GA SB596

State Board of Education must establish a statewide coordinated support program for summer literacy programs serving students in kindergarten through grade three, including grants for eligible local school systems and public schools.

Grant applicants must detail their summer literacy programs, demonstrate use of high-quality instructional materials aligned to the science of reading, explain how student progress will be measured, and describe strategies for supporting students at significant risk of not achieving grade-level reading proficiency.

Department of Education must consult with local school systems, the Office of Student Achievement, and regional educational services agencies (RESAs) to develop an implementation plan by November 1, 2026.

The implementation plan must include a request for appropriations, propose an effective grant-awarding method, and detail how existing state and federal funding sources may be used alongside any new appropriations.

The plan must be submitted by November 1, 2026 to the chairs of the House Committee on Education, Senate Education and Youth Committee, House Committee on Appropriations, and Senate Appropriations Committee.