

$ 300.00

$

-

$ 7,500.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 400.00

$

-

$

-

$ 20,000.00

$ 7,500.00

$112,000.00

$0.00

$

-

$ 18,500.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 4,400.00 $ 57,100.00

$

-

$ 122,400.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

2,400.00 $

-

$

-

$ 2,000.00

$ 13,400.00

$

-

$ 6,000.00

$

-

$ 26,000.00

$ 1,000.00 $

-

$

-

$ 62,000.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

63,000.00 $

-

$

-

$

-

$ 118,500.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 36,300.00 $

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 600.00

$

-

$

-

$ 1,500.00

$ 55,300.00

$

-

$

-

$ 100.00

31,000.00 $

-

$ 200.00

$ 33,100.00

$1,277,700.00 $198,100.00 $146,200.00

Computer Charges

$ 10,100.00

$

-

$ 3,500.00

$ 6,700.00

$ 5,800.00

$ 10,200.00

$ 3,000.00

$

-

$

-

$ 3,000.00

$

-

$ 4,900.00

$

-

$ 9,600.00

$ 3,900.00

$

-

$ 14,600.00

$ 3,800.00

$ 13,600.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 14,900.00

$ 88,000.00

$ 2,500.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 5,900.00

$ 23,500.00

$

-

$

-

$ 7,500.00

$

-

$235,000.00

Telecommunications

$

-

$

500.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

2,000.00

$

-

$

-

$

2,900.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

400.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

500.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

6,300.00

Motor Vehicles

Purchases

$ 17,400.00

$ 13,700.00

$ 19,800.00

$

-

$ 25,000.00

26,000.00

$ 25,000.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 11,700.00

21,000.00

20,000.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

18,100.00

13,900.00

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 25,000.00

$

-

$ 10,100.00

$ 15,200.00

$ 25,600.00

$ 34,200.00 58,800.00
$ 21,300.00 $ 401,800.00

Total
$ 139,800.00 $ 69,300.00 $ 135,700.00 $ 7,300.00 $ 63,600.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 110,400.00 $ 107,200.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 133,000.00 $ 49,500.00 $ 130,200.00 $ 130,100.00 $ 11,300.00 $ 66,300.00 $ 100,100.00 $ 139,500.00 $ 22,500.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 139,100.00 $ 90,400.00 $ 80,600.00 $ 134,400.00 $ 125,400.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 139,600.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 90,000.00 $ 80,200.00 $ 133,800.00 $ 140,000.00 $3,829,300.00

Counties of High School Awardees

7
Driver Education Grant Summary The grants enabled thirteen (13) new start-up programs and twenty-two (22) expansions of existing programs. As a result of the GDEC grants, nearly 70 percent (24) of the schools added instructional personnel that totaled 46 and 63 percent (22) of the schools acquired simulator systems for a total of 183 units. Forty-six percent (16 schools) purchased computers and over 50 percent (18 schools) bought a total of 23 training vehicles.
The schools reported that with the funds they were able to fill important needs for serving all students who desired to take driver education and acquire a driver license. The schools believe that they maximized the opportunity to serve driver education to eligible students and that the program improvements will continue to benefit students in their communities for years to come. As a result of the 2008 grants, approximately 3000 more 16 year-olds were served driver education than in the previous year.
The grant program is responsible for training 10,200 youth who completed the approved DDS courses for satisfying their driver licensing requirement in response to Joshua's Law. The availability of the driver training was promoted and publicized widely by the schools to students, parents and their communities through flyers, local newspapers, radio announcements, occasional television announcements and community event presentations. The communications identified the awarding source and the project goals and objectives. Several grantees maintained continuous media coverage throughout their projects by releasing progress reports and student achievements.
Most schools offered an "Open House" for parents and students to become knowledgeable of the driver education program, responsibilities, classroom, simulators and other training equipment. Many schools conducted "ride along experiences" for parents to see what and how proper driver training is provided for working more effectively with their youth during supervised driving periods. Also, many schools held special orientation prelicensure events for rising 9th graders and their parents.

