In a sign of the complexity, and potential for controversy, of the new federal education law, experts are both praising and criticizing Georgia’s plan for compliance.

The 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act requires states to come up with new ways to hold schools accountable.

Gov. Nathan Deal thought state Superintendent Richard Woods' plan was so easy on schools that he refused to sign it. Now two groups are releasing reports that say alternatively that it's one of the best plans in the country and so bad that it shouldn't get approved.

The Fordham Institute says it is one of the seven best in the country, but the National council on Teacher Quality wants to send Georgia back to the chalk board. Read why at myAJC.com.

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People hold candles and sing during a memorial and prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Washington. (Rod Lamkey, Jr./AP)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com