The Georgia P-16 Initiative is a comprehensive and collaborative statewide effort aimed at raising expectations and ensuring student success from pre-school (P) through post-secondary education (16). It is different than other educational reform efforts because it impacts the entire educational spectrum—not just the parts.
Georgia P-16 Council
The Georgia P-16 Council provides state-level coordination and leadership for the P-16 Initiative. Members include representatives from the legislature, public schools, technical institutes, colleges/universities, health and human services, private sector, and the community.
The Council reports to Gov. Roy Barnes; Linda Schrenko, State Superintendent of Schools, Georgia Department of Education; Celeste Osborne, Office of School Readiness, Stephen Portch, Chancellor, University System of Georgia; and Kenneth Breeden, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education.
The leadership core of the Council is the Senior Advocacy Group, chaired by Roy Richards, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Southwire Company. Schrenko, Osborne, Portch, Breeden, Georgia legislators and representatives of Georgia public schools, technical institutions and colleges/universities compose this group.
Local P-16 Community Councils
P-16's success relies on the work of local community councils. Fifteen councils have been formed around the state and awarded planning grants of $10,000. Challenge grants are available to local councils on a competitive basis beginning mid-year 1996 to fund implementation plans.
Georgia Network for P-16 Reform
The Georgia Network serves as a forum for local councils to share experience and nurture partnerships. The Network also identifies national resources available to assist in local implementation. Members include representatives from the 15 local P-16 community councils.
Raising the Bar: Enhanced University Admission Standards
Success in college depends on strong pre-college preparation in academic subjects and high student aspirations. University System of Georgia officials are phasing in higher admission standards for the 34 public colleges and universities to break a cycle of low admission expectations. Like fielding a good high jump team, students must be coached effectively while the admissions bar gradually is raised. This helps students improve their academic preparation, meet new challenges and succeed in college.
A Statewide Initiative for Students in At-Risk Situations
Today in Georgia, there are more than 200,000 young people who are in "at-risk" situations. We cannot afford to lose these students. As the University System of Georgia raises its admissions standards, a sizable group of students in middle and high school will be unable to compete if they continue on their present course. The University System of Georgia, the Department of Technical and Adult Education, and the Department of Education are working in partnership with other organizations to implement a statewide program designed for 7th to 12th grade at-risk youths. Post-Secondary Readiness Programs, or PREP, has begun with 7th graders in the metropolitan area. Additional grades will be added each year.
Genuine improvement in our educational systems requires partners willing to work together toward the shared goal of improving student success because:
- Today's economy requires some form of post-secondary education for all students.
- Our society needs the contributions of all its members.
- In a democracy, all children have a right to a high-quality education.
- Faculty and support staff in our educational systems have a responsibility to see that all students learn at high levels.
- There is a need to educate young people and adults to prepare them for work, continued learning, and responsible citizenship.
- We cannot afford to fail.
© 1999 Metropolitan Atlanta
P-16 Council
University Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 651-4236
Last Modified on Sunday, April 21, 2002