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.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Students cheer their families during the Spelman College graduation ceremony at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The Atlanta HBCU's board of trustees recently voted to launch the search for the all-women’s college's 12th president. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Featured

A person exits the Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta after casting his ballot during election day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC