Are Georgia's Schools Improving?

Norcross' Progressive Development Committee invited Dr. John Barge, Georgia's state school superintendent to speak about education at its weekly meeting.

"We're not the best, but we're heading in the right direction despite the toughest economic conditions in recent history," Barge told the group of 30 or so who had gathered to hear him speak at 45 South Cafe in downtown Norcross.

Barge said the recession has had a significant impact on Georgia's public schools over the past few years. Because of lack of funding, some schools across the state were forced to hold classes for only 144 days rather than the required 180 and teachers were required to take furlough days. And $5 billion in cuts to the education formula since 2003 have added to the struggles in education.

Barge addressed the drop in education rates which made headlines two years ago. "Prior to 2011 the state was allowed to count 5th year seniors among the graduates. Beginning in 2011 the federal government required that all states use the same formula to calculate graduation rates - students had to graduate in four years to be counted," said Barge. 

Despite the cuts to the education formula over the last 10 years, reduced school years, teacher pay cuts, layoffs of 4,423 teachers statewide - the state's public schools are seeing increases in student achievement. In 2012 Georgia ranked 12th in the nation in advanced placement results.

On SAT participation rates that show Georgia in 48th place: The statistics are not compared correctly Barge maintained. "Eighty percent of Georgia's students take the test compared to only 5 percent in Indiana, (which showed the highest ranking in the nation)," said Barge. In a number of states only those students who plan to attend a four-year college are required to be tested.

In wrapping up his presentation Barge said technology will be a driving force on how students will be educated in the future and beginning in 2014, 9th graders will be introduced to a program called career pathways initiative that will help guide students in choosing a traditional four-year college degree or a two-year degree at a technical school.

About Dr. Barge. He was born and raised in Cobb County, has been in education for 22 years and has taught English, Spanish and served as is a school principal. For more on Dr. Barge visit his website.

About the Progressive Development Committee: The Norcross PDC is a group of interested and involved citizens who meet each Wednesday morning at 45 South Cafe in downtown Norcross. The group discusses various topics affecting the Norcross area, including local and county politics. Click here to learn more.