Spring Education Guide - 2016 by Gwinnett Daily Post Special Section

community

gwinnettdailypost.com

SECTION C • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

spotlight on

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

Eyes on the prize keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

SNELLVILLE — Having a student succeed beyond high school, and pursue any of a range of opportunities out there, comes down to exposure. That was the sentiment of several college representatives and an assistant principal at Brookwood High School earlier this month as the school hosted reps from 56 colleges and universities. “Wanted to give our kids an opportunity to be exposed and learn more about colleges because we are about college and career readiness,” said Demetria Williams, an assistant principal at Brookwood. “We really wanted them to have an opportunity to hear about the colleges as soon as possible because we’re talking all grade levels, nine through 12, that are coming in. Give them that exposure earlier.” Williams stresses that even the ninth grade is important in the overall college picture because it’s one-fourth of the admissions criteria colleges consider. That’s why Brookwood administrators encourage students to take the most difficult classes they can while still being successful. “Many students don’t realize the importance of ninth grade,” Williams said. “They’re looking for a wellrounded student — one that can handle academic rigor, as well as be involved in their school and community.” By February, the college focus primarily shifts to juniors and younger students. If a senior has not yet taken a college entrance exam, they’re behind the “power curve” of many of their peers, said Gene Thomas, a representative from Florida A&M University who visited Brookwood. “There’s a huge gap between the students that

are ready and the students that are not ready,” Thomas said. “That’s frightening for me because that will have a definite impact on crime. If you’re not educated in America today, the prison system is waiting on you.” Thomas applauded Brookwood for inviting and encouraging younger students to take part in the fair because generally, counselors are failing students if they’re not exposed to post-high school options. If parents are active in a student’s life, or if the student is potentially a firstgeneration college student, the leadership at the high school becomes even more important. “I don’t know what the counselors are doing,” he said. “I see too many students who haven’t taken the test, and that to me is a crime.” Brookwood counselor Varieta Benjamin said the new changes to the SAT, for example, offer an opportunity for students to improve on critical thinking skills. “Most students are weak with critical thinking skills, and so that has to be emphasized,” she said. “I think that’s what they’re homing in on.” State and local Gateway tests have helped students become more analytical as they document their opinions, Williams said. Yet persuasive writing has come in handy for the sample questions Benjamin looked over. College preparation has always been high at Brookwood, Benjamin said, as the school tries to keep up with trends. The state’s dual enrollment program to earn college credit, called Move On When Ready, and Advanced Placement classes have become more popular and are growing in recent years, Benjamin said. College admissions at the state’s flagship universities such as the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech

GWINNETT PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS OF 2015 • Largest and most decorated class to date in Gwinnett, 83 percent of students who graduated in the Class of 2015 planned to attend college or postsecondary schools, and 85 percent of them planned to attend college in Georgia. • As of April, those seniors were offered nearly $155 million in academic, athletic and military scholarships. • The scholarship breakdown was nearly $84.1 million for academics, more than $64.6 million for athletics and nearly $6 million because of military appointments. Those don’t include the HOPE, QuestBridge, Broad or Gates Milleniums scholarships. • Mill Creek (799), Brookwood (795) and Norcross (788) had the largest classes, while overall, 2,671 students were considered honor graduates because they had a grade point averages of 90 or better.

student that will be as successful in college as they MORE INSIDE were in high school.” Schools hammer down details of teaching Senior Joshua Blackwell students skills in technology ........................3C said he’s heard that taking AP classes and core classes Learn about resources that will help your like pre-calculus make student afford a higher education ................4C for an easier transition to Legislators break from the big decisions facing college. He expects to have the future of education in Georgia ...............5C four AP classes by graduation. Big changes coming next month for SAT testing ........................................................12C “Depending on what your major is, AP classes can knock out maybe a year have led to higher grade one of the things we try to of what you have to do, bepoint averages and six or emphasize, again, take the cause you already get those seven AP classes for the most rigorous courses pos- credits,” he said. “They average freshman entering sible. But realize that evreally aren’t too hard if you school. Colleges are also erybody else that’s applied put a little effort in, and looking for a third year of to that college, or almost they are college classes.” foreign language in high everybody else, is doing the Think of four schools as school, which is not resame thing. So you’ve got possibilities, Benjamin said quired to graduate but helps to make sure that you’re she tells students, including a college resume. doing your part to stand a dream school and at least “It’s becoming more and out. Be that more competitive as far as college admissions,” Williams said. “That’s

