$6.9 million to bolster schools’ online capacity, aid Milestones tests
Gov. Nathan Deal's office announced Monday it has awarded nearly $7 million in grants to 53 public school districts to improve digital learning and online administration of the Georgia Milestones exams, which were riddled with glitches this year.
The grants, funded by money from the amended state budget, are aimed at ensuring classrooms have high-speed broadband access required for digital and blended learning.
“In order to learn necessary skills to succeed in the 21st-century job market, Georgia’s students must master 21st century skills,” Deal said in a statement. “Digital literacy skills are becoming increasingly necessary to remain competitive in a global marketplace.”
Six metro Atlanta school districts were among the recipients: Cherokee, Decatur, Forsyth, Henry, Marietta and Rockdale. Henry received the most money among local districts, $862,344.
The state Board of Education last week decided to waive the rule that requires Georgia Milestones results to be used in grade promotion decisions, citing problems such as students losing work after being kicked off the a school's WiFi system.
Monday’s grants were part of the third round of funding for the state’s Connections for Classrooms program.
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He currently writes about higher education and has assisted in the newsroom’s COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
