Education; all schools that receive state funding with students in any of grades three through five to provide instruction in cursive handwriting to all students by no later than third grade; require
Impact
The bill introduces significant changes to Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, particularly in the areas of education standards and emergency preparedness. Schools will be required to adopt policies that facilitate a victimized employee’s transfer to another position within the same school system if they experience physical violence from students or their guardians. This aims to protect school employees while creating a safer working environment.
Summary
SB425 aims to enhance educational standards and safety protocols in Georgia schools by mandating that all schools receiving state funding instruct students in cursive handwriting by no later than the third grade. Additionally, the bill revises requirements related to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and necessitates that each school have at least one functional AED on-site accessible during school hours and events. Importantly, it eliminates the prior requirement of having a licensed physician involved in AED programs and includes new training for staff on the use of bleeding control kits.
Sentiment
The general sentiment toward SB425 appears to be positive among proponents who view it as a necessary step in improving school safety and student education. Supporters argue that providing cursive handwriting instruction is a valuable skill for students, while also emphasizing the importance of equipping schools with necessary medical equipment, such as AEDs. However, there may be apprehensions regarding the lack of physician involvement in AED programs, signaling a need for continual monitoring of emergency preparedness standards.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding this bill include the controversial removal of the licensed physician requirement for AED programs, which some stakeholders express concerns over, fearing it may compromise the quality of emergency readiness. Additionally, while the emphasis on cursive writing is viewed positively by many educators and parents, there is a debate about whether such requirements should be prioritized over other educational needs, particularly in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
A pilot program to provide grants to schools that provide instruction in a foreign language to students in kindergarten through grade three; and to provide an appropriation.