Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) commends Georgia State’s Board of Education (BOE) for decreasing required assessments during this school year of unique challenges to educators and students alike.

The BOE’s’ Roadmap to Reimagining K-12 Education in Georgia, lays out a vision for the future of education in Georgia with a focus on creating a system which focuses on the whole child and values the teaching profession. Its emphasis on continuing to reduce the level of high stakes testing requirements has been welcomed and applauded by leaders at SCA. “Relieving this extra pressure on students and teachers is very important. Accountability remains even without these additional testing requirements,” said SCA Executive Director Barry Lollis. “Our school has built-in accountability as students matriculate in the same charter school from kindergarten through twelfth grade at SCA.” Georgia’s school superintendent, Richard Woods has reduced teacher and school leadership evaluation requirements as a key part of his vision to ensure Georgia schools are the best they can be for education in the 21st century. Barry Lollis comments, “It is very challenging to evaluate teachers and students due to the disruption of instruction caused by the pandemic. Even here at SCA, which is the only public school in the district to have completely returned to on campus learning, and remains COVID-19 free, teachers, students, and parents have been negatively affected by school closures, dual modes of learning and other challenges related to this crisis. Superintendent Wood’s reduction of assessments that were in excess to federal accountability requirements is greatly appreciated by parents, educators, and students.”

SCA is a K-12 charter school which is open to all students residing in Chatham County, is funded by the public education system but retains a charter that allows it to operate autonomously under a board of parents and community members. To learn more about SCA, visit www.savannahclassicalacademy.org.