GA HB1048

State Board of Education must adopt criteria by July 1, 2026 for assessing first grade readiness of children entering public school for the first time who are age-eligible for first grade

Parents or guardians may elect to enroll their age-eligible child in kindergarten instead of first grade, regardless of the readiness assessment results

Local boards of education and other public school governing bodies must adopt placement and promotion policies by July 15, 2026 in accordance with State Board criteria

State Board of Education must develop a model placement and promotion policy by July 1, 2026 that local boards may utilize

Implementation begins with the 2026-2027 school year; prohibits schools from placing students in kindergarten or first grade based exclusively on age or date of birth