8
The majority of driver education programs integrated classroom instruction, behind-thewheel training and simulation training throughout the course during each semester. The complexities of scheduling students appeared the most challenging and required serious attention and creative thinking as to not conflict with the students' academic class schedules. It was obvious that careful instructional planning, competent administration and supervision and systematic evaluation of the implementation plans were exercised to assure that the high quality driver education programs were offered to the maximum number of students possible. Also, the phasing of driver education components into a single course allowed the students to flow from one program aspect to another on a day-today basis to help assure maximum learning effectiveness of the training experience.
It is widely recognized that simulation training allows more student to gain more driver education experiences than otherwise may not be covered in a routine driver education course. This is one advantage that the 183 GDEC purchased simulators permitted. However, schools that purchased computers also expressed that their students benefitted too from more learning opportunities. It was reported that before the grant, the schools had a limited number of computers for doing internet traffic safety research or computer-aided instructional programming. As a result of the grant, there are 90 computers for more students to work individually on assignments. Also, the twenty-three (23) GDEC training motor vehicles were considered as important program additions that enabled significant real-world driving experiences for more students than ever before in recent years. The mission to train the large pool of beginning drivers would not have been possible without the enlistment of the 46 new trainers.
For the most part, the grant awards were in socio-economically disadvantaged areas where a large portion of the student body qualifies for free or reduced lunch. It was reported that many parents were concerned that with the passage of Joshua's Law, their teenager might be delayed in being able to drive. The economic hardship of paying training fees and/or the cost to transport their children to another school for driver education was avoided. As a result of this grant, parents and students have benefitted by having a state of the art driver education program available to them and often times free of charge.

9
In most schools, the driver training courses were transformed into community driver traffic safety education programs by including key local highway safety officials and organizations for their contributions to safe travel in the community. Often times, local law enforcement officers spoke about the rules of the road; local insurance agents spoke about owning a car and insurance policies; local car dealers spoke about buying a car and maintaining it; and EMS personnel spoke and sometimes dramatized the aftermath of poor driver decisions and actions on the road. The grants stimulated a positive grassroots interaction among various community agencies and citizens that pulled together to improve the future for their young beginning drivers. As a result of the grant, many participants believe that the driver education program improved the students' likelihood for future employment and prepared them for safe travel during their young adult lives.
The number of total students served (10,200) could have been greater if all schools would have begun instruction during the first semester of the year. However, many schools and in particular the start up schools used the first semester for ordering and installing need equipment and qualifying to meet the DDS driver training standards. The DDS requirements are on the next page. Further, no GDEC funds were released until all DDS requirements were satisfied with the obtainment of a DDS driver training license. Additionally, claims were not processed until monthly activity reports were first reviewed and accepted.
Schools' Program Status 13 New Start-up Programs
Brantley County High School; Carroll County School System; Charlton County High School; Clarke County High School; Dade County High School; Gordon Lee High School; Jenkins County School System; Lumpkin County High School; Telfair County High School; Wayne County School System; Webster County Board of Education; and Wilkinson County Board of Education
22 Enhancement-Expansion Programs
Banks County School System; Bleckley County Schools; Bryan County High School; Calhoun High School; Coffee County Board of Education; DeKalb County Schools; Early County Board of Education; Effingham County High School; Elbert County High School; Forsyth County Schools; Gilmer County Schools; Harris County High School; Jones County High School; Jones County High School; Madison County High School; Marietta High School; Meriwether County School System; Pickens County High School; Rabun County High School; South Effingham High School; Tattnall County High School; Thomasville City Schools; and White County High School

