Student Success Support Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bethany Ballard and 5 co-sponsors

House Bill 517 provides up to $3 million annually in grants for remedial literacy and math education in Georgia's lowest-performing public schools, boosting student success.

House Second Readers

Overview

House Bill 517, titled the Student Success Support Act, aims to enhance educational support for students in Georgia's lowest-performing public schools. Introduced on February 19, 2025, the bill seeks to provide additional resources for remedial education in literacy and math for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 517 is to address educational deficiencies in literacy and mathematics among students attending the lowest-performing public schools in Georgia. By establishing a grant program, the bill intends to ensure that these students receive the necessary support to improve their academic performance.

Key Provisions

Grant Program Establishment: The bill mandates the State Board of Education to create a grant program specifically for local school systems and public schools.

Funding Allocation: The program will provide up to $3 million per school year in grants. These funds are designated for supplemental remedial education services aimed at addressing literacy and math deficiencies.

Targeted Schools: The grants will be available to students in public schools that rank in the lowest five percent based on cumulative individual school ratings over the last two years, as determined by the Office of Student Achievement.

Affected Parties

Students: The bill directly impacts students in kindergarten through grade 12 who are enrolled in the identified low-performing schools.

Local School Systems: School districts will have the opportunity to apply for grants to fund remedial education programs.

State Board of Education: This body will be responsible for administering the grant program and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the bill.

Procedural Aspects

Current Status: As of February 21, 2025, the bill is in the House Second Readers stage, indicating it is under consideration by the House of Representatives.

Legislative Timeline: The bill has progressed through the following stages:

February 19, 2025: Introduced and entered the House Hopper.
February 20, 2025: Read for the first time in the House.
February 21, 2025: Read for the second time in the House.

Conclusion

House Bill 517 represents a significant effort to improve educational outcomes for students in Georgia's most challenged public schools. By providing targeted funding for remedial education, the bill aims to enhance literacy and math skills, ultimately supporting student success and academic achievement.

Bill