Photo Illustration: AJ Archer

By Keith Farner

Schools emphasizing importance of college as early as possible one that they’re confident they can get into. Brookwood juniors C.J. Pate and Rhema West took part in the college fair because it allowed them to assess the landscape of colleges and look at what’s available without having to leave their school. Coming from Brookwood, West said the bar to prepare yourself for college is already high. “It’s already mandatory that you have all these things,” she said. In some cases, like Pate’s, his mother told him in second grade that he would attend college, no matter what.

See READINESS, Page 2C

2C • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

spotlight on preparing for college •From Page 1C “As soon as eighth grade hit, she gave me a college application,” he said. “She started fast.” Blackwell added that on the first day of school his senior year, teachers and administrators discussed college almost as second nature. “They just basically expect you to go to college already,” he said. “In guided study, every week we’ve been like, ‘Think about college, do this, start applications.’ … They’re really pushing it on us this year. They’ve been nudging at it.” For sophomore Zayne Freshley, the college process has begun. “They started talking about it in eighth grade, but I didn’t really pay attention to it because I thought it was far away,” he said. “I started feeling a lot of pressure this year, taking the SAT, ACT, all that stuff.” Drake Russell, a regional recruitment coordinator at Columbus State University, visited Brookwood for the college fair and said in his eight years working for several colleges across the Southeast, more students are applying in the fall, which leaves the spring to look at scholarship and housing options. He encourages students to visit schools in the fall because that will play a major role in the decisionmaking process. Russell said about 20 students said they would attend an upcoming theater conference at Columbus State, one of the areas of campus that that school is known for around the state.

Readiness

Brookwood High School students walk through a college fair earlier this month where representatives from 56 schools from around the country visited to discuss college options. (Staff Photo: Keith Farner)

Pictured at left, Brookwood High School sophomore Zayne Freshley, left, talks with Drake Russell, a regional recruitment coordinator from Columbus State University, during a college fair earlier this month. Above, T-shirts and pennants sit on a table during the fair. (Staff Photo: Keith Farner)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 • 3C

gwinnettdailypost.com

spotlight on preparing for college

Creating tech-savvy students

Obama proposes plans for Computer Science For All From Staff Reports

In September, the Georgia Board of EduPresident Barack cation proposed addObama earlier this year ing three new computer on a weekly radio adscience courses: Embeddress proposed a Comded Computing, Web puter Science For All Development and Game initiative to give broader Design: Animation and access to computer sciSimulation, which would ence for students in K-12 part of a core math, sciclassrooms. ence or foreign language He sought $4 billion credit. from Congress to ensure The courses would that students are comfall under the Informapetitive in the modern tion Technology Career job market. Cluster Pathway. “In the new economy, In 2014, Gov. Nathan computer science isn’t an Deal recommended optional skill — it’s a ba- that the State Board of sic skill, right along with Education allow stuthe three ‘R’s,’” he said. dents to take a computer “Nine out of 10 parents programming course to want it taught at their satisfy one of three core children’s schools.” requirements for receivIt’s an issue that ing a high school diObama first referenced ploma: math, science or during his final State of foreign language. the Union address last Students already have month. access to five computer If the budget request is science courses that can approved, the $4 billion replace a fourth math, would be rolled out over science or foreign lanthree years to any state guage credit. that applies for the funds “We need computer and has a well-designed science and programming plan to expand access to in our public schools,” computer science cours- State School Superines, especially for girls tendent Richard Woods and minorities. said in a press release. School districts can “Skilled programmers, also apply for grants that software developers and would come from a $100 engineers are in demand million program to betin Georgia, but without ter serve more students, a pipeline of skilled especially in underrepre- workers to fill those jobs, sented areas. businesses will look The White House has outside Georgia to find said about 25 percent the employees they need. of K-12 schools in the We cannot afford to let country, and 22 states, our Georgia graduates do not allow computer miss out on those opporscience courses to count tunities. These computer toward high school science courses, which graduation requirements. have been developed