10
Department Of Driver Services Requirements of a High School Driver Education Program
Types of Licenses: Full License Schools issued a Full License must offer a minimum of 30 hours classroom training and a minimum of 6 hours of behind the wheel training (30/6). Schools must use approved curriculum. Schools issued a Full License may offer courses consisting of less than 30/6 training. Limited License Schools issued a Limited License may offer classroom training and/or behind the wheel training consisting of less than 30 hours classroom training and 6 hours of behind the wheel training. The program of instruction must be approved by the DDS. School must meet requirements applicable to type of instruction given: classroom only applicants are not required to meet vehicle requirements and behind the wheel only applicants are not required to meet classroom requirements. Instructor License - Each instructor conducting classroom and/or behind the wheel training must be licensed by the department before giving instruction.
Persons Responsible for the Day to Day Operations of the Driver Education Program: Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent or Headmaster must appoint someone to be responsible for the day to day operations of the driver education program. A fingerprint background investigation must be conducted on the appointed individual.
Classrooms and Records: The facility must comply with the requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The facility must be inspected by the local fire department for compliance with fire safety, sanitation, and building regulations and pass all regulations. Classrooms must be a minimum 250 square feet. Classrooms must be equipped with an adequate number of desks or tables with chairs to comfortably accommodate students. The DDS will inspect the facility for compliance to Rules and Regulations prior to approval. The school must allow access to DDS representatives for the purpose of inspecting the facility and vehicles, monitoring classrooms and auditing student records. Staff must be capable of providing records and documents to DDS representatives when requested. Copies of all forms furnished to students, including student contracts, must be approved by the Department. Student contracts are required if a fee is charged for the driver education course. Schools must maintain a continuous surety bond in an amount of at least $2,500.00 for the contractual rights of students. DDS approved textbooks and/or workbooks must be made available to all students.
Vehicles and Behind the Wheel Instruction: Schools must maintain commercial liability and property damage insurance coverage in an amount of at least $100,000/$300,000/$50,000. Vehicles used for instruction cannot be over seven (7) years old and must be equipped with the following: Extra brake pedal operable from the instructor's position; Two inside rearview mirrors, one for the use of the student and one for the use of the instructor. Sun visor vanity mirrors may not be utilized for this purpose; Cushions for proper seating of students (when necessary); A sign or lettering not less than two inches in size with the words STUDENT DRIVER; A sign or lettering not less than two inches in size with the name of the school; Stanchions or rubber cones to practice driving maneuvers with students.
Instructors: A school must have at least one licensed instructor before the school license will be issued. A fingerprint background investigation will be conducted on each instructor. A five panel drug screen and a physical exam are required. Both must be conducted within the 30 days of application. Instructors are required to attend a four hour training class and pass an examination administered by the DDS. Training nor examination are not required if applicant submits a valid Georgia teaching certificate reflecting certification in Safety and Driver Education.
Important Note: This list serves as a summary and does not include all requirements contained in the Rules & Regulations and Georgia Code 43-13. Rules & Regulations can be found at www.dds.ga.gov

11

2008 Joshua's Law Grant Students

Grant Number

Name

Year Before

DE-2008-000-00501

Banks County School System

100

DE-2008-412-00499

Bleckley County Schools

122

DE-2008-0-00505

Brantley County High School

0

DE-2008-415-00506

Bryan County High School

105

DE-2008-0-00497

Calhoun High School

196

DE-2008-000-00500

Carroll County School System

260

DE-2008-0-00534

Charlton County High School

0

DE-2008-000-00528

Clarke County School District

0

DE-2008-000-00540

Coffee County Board of Ed.

0

DE-2008-0-00529

Dade County High School

0

DE-2008-000-00498

Dekalb County School System

1472

DE-2008-000-00511

Early Board of Education

89

DE-2008-0-00533

Effingham County High School

162

DE-2008-452-00508

Elbert High School

90

DE-2008-000-00532

Forsyth County School System

590

DE-2008-0-00526

Gilmer County Schools

205

DE-2008-0-00527

Gordon Lee High School

0

DE-2008-0-00530

Harris County High School

110

DE-2008-000-00524

Jenkins County School System

0

DE-2008-0-00523

Jones County Schools

75

DE-2008-000-00535

Lumpkin County High School

0

DE-2008-0-00507

Madison County High School

73

DE-2008-0-00503

Marietta High School -298****

3032

DE-2008-000-00510

Meriwether County Schools

127

DE-2008-410-00520

Pickens County High School

236

DE-2008-0-00525

Rabun County High School

90

DE-2008-0-00531

South Effingham High School

195

DE-2008-532-00521

Tattnall County High School

108

DE-2008-0-00513

Telfair County High School

0

DE-2008-000-00502

Thomasville City School

166

DE-2008-0-00509

Tift County High School

0

DE-2008-000-00512

Wayne County School System

0

DE-2008-000-00522

Webster County Board of Ed.

0

DE-2008-0-00536

White County High School

115

DE-2008-000-00504

Wilkinson County Schools

0

Total

7718

*Marietta HS Special Grant Project Focused Primarily on Free/Reduced Lunch Student Drivers

Grant Students 202 170 144 114 261 307 45 130 106 102
1514 107 267 145 879 250 54 161 90 125 150 73
2734 140 272 150 241 180 79 383 135 78 50 235 125
10198

2008 Difference 102 48 144 9 65 47 45 130 106 102 42 18 105 55 289 45 54 51 90 50 150 0 **** 13 36 60 46 72 79 217 135 78 50 120 125
2778

12

2007-08 Driver Education Applicants That Scored Above 75 but not Funded
(Highest to Lowest Order)

