Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB171

Introduced
2/13/25  
Refer
2/18/25  

Caption

Quality Basic Education Act; State Board of Education to develop an advanced mathematics pathway; require

Impact

If enacted, SB171 would significantly affect state laws governing educational programs under the 'Quality Basic Education Act'. By requiring local school systems to adopt the advanced mathematics pathway policies developed by the State Board of Education, this bill would standardize mathematics education across the state and encourage earlier exposure to advanced mathematical concepts. The implementation of these changes is expected to increase the number of students qualifying for advanced courses and enhance overall proficiency in mathematics, which is crucial for student readiness in high school and beyond.

Summary

Senate Bill 171 aims to enhance Georgia's educational framework by establishing an advanced mathematics pathway for students in grades three through eight. This bill mandates the State Board of Education to create a structured pathway culminating in the opportunity for middle school students to take high school-level mathematics courses. It seeks to enable local school systems to implement this pathway and provide additional supports and services for students engaging with the advanced curriculum. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve educational outcomes in mathematics for young learners in Georgia.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB171 is the automatic enrollment provision. While proponents argue that this approach ensures that all qualifying students have equal access to advanced mathematics courses, opponents may raise concerns about parental rights, as the bill allows for parents to opt-out of automatic enrollment. This aspect of the bill has the potential to spark discussions about the balance between standardized educational policies and individual family choices regarding academic advancement for their children. Furthermore, there may be debates regarding the adequacy of support resources provided by local school systems to meet the needs of students in this advanced pathway.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB1133

Quality Basic Education Act; staff development; require training programs for local boards of education to include certain provisions

GA HB1027

Quality Basic Education Act; half-credit computer science course shall be a high school graduation requirement; require in 2026-2027 school year

GA HB1104

Quality Basic Education Act; address mental health risks for student athletes

GA HB111

Quality Basic Education Act; pilot program to implement student based funding recommendations of the 2015 Education Reform Commission; provide

GA SB432

"Quality Basic Education Act"; provisions; recess for students in kindergarten and grades one through eight; require

GA HB282

Quality Basic Education Act; minimum course study in career readiness education for students in grades six through twelve; provide

GA HB1036

Quality Basic Education Act; course of instruction in pregnancy, health, and human development for students in grades nine through 12; require

GA SB556

Education; State Board of Education to establish a three-year pilot robotics program for eligible public schools; provide

GA HB457

Quality Basic Education Act; remove needs development rating from group of performance evaluation ratings; provisions

GA HB822

Quality Basic Education Act; prescribed course of study in sex education and HIV prevention is age appropriate and medically accurate; provide

Similar Bills

AL SB171

Alabama Numeracy Act, established for K-5 public school students, Elementary Mathematics Task force and Postsecondary Mathematics Task Forces created, Office of Mathematics Improvement created, use of assessments, intervention services, summer programs, and mathematics coaches provided, use of Common Core State Standards in K-12 schools terminated and prohibited

MS HB1626

Mathematics Proficiency and Intervention Act; establish to provide intensive multitiered system of supports for students in kindergarten through Grade 3.

AK SB197

Mathematics Instruction

KY HB162

AN ACT relating to mathematics education and making an appropriation therefor.

CA AB2565

School employees: professional development: mathematics and science.

AZ HB2609

Advanced mathematics courses; student enrollment

NM SB235

School Math Changes

NC H875

DPI to Redesign Math Instruction