In June, teachers from Discovery High School discuss ideas during a STEM workshop at Peachtree Ridge High School. (File Photo)

with involvement from industry representatives in related fields, give Georgia students more chances to develop their knowledge and skills in this fast-growing field. These computer science courses not only expand opportunities for our students, but also are in line with my commitment to continue to expand the avenues for graduation.” Deal said preparing students to succeed in the modern workforce is a top priority of his administration, and

computing is one of the fastest growing fields in the country with average salaries nearly twice the national rate. “Training our students to fill these high-wage, in-demand positions is necessary for Georgia to maintain a world-class workforce,” Deal said. Nationally, less than 15 percent of high schools offered Advanced Placement computer science in 2015, and the demographics of those AP classes were not representative of the

student population, the White House said. Just 22 percent of students who took the AP exam in 2015 were girls, and 13 percent were black or Latino. Administration officials said they will dedicate about $135 million in existing funds, mostly from the National Science Foundation, to help train thousands of teachers and design new instructional materials for computer science classes. White House officials

said it was the largest federal effort to date to expand computer science courses, and an attempt to accelerate efforts already underway in many cities and states. “That’s what this is all about — each of us doing our part to make sure all our young people can compete in a hightech, global economy,” Obama said. “They’re the ones who will make sure America keeps growing, keeps innovating and keeps leading the world in the years ahead.”

States debate swapping computer coding for languages By Letitia Stein Reuters

TAMPA, Fla. — Florida high school student Brooke Stewart would gladly swap two required foreign language classes to become fluent in JavaScript or Python, the coding languages she uses to design computer games. Lawmakers in her state have sparked national debate by considering whether to provide that option. A measure championed by a former Yahoo executive, who is now a Florida legislator, would allow students to substitute traditional foreign language studies for immersion in coding, the lingua franca of the technology era. Enthusiasm for teaching coding to American students is widespread, with President Barack Obama in his latest weekly radio address calling for computer science to join the “three R’s” — reading, writing and arithmetic. But many share concerns about doing so at the expense of global languages, arguing the computer algorithms do not equate to conversations. Stewart, a 16-year-old high school sophomore in Tampa, said rethinking the definition of a language makes sense. “You can translate languages across the Internet through coding, but you can’t do that without coding,” she said. Officials in Kentucky, Georgia, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington also have floated the notion of substituting foreign language studies with computer coding credits in recent years. So far, however, few have adopted such measures. Texas allows such a swap under a policy adopted in 2014 that is approved only through the current school year. State education officials have not

Two students study computer game design at Middleton High School in Tampa, Fla. (Reuters)

tracked how widely it has been used. Oklahoma has permitted similar flexibility for more than a decade, but only because rural schools have struggled to hire instructors to teach global languages, said state officials. “We were not trying to equate the two at all,” said Desa Dawson, director of world languages for the Oklahoma state education department. Many states are recognizing coding credits within the subject areas of math and science. CODE.org, a leader in the push for computer science education, favors that approach.

“Spanish is used to communicate to one another,” said Cameron Wilson, vice president of government affairs at CODE.org, which has not taken a position on the Florida bill. “A computer language is really only used to communicate to a computer on how to execute codes on a machine.” Comparing them represents a “fundamental misunderstanding,” he said. CODE.org says 28 states and the District of Columbia allow computer science to be applied toward graduation requirements, mostly in math and science. The sponsor of the Florida

measure, which on Wednesday passed its third committee vote in the state Senate, defends his approach. Democratic State Senator Jeremy Ring said his bill aims to elevate computer science in Florida, where students mostly take the subject as an elective. Foreign languages are not required to earn a basic state diploma, but university-bound students need two credits. “Coding is a language,” said Ring, who got the idea from his 14-year-old son. “It is a global language, more global than French or German or Spanish, or for that matter even English.”

Visit us online at www.gwinnettdailypost.com

It is too early to known whether his bill will pass as it now proceeds to the full Senate. The Florida House is debating an alternative approach that would have a panel study the issue. “Coding is very sexy and very now,” said Barmak Nassirian, director of federal policy analysis at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, which does not have a position. He cautions against overreaching. “Coding is arguably what welding was 100 years ago,” he said. “Let’s not get carried away.”

6C • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 • 7C

WE MADE COLLEGE ALL ABOUT

YOU You, the student.

