Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Investing in Educational Excellence ( IE2) System?
An IE2 system enters into a contract with the State Board of Education granting the district freedom from identified Title 20
provisions, State Board rules, and Georgia Department of Education guidelines. Entering into an IE2 contract affords Cobb County
schools flexibility to innovate in teaching and learning in order to increase student achievement throughout the district. By pursuing an
IE2 system, Cobb County will be relieved of some of the state rules and mandates that negatively impact the operations of our schools.
Why is Cobb County pursuing IE2?
Throughout the 2013-14 school year, Cobb County sought the input of parents, community members, and school staff regarding the future of
education in Cobb County. More than 2,000 responses were collected through either the interactive web survey, community forums, steering committees,
focus groups, or leadership meetings. Through this process it was evident that our community remains committed to advancing student learning through
increasingly more innovative learning experiences while maintaining a structure of support and connectivity to the larger school system. After
careful examination, the district has concluded that an IE2 partnership is the best option for meeting the community’s priorities and for
ensuring that Cobb schools are the premier choice in education today and in the future.
What other options were available?
The state has outlined three options: IE2 system, charter system, or status quo system. Both the IE2 and charter system
options increase the district’s access to flexibility through state waivers; however, IE2 will allow Cobb to establish performance goals
tailored for each school, and customize the innovations in each school to meet and exceed those goals. The school principal, leadership team, and
teachers then devote their energy and expertise to advancing student performance.
When will this take effect?
The 2015-16 school year.
What budget/financial implications will the IE2 contract have on Cobb schools?
This recommendation is revenue neutral. The IE2 contract will ensure we have access to at least $44 million in annual savings
through state waivers, and although there will not be any additional funding, the IE2 contract will allow the district to use its current
resources more effectively.
What is meant by system flexibility?
In exchange for increased accountability, Cobb will be relieved of some state rules in order to incorporate innovative practices. Currently, some
schools have explored small scale innovations to improve students’ learning experiences. The system flexibility granted through IE2
will allow strategies proven to improve student performance to be implemented on a larger scale. Local schools will engage their teachers, parents,
and community members through the strategic planning process in order to consider strategies to further advance teaching and learning.
How will school goals be set?
The district will work with the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) to establish performance areas of focus. Each school will then have
individualized goals within each identified performance area.
What happens if a school does not meet its goal?
Schools will be expected to reach the student performance goals established through the IE2 contract. However, school improvement
in Cobb County is monitored continuously, so before any school faces the consequences outlined in the partnership contract, the school system
will provide interventions to help those schools. Through the IE2 process, the school system will craft the details that define how
a school not meeting performance goals for five consecutive years will be addressed.
How will this affect my school?
IE2 should not add to what schools and teachers already are doing, but instead should generate a culture of creativity and innovation
in school leadership and teaching practices. IE2 should create more opportunities to engage teachers, parents, and community members in
making adjustments that will promote improved student performance.
How will this affect my child?
Regardless of the Cobb County school your child attends, you should be confident that your child’s school will be held accountable for high
standards and increased student performance based on the individualized goals for that school.
Is Cobb the only school system doing this?
No. Currently Gwinnett, Forsyth, and Rabun County schools are operating through IE2 contracts, but the state is anticipating many
other school systems will pursue this option in the coming months.
Download a PDF of these Questions and Answers
Background Information
Hundreds of Cobb parents, community members and employees participated in the "Vision 2026" community conversations conducted in fall 2013.
The forums offered Cobb citizens a chance to share constructive ideas about the future of our school system and the flexibility options available
to the District. A report of results and conclusions
from the Vision 2026 forums is available here.
| Two sessions were held each evening: 4:30 p.m. for CCSD staff and 6:30 p.m. for the general public |
Monday, Nov. 18
Campbell High
|
Thursday, Nov. 21
South Cobb High |
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Kennesaw Mountain High |
Thursday, Dec. 5
Lassiter High |