GA Partnership Releases CARES Impact CASE Study on Rural School Districts
The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (Georgia Partnership) today released Strengthening Support for Rural School Districts, the fourth case study from the broader CARES Impact Study. This multi-year research project draws on interviews with district leaders, educators, and state experts to better understand how Georgia school districts leveraged federal COVID-19 relief funds to support student learning and well-being in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This particular case study provides an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities facing over 255,000 students in rural communities across Georgia. While highlighting the strong relationships, innovation, and commitment found in rural communities, the report also identifies several persistent barriers, including:
- Gaps in early literacy development
- Rising student mental health needs
- Limited access to career and postsecondary opportunities
- Ongoing educator recruitment and retention challenges
“Rural districts are working tirelessly to ensure their students have the same opportunities as those in other parts of the state,” said Dr. Dana Rickman, President and CEO of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. “This report underscores both the urgency of their needs and the effectiveness of targeted, community-driven solutions.”
The case study also highlights the impact of the Georgia Department of Education’s Office of Rural Education and Innovation, which has supported districts through initiatives focused on literacy, technology access, workforce development, and student well-being.
To build on this progress, the report outlines key policy recommendations, including:
- Increased funding for students in poverty
- Expanded teacher apprenticeship programs
- Improved transportation access
- Sustained investment in rural-focused state support systems
The Georgia Partnership urges state and local leaders to act on these recommendations to ensure rural students have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and the workforce.
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