Applicants
1. Stephens County School System 2. Dawson County High School 3. Toombs County High School 4. Echols County High School 5. Morgan County High School 6. Lowndes High School 7. Valdosta High School 8. Greene County High School 9. Hawkinsville High School 10. Walton County Public Schools 11. Bartow County School System 12. Gwinnett County Public School 13. Pike County Bd. Of Education

Request
$165,700 $150,300 $112,000 $140,900 $130,300 $183,600 $127,000 $ 87,400 $ 98,700 $139,900 $199,400 $ 57,000 $ 90,400

Offer *
$140,000 $140,000 $112,000 $140,000 $130,300 $140,000 $127,000 $ 87,400 $ 98,700 $139,900 $140,000 $ 57,000 $ 90,400

$1,682,600 $1,542,700

* These were the proposed award amounts for the applicants if funds were available. The offer amounts were consistent with the maximum award amounts of $140,000 issued during the 200708 grant year.

School Applicants Judged Below 75 Score

1. Dublin City Schools

2008-DE-0365-00

2. Gordon Central High School

2008-DE-0336-00

3. Seminole County High School

2008-DE-0406-00

4. Hall County School System

2008-DE- 0389-00

5. Hancock County School System 2008-DE-0379-00

6. Heard County High School

2008-DE-0453-00

7. Long County School System

2008-DE-0391-00

8. McIntosh County Schools

2008-DE-0209-00

13

Public Library Grantees

The GOHS worked with the Georgia Public Library Service main office to generate interest and

to alert all Georgia public libraries of the grant opportunity. Subsequently, 30 applications were

submitted and all were awarded. The total award amount was $270,800.00. A list of the

grantees is as follows:

Athens Regional Library System Bartow County Public Library Chattooga County Library System Cherokee Regional Library System Chestatee Regional Library System Clayton County Public Library Coastal Plain Regional Library System Dalton-Whitfield County Library DeSoto Trail Regional Library System Elbert County Library System Fannin County Public Library Hall County Library System Jefferson County Library System Kinchafoonee Regional Library System Lee County Library

Middle Georgia Regional Library Mountain Regional Library System Ocmulgee Regional Library System Pine Mountain Regional Library System Roddenberry Memorial Library Satilla Regional Library System Screven-Jenkins Regional Library System Sequoyah Regional Library System Sequoyah Regional Library System Sequoyah Regional Library System Statesboro Regional Library System Thomas Co Public Library System Towns County Public Library Uncle Remus Regional Library System Union County Public Library

Public Library Grant Conditional Statements The libraries pledged to continue operating the program under the following conditions:
Each library agreed to maintain the computers for this grant purpose for at least three (3) years after the award.
Each library entered into a written agreement that clearly delineates that at least 2 computers with high-speed internet connections per site shall be designated for priority use by teens for on-line driver education courses, establish rules for use of such equipment to include hours of available access, availability of technical support, and placement of signage to the computer locations for optimum use.

14

Georgia Public Library Athens Regional Library System Bartow County Public Library Chattooga County Library System Cherokee Regional Library System Chestatee Regional Library System Clayton County Public Library Coastal Plain Regional Library Dalton-Whitfield County Library DeSoto Trail Regional Library Elbert County Library System Fannin County Public Library Hall County Library System Jefferson County Library System Kinchafoonee Regional Library System Lee County Library Middle Georgia Regional Library Mountain Regional Library Ocmulgee Regional Library System Pine Mountain Regional Library System Roddenberry Memorial Library Satilla Regional Library Screven-Jenkins Regional Library Sequoyah Regional Library System Sequoyah Regional Library System Sequoyah Regional Library System Statesboro Regional Library System Thomas County Public Library System Towns County Public Library Uncle Remus Regional Library System Union County Public Library
Total

Awarded $26,800.00 $7,600.00 $5,100.00 $9,300.00 $5,100.00 $14,700.00 $11,300.00 $2,500.00 $11,800.00 $2,400.00 $2,500.00 $15,200.00 $6,300.00 $12,500.00 $7,600.00 $2,400.00 $2,500.00 $15,200.00 $17,700.00 $2,500.00 $14,800.00 $4,800.00 $12,600.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $15,100.00 $12,200.00 $2,500.00 $20,300.00 $2,500.00 $270,800.00

Computers 22 6 4 8 4 12 10 2 12 2 2 12 6 10 6 2 2 12 14 2 14 4 10 2 2 12 12 2 25 2
235