We literally built a college from the ground up, designed for students by students. We reimagined and revolutionized higher education to put you at its center. Our innovative dedication to student success makes a H-U-G-E difference for your future. With small class sizes, you get a private college experience, at a state college price. Discover how much a four-year bachelor’s degree can do for you at www.ggc.edu. Schedule a campus tour online at www.ggc.edu/tour 311910-1

APPLY ONLINE TODAY www.ggc.edu

6C • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 • 7C

WE MADE COLLEGE ALL ABOUT

YOU You, the student.

APPLY ONLINE TODAY www.ggc.edu

4C • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

spotlight on preparing for college

Keep your education affordable Ways to avoid adding to $1.2 trillion student loan debt balance By Keith Farner

keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

A recent survey by LendEDU found that there is about $1.2 trillion in outstanding student loan debt in the United States and seven in 10 graduates have some form of student loan debt. The average student has about $30,000. That’s according to the independent marketplace for student loans and student loan refinancing, which surveyed 477 undergraduate and graduate students who are males and females and were federal and private student loan borrowers. Arguably more alarming was that the survey found that many of the respondees knew little or nothing about the re-payment process, the difference between unsubsidized and subsidized and

“

The short-term gain of student loans doesn’t even compare to the long-term pain your student could end up with. There’s no doubt: There is a generational crisis, and, as a parent, you need to be ready.”

A recent LendEDU survey found that seven in 10 graduates have some for of student loan debt, which averages about $30,000. (Special Photo)

— Rachel Cruze, co-author of “Smart Money, Smart Kids”

current interest rates. “Our results are startling and frankly disturbing,” a post by Nate Matherson said on the LendEDU website. The issue has become a widespread crisis across the country that personal finance authors Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze addressed in the book “Smart Money, Smart Kids,” that was published in 2014. Cruze wrote that student loans recently surpassed credit cards in total debt owed, and graduates will carry the loans around for

years or even decades. Because they’re federally backed, they are not eliminated in a bankruptcy. “The short-term gain of student loans doesn’t even compare to the longterm pain your student could end up with,” Cruze wrote. “There’s no doubt: This is a generational crisis, and, as a parent, you need to be ready.” The path to avoid student loans begins with saving years before a student enters college, they wrote, choosing a school that’s affordable and likely close to home or

in-state, working while in college and seeking grants and scholarships. While gacollege411.org has plenty of resources for scholarship options, students are encouraged to think creatively for scholarships. Start looking

SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS responsible for administering this program. Applicants applied to GSFA based on the programmatic criteria set forth by the United States Department of Justice.

Scholarship for Engineering Education Service Cancelable Loan Hope Scholarship

A merit-based award available to Georgia residents who have demonstrated academic achievement. A recipient must graduate from high school with a minimum 3.0 grade point average and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative postsecondary grade point average to remain eligible. The scholarship provides tuition assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate degree at a HOPE Scholarship eligible college or university in Georgia. A seven-year limit exists for students first receiving the HOPE Scholarship during the 2011-2012 academic year or later. The Hope awards a portion of standard tuition at a public institution and $1,910 per full-time semester at a private institution, or $1,274 per quarter at a private institution.

Zell Miller Scholarship

Students are eligible if they meet rigor requirements and are a designated valedictorian or salutatorian, or they must have a 3.7 high school GPA in core curriculum courses and a 1,200 combined score on the SAT or 26 composite score on the ACT. The Zell Miller Scholarship awards full standard tuition at a public institution, or $2,110 per semester or $1,407 per quarter full time at a private institution.

Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring Scholarship Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring, or HERO, Scholarship provides assistance to members of the Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reservists, their children and spouses, who were deployed overseas on active duty service, on or after February 1, 2003, to a location designated as a combat zone.

Georgia Military College State Service Scholarship

Georgia Military College State Service Scholarship Loan Program is a service cancelable loan program created to provide outstanding students with a full two-year scholarship loan. The student must agree to serve in the Georgia National Guard for a period of four years to complete service repayment (two years while attending GMC and two years after graduation).

Georgia Public Safety Memorial Grant

Public Safety Memorial Grant provides assistance to the dependent children of Georgia public safety officers who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty. Funds may be used toward the cost of attendance at eligible colleges or universities in Georgia.

