Centennial Arts Academy on Bus Trip Across Ga. route

ATLANTA - Gainesville’s Centennial Arts Academy has been selected by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education as one of six stops on the 17th Annual Georgia Bus Trip Across Georgia. Organizers say the tour showcases achieving public schools and shares best practices with educators, business, government and community leaders from around the state.

The event began in 1993 and has been a fixture in state education circles ever since. Schools selected as stops have a proven track record of academic excellence, educational innovation and sustained performance. This year the focus will be on innovation that has led to increased student achievement.

Dr. Steve Dolinger, president of the Georgia Partnership, explained that Centennial Arts Academy, as well as the other 2009 bus trip schools, represents what is right in Georgia’s public education system. “In the case here, our bus trip participants will see a multi-award winning elementary school program that is using innovation to prepare its students for the academic challenges ahead.”

Dolinger explained the annual visits accomplish two things. “While we are bringing much deserved recognition to these schools, their school systems, and supportive communities, we are also showcasing best practices to influencers who might adopt or adapt some of these great ideas for use in their own communities.”

He also said another objective is to provide decision makers an opportunity to see how policy impacts the classroom. “Education decisions made at the state level will ultimately reach the grassroots level. It is important for these leaders to see firsthand the results of their actions.” He added that the annual trip helps highlight where and how Georgia needs to be focusing its efforts in improving student achievement.

The event will be conducted Oct. 27–29. Details, including the day Centennial will be visited, are being worked out.

Joining Centennial Arts Academy on the 2009 tour will be the Amana Academy, Alpharetta; the Early College program at Georgia College, Milledgeville; Morgan County High School, Madison; Unity Elementary School, LaGrange; and W.L. Parks Middle School, Atlanta. More than 60 schools were nominated.

Susan Walker, the Georgia Partnership’s policy and research director, said the selection process was difficult. “After reviewing the nominations, one thing is clear, there are many good news stories when it comes to public education in Georgia.”

Visit the Partnership web site (www.gpee.org – Annual Bus Trip page) for more information about the organization and the event. The Bus Trip 16 video is available on the site.

Founded in 1990 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Economic Developers Association, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education consists of business, education, community and government leaders who share a vision of education excellence.

Link: Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education