Committee advances bipartisan math bill to guarantee advanced access and daily instruction minutes

Summary

A bipartisan measure that guarantees prepared students access to advanced math, boosts math training in educator programs, and requires at least 60 minutes of daily core math instruction in grades 4-5 was advanced by the committee after sponsors cited gains in neighboring states and endorsements from large districts.

Representative (Speaker 8) introduced a bill (LC492645S) proponents described as a three-part approach to improve K-12 math: guaranteed access to advanced math for prepared students, strengthened math preparation in colleges of education, and a requirement of at least 60 minutes of daily core math instruction for grades 4 and 5. The sponsor noted Alabama's 2022 math reforms and linked them to recent NAEP gains as rationale for the change.

The presenter said the bill guarantees that a student who demonstrates readiness (for example, a distinguished-score on Georgia Milestones) will have access to enhanced math pathways rather than being held back by local scheduling. "This bill is the first step towards improving math education in Georgia," the sponsor told the committee. Members and other representatives spoke in support, and the committee approved the bill by voice vote.

Next steps: Bill advanced; sponsor and members encouraged swift action to make math a priority statewide.