John R. Justice

The John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act of 2008 was passed by Congress to encourage qualified individuals to enter or continue employment as prosecutors and public defenders. The Georgia Student Finance Authority is the designated state agency

Scholarship for Engineering Education Program provides financial assistance to Georgia residents attending an eligible private postsecondary institution and enrolled in an engineering program of study approved by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accrediting Board of Engineering and Technology. The purpose of the program is to attract and grow the number of qualified engineers in Georgia. In return, students agree to work for a period of time after graduation in an engineering-related field in Georgia.

Scholarship for Engineering Education for Minorities Service Cancelable Loan

In an attempt to attract diverse engineering scholars in the future, the Scholarship for Engineering Education for Minorities offers financial assistance to create qualified workers in Georgia. Created last year, MSEE is a service cancelable loan available to upperclassmen at eligible state colleges that can be used for tuition, room and board, or other educational expenses. In return, students agree to work in Georgia after graduation in an engineering-related field for a reduction in the loan’s balance. Available for programs approved by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology, participating universities include: • Georgia Institute of Technology • Georgia Southern University • University of Georgia • Kennesaw State University • Mercer University For more information, contact Brian Moore, Executive Director, Scholarship for Engineering Education for Minorities Service Cancellable Loan, at 770-724-9247.

Move On When Ready

Move On When Ready Program is a dual credit enrollment program for eligible high school and home study students who wish to earn postsecondary level coursework for credit toward both high school and college credit requirements. The program is offered during the fall, winter, spring and summer terms of the school year, and may cover the cost of standard undergraduate tuition, mandatory fees and a book allowance. Students need to complete the MOWR online application. Students in a home study program must complete the MOWR paper application.

Student Access Loan Program

Student Access Loan Program is a 1 percent interest loan program designed to assist undergraduate students enrolled at a public, private or technical college or university who have a gap in meeting their educational costs. Students who attend an eligible USG or private postsecondary institution have a maximum annual limit of $8,000 and have service cancellation options available to those who work in select public service sectors or STEM fields. Students who attend an eligible TCSG postsecondary institution have a maximum annual limit of $3,000 and have a loan discharge

community organizations and major companies that offer scholarships. Look in local communities where in Gwinnett, for example, several electric membership corporations that offer scholarships.

YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and even Duct Tape are among companies that offer scholarships. Look below for more information on scholarship opportunities and savings plans.

SAVINGS PLANS ESA

You can contribute up to $2,000 per year per child if your annual income is less than $200,000, and your money grows tax free when used for education expenses. It’s been called an education version of the Roth IRA.

529 Plan

Similar to an ESA, but with a higher limit, a 529 plan is operated by a state or educational institution, with tax advantages and potentially other incentives to make it easier to save for college and other post-secondary training for a designated beneficiary, such as a child or grandchild. Contributions can not exceed the amount necessary to provide for the qualified education expenses of the beneficiary. Contributors should be aware of potential gift tax issues if the amount contributed by any one contributor during a year to a given beneficiary, together with other gifts to that beneficiary exceed $14,000.

Coverdell Education Savings Account

A savings account that is set up to pay the qualified education expenses of a designated beneficiary. Contributions to a Coverdell ESA are not deductible, but amounts deposited in the account grow tax free until distributed. Generally, the maximum contribution per year, per child is $2,000.

option available to those who graduate from their program of study, for which the loan was received, with a minimum 3.50 cumulative postsecondary grade point average.

Tuition Equalization Grant

Tuition Equalization Grant provides grant assistance toward educational costs to Georgia residents enrolled at an eligible private college or university. Students must be enrolled full time in an undergraduate program of study leading to an undergraduate degree

University of North Georgia Military Scholarship Loan Program University of North Georgia Military Scholarship Loan Program is a service cancelable loan program that provides full scholarships to enable outstanding Georgia students, interested in pursuing a military career, to attend the University of North Georgia. Loan recipients agree to serve in the Army National Guard for eight years (four while enrolled at UNG and four after graduation).

