During her nearly eight years as Georgia's superintendent of schools, Kathy Cox oversaw sweeping changes to what students learn, the tests they take and the way public schools operate. Here's a look at some of the highs and lows of her tenure:
The highs
- New curriculum. After years of criticism that Georgia's learning standards were too broad and weak, the Education Department rewrote what teachers should teach and students should know for all subjects at every grade level. The new curriculum was more rigorous and designed to help students succeed in college and the work force.
- Stricter graduation requirements. All high school students must take four years of math and science to earn a diploma. All students previously needed just three years of science, and some needed only three years of math.
- Closing the achievement gap. Georgia received national attention for improving test scores among minority students. On last year's SAT, the average score for black students in Georgia was 1,274, 10 points higher than the national average for that group. For Hispanic students in Georgia, the average score was 1,412, 66 points higher than the national average for that group.
- More choices. Cox created more public school options by expanding charter schools; creating career academies that work with technical colleges; and offering online learning through the Georgia Virtual School.
- She's smarter than a fifth-grader. In 2008, Cox became the first $1 million winner on the television show "Are You Smarter Than a 5th-Grader?" She said she would donate the money to the Georgia Academy for the Blind, the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf and the Georgia School for the Deaf.
The lows
- Evolution as a "buzzword." Cox removed the word "evolution" and several passages with related content from the new science curriculum in 2004 and referred to evolution as a politically charged buzzword. That sparked debate across the state and country, with many educators, scientists and even a former president attacking Cox. She ultimately backed down and restored the material.
- Budget cuts. Public schools have lost billions through eight years of state budget cuts. Cox regularly fought -- often without success -- to get more money. As a result, schools have increased class sizes, shut down programs and laid off teachers.
- CRCT scandals. A state report released in February said 191 Georgia schools required investigation because they showed unusual patterns of erasures on last spring's Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests. In 2008, Cox threw out scores from the new sixth- and seventh-grade social studies tests when between 70 percent and 80 percent of the students failed.
- Low SAT scores. Despite narrowing the achievement gap, Georgia remains No. 47 in the nation for SAT scores. Only South Carolina, Hawaii, Maine and Washington, D.C., had lower scores in 2009. In 2002, Georgia's scores were the lowest.
- Personal bankruptcy. About two months after winning the $1 million, Cox and her husband filed for bankruptcy. Much of the debt was tied to her husband's home-building business. The TV show winnings are tied up in court.
About Kathy Cox
Age: 45
Childhood: Born in New Jersey, grew up mainly in Pennsylvania
Family: Husband, John. Two children, John and Alex.
Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees in political science, Emory University.
Teaching experience: High school social studies teacher for 15 years in Fayette County.
Political experience: Elected to the state House of Representatives in 1998, served two terms. Elected state schools superintendent in 2002, 2006.
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