Peach Tree Times

ATLANTA (May 9, 2024) – This week, the Georgia General Assembly held a meeting with executive directors from all sixteen of Georgia’s Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs). The assembly and the directors proposed a plan to implement literacy expectations established in House Bill 538 and House Bill 916, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget. The plan includes drafting job descriptions for regional literacy coaches, creating a hiring process, initiating an Advisory Design team for training literacy coaches, and implementing an evaluation tool for coaches.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), an advocate for literacy and a member of the Georgia Council on Literacy, expressed his satisfaction with the meeting's outcomes. "As we look towards the future of literacy in Georgia, it’s imperative that we prioritize support for literacy coaches, especially in our rural areas where resources may be scarce," he said. "The meeting with RESA executive directors was instrumental in charting a course forward, and I’m encouraged by the commitment shown by all involved parties. By investing in the training and deployment of regional literacy coaches, we’re not only enhancing educational outcomes but also fostering a more vibrant and prosperous future for our state.”

Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Gwinnett), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth and a member of the Georgia Council on Literacy, shared this sentiment. “We are committed to ensuring that every student in Georgia has access to high-quality literacy instruction," he stated. "Through partnerships with RESA and other stakeholders, we can create a robust framework for literacy enhancement that addresses the diverse needs of our students.”

The meeting provided an opportunity for RESA executive directors and other stakeholders to voice concerns and anticipate challenges. Discussions on potential legislative changes for the 2025 Legislative Session concluded the meeting.

The RESA executive directors are preparing a status report for the legislature, which is scheduled to be delivered on August 1, 2024.

Sen. Billy Hickman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He represents the 4th Senate District which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, and a small portion of Chatham County. He may be reached at 404.463.1371 or via email at billy.hickman@senate.ga.gov

Sen. Clint Dixon serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth. He represents the 45th Senate District which includes portions of Gwinnett and Barrow Counties. He may be reached at 404.656.6446 or via email at clint.dixon@senate.ga.gov