University of North Georgia ROTC Grant and ROTC Grant for Future Officers

University of North Georgia ROTC Grant and ROTC Grant for Future Officers provides grant assistance toward the cost of education by encouraging Georgia residents to attend the University of North Georgia and participate in the Reserve Officers Training Corps program and promotes students to military leadership positions upon graduation. Sources: IRS, Georgia Student Finance Commission

gwinnettdailypost.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 • 5C

spotlight on preparing for college Education reform commission vote set for next year keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

For now, leaders under the Gold Dome have hit the pause button about voting on major changes to education across Georgia. “My budget next year will include funding to implement my recommendations and those of the Education Reform Commission,” Gov. Nathan Deal said in January before a joint session of the state House of Representatives and Senate. “This will provide ample time to vet the full report. It is important that we get this right.” In December, following a year-long review of Georgia’s education system, the Education Reform Commission submitted its final report to Deal. That followed months of discussions and meetings of the commission, which has more than 30 members. One of the key parts of the commission’s report was a new funding formula to replace the three-decadeold Quality Basic Education formula, and how that relates to paying teachers. The additional time gives educators, business leaders and legislators a chance to review the 85-page report that calls for changes that would incorporate a merit pay component. The committee also called for more money for K-12 education and Georgia’s pre-kindergarten program. The governor earmarked an additional $300 million for K-12 during the fiscal year starting

In December, following a year-long review of Georgia’s education system, the Education Reform Commission submitted its final report to Gov. Nathan Deal, who said in January a vote would come next year. “This will provide ample time to vet the full report,” he said. “It is important that we get this right.” (File Photo)

July 1 and $358 million for pre-K, including $26.2 million for pay raises for pre-K teachers. Deal also is proposing three percent raises for K-12 teachers and state employees. Deal also set aside $58.3 million to cover the Move on When Ready dual enrollment program where students earn college credit while in high school. Questions have been raised about how that performance will be measured, from test scores, to Title I schools and special education classes. Sid Chapman, president of the Georgia Association of Educators, has said that none of the commission

members were currently practicing teachers. Chapman said changes to the teacher compensation formula and state salary schedule would make “already low teacher morale even worse.” “The new proposed formula will lock in the deep cuts that have been made to the budgets of our Georgia public schools over the last few years under the current formula,” he said. “While these cuts have occurred, more responsibilities have been placed on the plates of teachers. And while we hold out hope that things will get better now that the economy is improving, the proposed funding formula takes away that hope. The

children and educators of this state will bear the burden of this decision for years to come unless we make adjustments now to fully fund our schools. This is not how you attract and retain quality teachers.” Gwinnett County Public Schools CEO/ SuperinJ. Alvin tendent Wilbanks J. Alvin Wilbanks and Gwinnett legislators Rep. Brooks Coleman and Sen. Fran Millar all participated in the commission’s work. Wilbanks said the $27 million that GCPS is

expected to receive would allow for some areas to be addressed that haven’t been in recent years. The pay for performance part of the teacher pay discussion could be useful, Wilbanks has said, in the case of filling, for example, an advanced math teacher vacancy. “It will allow for us to address some market sensitivity of some of the areas that you need, particularly as we focus on STEM,” he said. Former University of Georgia President Charles Knapp, who chaired the commission, said the report responds to the governor’s charge and provides bold recommendations that will better prepare students

for life and the workforce. “I am grateful for the tireless work of the commission members on behalf of Georgia’s students and for Dr. Knapp’s leadership throughout this process,” Deal said. “At its outset, I charged the commission with providing recommendations to improve education, increase access to early learning programs, recruit and retain high-quality instructors and expand school options for students and families. I look forward to reviewing their recommendations as to how we might achieve these goals.” “It has been an honor and pleasure for the members of the commission to serve Gov. Deal and the people of the State of Georgia in this capacity,” Knapp said. “I believe this report responds to the governor’s charge to comprehensively review the status of preschool, primary, and secondary education in Georgia and to provide bold recommendations that will better prepare our students for life and the workforce in the 21st century.” The formula includes a quarter of a billion dollars of additional “new money” allocated for K-12, a 3 percent jump from this year’s budget, which was more than $8 billion. Under the current formula, the state salary schedule is based on years of experience and education degrees. The new proposal would require each school system to have its own schedule, while the state would offer a template including minimum requirements.

