Agenda Item
a. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) on behalf of the Georgia Learning Resource System (GLRS) (Not to exceed $564,000) ~ Updated 8.7.2025
Summary: Dr. Norman, C. Sauce, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Georgia Department of Education and the DeKalb County School District on behalf of the Georgia Learning Resources System for an amount not to exceed $564,000. There is no financial impact to the District.
Why: Metro East GLRS provides direct support to six area school systems: DeKalb, Buford City, Decatur City, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Rockdale Counties. In these systems, Metro East GLRS provides support for parents of students with disabilities, teachers of students with disabilities, as well as students with disabilities. Metro East GLRS also provides in-kind ancillary services for the remainder of the Metro area: Cobb County Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton County Schools, Marietta City Schools, Douglas County Schools and Forsyth County Schools. Metro East GLRS works directly with the Directors and Executive Directors of Special Education to design and implement professional learning associated with any District improvement plan or Plan of Support, Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) and Corrective Action Plans (CAP) as initiated by the Georgia Department of Education. GLRS supports the design and implementation plans for ATSI schools in in the Metro Area. These services are in the form of planning, professional learning, seminars, coaching, and mentoring. In addition, Metro East GLRS maintains and operates the Materials Production Center (MPC) and Resource Library located in the DeKalb County Administrative and Instructional Complex (AIC).
Details: The Metro GLRS program is funded by the Georgia Department of Education, Division for Special Education Services and Supports and is operated in collaboration with Regional Educational Services Agencies (RESA's) or a local school district that serves as a fiscal agent. MEGLRS is funded entirely with federal discretionary funds made available by the Georgia Department of Education through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA).
Under this Agreement, GLRS will provide consistent, regional and state-wide opportunities for professional learning that include “train-the-trainer” sessions to support equitable opportunities in each Area. The GaDOE will inform the scope of work of GLRS based on the priorities for state-wide and region-level needs for professional development. Funding must be used solely for activities and deliverables that directly support the accomplishment of the organizations purposes, priorities, and expected outcomes during the contractual period.
Metro East GLRS is self-supporting, yet the benefits of proximity for DCSD are numerous. Metro East GLRS maintains, operates and funds The Materials Production Center (MPC), located within DeKalb County. The MPC houses all equipment and machinery necessary for teachers to prepare instructional materials for the classroom. Metro East GLRS also provides, at cost, any supplies required to produce instructional materials on site. In addition, this places the GLRS Resource Library within the District. This Resource Library contains not only books and materials but adaptive equipment for instructional use by Students with Disabilities (SWD). All material and equipment may be checked out by teachers of the SWD population. Though these facilities are open to all school districts served by the Metro East GLRS, the facility’s proximity to DeKalb County schools is advantageous. During the FY25 school year, 81% of the 2,800 patrons visiting the center were DeKalb County teachers, administrators and parents. During the FY25 school year, the staff of Metro East GLRS has conducted 214 professional learning and technical assistance activities engaging 4,300 individuals from six metro districts. Thirty-five percent (35%) of those participants were DCSD teachers, coaches, and administrators. In addition, MEGLRS has successfully implemented the Georgia New Teacher Provider Retention Program retaining 100% of the DeKalb County Completers.
The programs are funded by the Georgia Department of Education, Divisions for Special Education Services and Supports, and are operated in collaboration with Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESA’s) or a local school district that serves as a fiscal agent. MEGLRS is funded entirely with federal discretionary funds made available by the state through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). There is an existing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Georgia Department of Education and DeKalb County School District (DCSD) in which DCSD serves as the fiscal agent for MEGLRS.
During the 2024-2025 school year, the following topics were addressed by the existing MEGLRS New Teacher Induction Specialists and the Project Facilitators
New Teacher Induction - New Teacher Coaching Support
Social Emotional High Leverage Practices - Train the Trainer model
Check and Connect
Mindset
Behavior Support
Understanding the Autistic Child
De-escalation Strategies
Structured Literacy
Specially Designed Instruction
Understanding the Psychological Evaluation
Classroom Management
Restorative Practices
Artificial Intelligence
TextHelp
Instructional Coaching Institutes
Financial impact: The method of compensation in this MOA will be payments in an amount not to exceed $564,000 to be paid to DCSD in accordance with the budget. Payment is rendered upon submission of documented allowable disbursements and documentation of completion of specific performance objectives.
There is no financial impact to DeKalb County Schools.
