ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - As more than 1.7 million students and 125,000 teachers return to classrooms across Georgia, education leaders say this school year will be about more than just test scores.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods said the Georgia Department of Education is emphasizing literacy, teacher support, mental health and equity across districts.

“I’m excited about being able to make a difference in a student’s life,” Woods said.

Investing in literacy

This year, the department is investing over $14 million in literacy efforts. That includes expanding access to reading coaches and training teachers in a curriculum model called the “Science of Reading,” which focuses on decoding and phonics to improve comprehension.

Woods said 60 coaches were sent to underperforming schools last year and helped boost reading performance by 15 points.

“I think that if a kid can read, then every door opens up,” he said.

Teacher retention, recruitment

Georgia’s investment in teacher pay raises in recent years has led to a teacher retention rate that now exceeds the national average. Still, recruitment remains a challenge in some areas.

The state is partnering with colleges and universities to offer incentives for hard-to-fill teaching positions.

“Georgia is known as the Peach State. Well, we want to be known as the ‘Teach State’ as well,” Woods said.

Mental health and student support

The state has increased funding for school counselors and mental health resources, with a new focus on reaching rural students.

Through partnerships with outside agencies, telehealth services are being introduced to provide access to care in underserved communities.

“You’ve got to feel safe before you’re worried about ABCs and 123s,” Woods said. “It’s a comprehensive plan to make sure everyone is on the same page.”

Addressing equity

For the first time, Georgia’s education funding formula includes additional support for districts with high numbers of low-income students. Woods said the change is intended to bridge long-standing equity gaps.

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