312276-1

By Keith Farner

12C • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

spotlight on preparing for college

Next month bringing major changes to SAT By Keith Farner

again. Instead, the SAT will focus on words that students will use consistently in college and Next month a college beyond. admissions test will roll The math section will out its first overhaul in draw from fewer topmore than 10 years. ics that evidence shows The College Board will contribute most to student implement major changes readiness for college to the SAT, the college and career training. The admissions test widely exam will focus on three accepted by colleges and essential areas: problemuniversities. It will be the solving and data analysis, first set of major changes the heart of algebra, and since 2005. passport to advanced The new version, taken math. Students can study in print and by computer, these core math areas will have three sections: in depth and have conevidence-based reading fidence that they will be and writing, math and the assessed. essay. The essay will give Students will be asked a separate score, while to analyze both text and the scale will be 1600 data in real world condown from the current texts, including idenmaximum score of 2400. tifying and correcting There also won’t be a inconsistencies between penalty for wrong anthe two. Students will swers. show the work they do The test will be three throughout their classes hours, and an additional by reading science ar50 minutes for the opticles and historical and tional essay. social studies sources. “Research will guide Each exam will include our efforts to enhance the a passage drawn from the work students already do founding documents of in their classes in grades the United States or the six through 12. And “great global conversathat research shows that tion” they inspire. Texts mastery of fewer, more will include the Declaraimportant things matters tion of Independence, more than superficial cov- the Federalist Papers and erage of many,” College “Letter from a BirmingBoard President David ham Jail” by Martin Coleman said in a press Luther King Jr. release. The College Board also Other changes include announced that it would “SAT words” will no partner with the nonprofit longer be vocabulary Khan Academy to provide terms that students may free test preparation manot have heard before terials for the redesigned and are likely not to hear SAT. It also said every keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

NEW ODYSSEY SUMMER ADVENTURES 2016

* * * *

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY to be thinking about SPRING & SUMMER CAMPS!

Come preview the fun during Spring Break!

2013 MILLCREST DRIVE. HOSCHTON

770.904.0004

3378 HAMILTON MILL ROAD. BUFORD

678.714.9555

Discounted Group Rates! Order Lunches! Arts & Crafts! Pottery!

www.SugarHillChristian.org

Helping your child grow in character and faith while being successful in the modern world. • Ranked in the top 2% for ITBS nationwide •ASCI & SACS Accredited •12 months - 8th Grade • Before and After Care Available for K4-8th Grade • Affordable Excellence • Mother’s Morning Out, Preschool

999 Chestnut Street Suite #11 Gainesville, Ga 30501 770.536.1900 info@inkfun.org

Visit INK and make your classroom come alive!

312322-1

312282-1

312281-1

Field Trips Include: • Georgia Aquarium • Sky Zone • Bowling • Stone Mountain • Malibu Grand Prix • Medieval Times • Fernbank • and much more!

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids offers:

income-eligible student who takes the SAT will receive four fee waivers to apply for college to assist low-income students. “What this country needs is not more tests, but more opportunities,” Coleman said. “The real news today is not just the redesigned SAT, but the College Board’s renewed commitment to delivering opportunity.” Results from a recent survey by Kaplan Test Prep survey said the changes are affecting the advice high school counselors are giving their students about which college admissions exam to take — the current SAT, new SAT or ACT. The survey polled 172 high school counselors. • One third (33 percent) said students should take more than one exam, which would help them figure out which of the three would most help them get into their choice colleges. • Far fewer are recommending single test options: Six percent of counselors are telling students to take the current version of the SAT early to avoid the changes, six percent are recommending students wait until after the SAT changes in March to take the test and 16 percent are advising students to take the ACT instead. • The remaining percentage say the SAT changes are not affecting their advice to students.

678-745-4121

4600 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill, GA 30518

KinderCare Learning Centers 6 weeks to 12 years Partnering with Families for over 40 years.

Private Montessori Education for Children Ages 15 Months–12 Years OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, 2/20 10AM -1PM

Not Just A School, But A Home For Tomorrow’s Leaders. Pre-K2-12th Grade College Preparatory School

312280-1

2016 Open House Dates: February 23 March 22 April 19 312277-1 312321-1

www.BethlehemChristianAcademy.org

Children attending our programs showed strong performance in areas predicting school success. Centers provide a variety of healthy meals and snacks with nutritional ingredients planned by a registered dietitian. Enrichment programs like Math, Phonics, Music and Spanish provide children at all levels with new skills and confidence. Call one of our 5 Gwinnett locations to schedule a tour.

FREE REGISTRATION WITH THIS AD!!!

312283-1