Section 20-2-132. Primary goals of article

   It is the intent of the General Assembly that the primary goals of this article shall be as follows:

   (1) A substantial reduction in the number of teachers who leave the teaching profession for reasons of job dissatisfaction;

   (2) A decrease in the percentage and number of students who enter school but drop out prior to graduation;

   (3) The elimination of emergency teaching certificates and waivers for teaching outside of specialty;

   (4) A decrease in the percentage of students who fail the Georgia High School Graduation Test;

   (5) A significant increase in the test scores of Georgia students who take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the ACT Assessment (ACT);

   (6) An increase in the number of students mastering each skill in reading, mathematics, and other subject areas;

   (7) An accountability system for education programs that measures efficiency and effectiveness and ensures that programs produce improvement in student achievement scores for all students;

   (8) A comprehensive program and financial information system that provides data that allow for the accurate evaluation of program effectiveness;

   (9) A seamless education system that allows students to be served in the most effective and efficient way possible;

   (10) The elimination of school violence;

   (11) A decrease in the percentage of students who perform below grade level;

   (12) An increase in parental and community involvement in schools;

   (13) Better coordination between education agencies and other organizations providing instructional and related services to students;

   (14) A more competent school work force through the effective use of evaluation tools, training, and school improvement teams that promote best practices; and

   (15) More flexibility for high-performing schools so that services can be better adapted to student needs.

Code 1981, § 20-2-132, enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 1657, § 1; Ga. L. 1987, p. 1169, § 1; Ga. L. 2000, p. 618, § 12.