Communications Communications keeps the media and the general public informed of news within Georgia schools and the Georgia Department of Education. Communications Division of Standards Based Learning Academic Standards and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education work together to provide rigorous standards, quality instructional resources and online professional learning materials that will help teachers prepare students for graduation and post-secondary college and career opportunities. Georgia Performance Standards, resources and training information can be accessed at www.GeorgiaStandards.org. Academic Standards Career, Technical and Agricultural Education Division of Innovative Instruction Innovative Instruction provides challenging educational programs designed to meet the unique needs of students in a wide variety of settings that result in increased student achievement. Innovative Academic Programs Safe and Drug-Free Schools Special Education Services Special Education Supports Division of Assessment and Accountability The Assessment and Accountability Division merges the Department’s Assessment mandate with the Accountability team. Assessment measures student achievement of the state mandated curriculum, identifies students failing to achieve mastery of content, provides teachers with diagnostic information, and assists school systems in identifying strengths and weaknesses in order to establish priorities in planning educational programs. The Accountability team serves to improve communication between all Georgia public schools and other stakeholders regarding the federal and state education accountability initiatives. They also publish the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) reports for all public school districts and schools as required by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Assessment Research and Development Assessment Administration Accountability