Locations 11 3 2 4 2 6 5 1 6 1 1 6 3 5 3 1 1 6 7 1 7 2 5 1 1 6 6 1 8 1
113

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235 GDEC Computers in 113 Georgia Libraries
Athens Regional Library System, Bartow County Public Library, Chattooga County Library System, Cherokee Regional Library System, Chestatee Regional Library System, Clayton County Public Library System, Coastal Plain Regional Library System, Dalton-Whitfield County Library, Desoto Trail Regional Library, Elbert County Library System, Fannin County Public Library, Hall County Library System, Jefferson County Library System, Kinchafoonee Regional Library System, Lee County Library, Middle Georgia Regional Library, Mountain Regional Library , Ocmulgee Regional Library System, Pine Mountain Regional Library, Rodenberry Memorial Library, Satilla Regional Library System, Screven-Jenkins Regional Library System, Sequoyah Regional Library, Statesboro Regional Library, Thomas County Public Library System, Towns County Public Library, Uncle Remus Regional Library System; and Union County Public Library

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Library Program Summary It appears that this grant program experience was very useful in providing a necessary service to library patrons and their communities with the funded 235 computers in 113 locations throughout the state. Public libraries proved to be an excellent partner for the Joshua's Law driver licensing educational programs because of after-school and evening hours of operation, technology infrastructure and network and their knowledgeable and helpful staff. The Joshua's Law grant program was an exceptionally beneficial experience for the youths who sought driver licensure and highway safety information in these locations. Further, it was demonstrated that libraries are, in fact, a place that the public could come to gain access to government and other civic resources and information.
Among the 30 grantees' main and branch sites, the number of times that the computers were used by students for virtual driver education varied from a few times to thousands of times. Overall, however, the number of times and the number of users were both lower than expected by the library staff. It appears that the participation was low regardless of the level of community promotions to notify the public of the computers availability for driver education online courses for satisfying Joshua's Law. Considerable effort was put forward in each library community to reach the public and particular the parents and eligible teenagers. These efforts included radio announcements, articles in local newspapers, school flyers, signs, open house events, and word-of-mouth promotions.
Many of the library grantees believe that a combination of factors may be the reason for low use of the computers by the students. The libraries believe that many youth may have computers at home, driver education may be available in school, cost for online courses was discouraging and the lack of insurance company incentives or discounts for the online courses could be the main factors for low use of the library computers for driver training. Several library directors pointed out that the early licensure allowed by Joshua's Law only benefited 16 year-olds and that in particularly limited the potential target group of users. They also noted that the courses required a credit card to pay for enrollment which teens would not have and the library locations were often in economically depressed areas. Nonetheless, the libraries believe that they were proactively supportive of the highway safety initiative to serve the public and save lives by

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making teen driver education training available and promoting highway safety messages.
Over the grant period, the library employees became acquainted with the various driver education programs and Joshua's Law requirements for assisting students. The staff became familiar with trouble-shooting various technical issues related to the internet programs and operations. The libraries believe that while the computers purchased with grant funds have a finite sustainability operational period, the public library will remain a place for driver education training opportunities for its community citizens.
Testimonials Comments from students included the following two:
"Having this program at the library is great. Thank you. I'm glad the library has the computers so I can complete the course and get my license. Being able to do this at the library is great."
"I got my license because of the computer courses in the library downtown. There were a lot of lessons involved in the course, but it was good and not too hard to understand, I just had to get on the web site and keep working until the lessons were done. I think more home-schooled students should try this, because they can get their license, and they don't have to go anywhere out of town to do it."
Comments from parents included the following two:
"What a terrific opportunity. I really appreciate the library being a part if this program."
"My son took the online driver training course, and everything seemed to be positive. I know it helped him as a home-schooled student to get this instruction, even though he would have found it very difficult to get driver training at the public high school. We appreciate the service and the library's role in helping to offer it. This is a great thing for the state to offer."
Parental Supervision of Teen Drivers The library grantees increased the likelihood that parents would obtain and utilize the DDS recommended supervisory practices with their beginning teen drivers. The libraries wellpositioned the DDS "40 Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide" and other related driver safety educational/advisory materials. Providing the encouragement and support for parents to give their teens the most effective supervision possible could hold promise for further crash reductions among young drivers. To fully facilitate parental supervision may, however, require more persuasive techniques to encourage parents to make use of the materials. Nevertheless, the libraries believe that they have made a difference in their communities.

