STATE BRIEFS

Social studies curriculum altered

The state Board of Education approved extensive revisions Thursday to what sixth- and seventh-graders must learn in social studies and what their teachers must teach. The changes were ordered after more than 70 percent of students in both grades failed the social studies Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests taken in the spring. State schools Superintendent Kathy Cox threw out the results and called for the review.

Livestock cruelty alleged in drought

Nicholson —- Jackson County authorities are investigating increasing reports of livestock cruelty because of the drought. They say grazing cows and horses are not finding enough food and inattentive farmers are not adding food.

New prison units aim to save money

Department of Corrections officials are opening more efficient prison units to try to shave $66 million from their $1.2 billion budget. The “Fast Track units” will house 256 inmates. They’re larger than current units and can operate with fewer than 25 corrections officers, compared to more than 40 for traditional units. Units in Macon, Dooly and Smith state prisons are to open this month, and units at Coastal, Ware, Valdosta and Hayes are to open in February.

Also …

> Horse tag: Horse enthusiasts soon will be able to display their passion on license plates. The state Revenue Department last month got the necessary number of pre-orders to start making the Georgia Equine Tag.

Contributing: Laura Diamond, Associated Press