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GOHS Support and Oversight GOHS provided support to applicants and grantees through traditional means of customer service to include: hosting four new grantee orientation workshops; maintaining a help desk; providing a secured web site for electronic monthly reporting and managing grant accomplishments, progress, problems, challenges, posting planned events, grant announcements, submitting monthly financial reimbursement claims, recording claim histories, instituting grant amendments and documenting grant approvals; encouraging grantees to partner with state and national highway safety campaigns; and distributing supplemental teenage driver safety program guidance and information to enhance the quality of the grant projects. The grantees commended GOHS for the organization and implementation of the application and grant management system. Many reported, "It has been a pleasure working with the GOHS and without the grant, the quality of the delivered driver education would not have been possible."

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Georgia Driver Education Commission Awards Grants for Teen Driver Training

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

ATLANTA Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that $2,184,600 in grants have been awarded to Georgia public high schools and libraries to make driver education more accessible, effective and affordable throughout the state. Public high school grantees will use these funds to create or enhance driver education programs in their schools. Library grantees will purchase supplemental computer terminals to be dedicated to students who need access to virtual driver education programs.

"The busy travel days of summer remind us how important roadway safety is," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "These grants will make driver education more accessible to young Georgians and help limit the tragic accidents that tear at our hearts every year."

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) administered the grant application and selection process. A grant review committee established a point system for the evaluation. Those eligible to apply were Georgia Public Libraries and Georgia Public High Schools. The grant review committee aimed to reach high school students particularly underserved groups that desire to prepare and qualify for a Georgia "Class D" driver's license by meeting new teen driving requirements mandated under Joshua's Law.

Library Awards
$270,800 was awarded to 16 Regional Library Systems and 14 County Library Systems. A total of 114 new computers will now be dedicated to teens that need access to approved online driver education programs. A total of 30 applicants successfully applied and all will receive funding. The grant covers computers with stands, chairs and signage directing students to the terminals. This will improve high school students' accessibility to the DDS licensed on-line driver education phase.

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Georgia Public High School Awards
This grant is to enhance an existing driver education program or to aid a start-up driver training program. Recipients demonstrated that they are able to meet high school students' learning needs by using DDS approved driver training methods. 17 schools were awarded funding totaling $1,913,800.00.
The Georgia Driver Education Commission was created by Senate Bill 226 to examine, evaluate and make recommendations for improvement concerning driver education and training policies and procedures. The legislation mandates a five percent add-on fine to fund the expansion or creation of driver training programs throughout Georgia. Funds began to accrue in May 2005, and will sunset June 30, 2008. The law states that the General Assembly will appropriate prior year collections.
The 2006 General Assembly appropriated $2.7 million for use in Fiscal Year 2007. The Commission is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and effective methods of driver education. The Governor's Budget Recommendation for 2008 included $2.7 million for the Georgia Driver Education Commission to continue its work. All funding must be approved by the General Assembly.

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Governor Perdue Announces Additional Grants for Teen Driver Training

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

Driver Education Commission program enables students access to driver training at school

ATLANTA Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that 18 additional Georgia public high schools will receive grants totaling $1,915,500 to make driver education more accessible, effective and affordable throughout the state. Earlier this month, $2,184,600 was awarded to 17 public high schools and 110 Georgia libraries to create or expand driver education efforts in their communities. More than 17,500 Georgia students will now have access to driver training at public high schools. Many more will be able to access virtual driver training via their local community libraries.

"We need to do everything we can to keep our young drivers safe," said Governor Perdue. "These grants help make driver education more accessible and affordable for Georgians that are learning how to drive."

Phase II of the Georgia Driver Education Commission grant program provides an additional 18 public high schools funding to educate and train young beginning drivers. Grantees throughout the state are planning a variety of exciting initiatives to establish or improve teen driving education in their communities.

Grant Administration

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) administers the grant application and selection process. A grant review committee established a point system for the evaluation of applications. Applicants must demonstrate effective ways to meet high school students' needs and motivation to learn and subsequently drive safely through the offering and managing of the Department of Driver Services (DDS) approved driver training methods.

Schools, school districts, or multiple schools are allowed to submit a joint or single grant application. Public schools are allowed to propose partnerships with one another, as well as to propose partnerships with for-profit and not-for-profit driver training schools to offer and manage DDS approved driver training methods.

For more information on Georgia teen driver education, please visit www.georgiateendrivereducation.com.

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Counties of High School and Library Grantees
On the road to a safer tomorrow