Contact: Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Effective: August 15, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Appendix A: FY26 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Contract Deliverables
GLRS: MEGLRS____________________ Fiscal Agent: DeKalb County School District___________
Date Submitted to GaDOE: 5/26/25___ Date Reviewed by GaDOE: __5/29/25_(CR)________
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is committed to providing funding to ensure all districts and schools have access to cohesive and responsive regional services and
supports. Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS), which is supported through state-discretionary IDEA funds, will be provided to identified fiscal agents to support
contracted GLRS services to meet the identified priorities of the state and each region. GaDOE is committed to a model of service that provides a uniform set of universal
supports to all districts and schools across the state while giving regions the flexibility to meet the needs and priorities of their specific school systems.
State-identified Priorities
Purpose. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has identified common, statewide priorities based on Georgia’s Annual Performance
Report (APR), state and regional data, implementation of the tiered system of supports, and Federally Identified Schools.
State Priorities
General Supervision • Collaborative Communities Transition • Preschool Part C to B
• CCEIS • Post-school Outcomes
• General Supervision • Transition Planning
Monitoring • Assistive Technology/AEM
• SPP/APR
• Federally Identified Schools
• Early Warning System
• Parental Engagement &
Satisfaction
Literacy • PK-12 Math • PK-12
• Assistive Technology/AEM • Assistive Technology/AEM
• Specially designed Instruction • Specially designed Instruction
• TPRP • TPRP
• Evidence-based Practices • Evidence-based Practices
Priority Purpose of State Deliverables Evidence/Documentation for
Priorities Deliverables
1 | GLRS Scope of Work | 2025-2026 School Year
Appendix A: FY26 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Contract Deliverables
GLRS: MEGLRS____________________ Fiscal Agent: DeKalb County School District___________
Date Submitted to GaDOE: 5/26/25___ Date Reviewed by GaDOE: __5/29/25_(CR)________
Provide documentation as
requested by
General Supervision To ensure LEAs Collaborative meetings held with regional special education Examples
including Special directors, GaDOE district liaison, GNETS directors, and
Collaborative -Evidence of Collaborative
Education Directors, other stakeholders.
Communities Community Meetings
GNETS Directors, and
Meetings • CC Meeting activities include evidence of:
other stakeholders in -Agenda/minutes
o LEA Data Analysis of Indicators 1-18
A minimum of six- the region have
o LEA action planning & report out of progress -LEA Implementation Action Plan
monthly meetings professional learning
in addressing SPP APR indicators
and technical assistance - Annual Regional Needs
LEA- Local o LEA review & revision of general supervision
to support collaboration Assessment
Educational Agency procedures
to around IDEA
o LEA action planning and implementation of
GNETS compliance and
instruction for literacy and math
achievement of
o LEA collaboration with other state agencies
students with
to address SPP APR indicators
SPP/APR 1-18 disabilities.
• CC Meeting surveys are completed after each
meeting
• Targeted technical assistance is provided to LEAs for
implementation and monitoring of activities
General Supervision To provide targeted, • Ongoing review and feedback of LEA policies, -TA feedback to LEAs
sustained technical procedures, and professional learning for:
Policies & -Artifacts of general supervision
assistance to LEAs to o All SPP/APR Indicators
Procedures procedure development by LEAs
ensure sustainability of o General supervision procedures for federal
IDEA compliant regulations and state board rules
practices. o LEA determinations
SPP/APR 1-18
o Cross functional monitoring
o Fiscal Monitoring
2 | GLRS Scope of Work | 2025-2026 School Year
Appendix A: FY26 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Contract Deliverables
GLRS: MEGLRS____________________ Fiscal Agent: DeKalb County School District___________
Date Submitted to GaDOE: 5/26/25___ Date Reviewed by GaDOE: __5/29/25_(CR)________
o ATSI targeted professional learning and
technical assistance
Literacy Preschool Ensure special Ensure structured literacy support for special education Examples:
education teachers staff is available.
Literacy K-2 -PL sign in sheets
demonstrate
• Identify LEA teachers, leaders, & support staff in -Presentations
Literacy 3-5 proficiency with
need of structured literacy professional learning -TA tools & resources
Literacy 6-8 structured literacy
• Collaborate with RESA ELA, literacy specialists, -Coaching logs
instruction in reading
Literacy 9-12 content specialists, & SI specialists to offer -Implementation Action Plan
and writing.
structured literacy professional learning & support
implementation in schools, including ATSI schools • how to discuss AT in IEPs
SPP/APR
• Provide PL and technical assistance with literacy • AT software access
3,9,10 diagnostic assessments (class or schoolwide) • Specially designed
• Identify age-appropriate evidence-based literacy instruction
instructional routines from:
o Structured Literacy PL
o Approved book studies
o Approved guidance documents
• Model and coach LEA staff in effective delivery of
structured literacy instructional routines using a
practice profile
• Collect data on proficiency across time with
identified core components of selected instructional
routines
• Facilitate grade-band job alike cohorts
o Coaches
o Teachers
o Paras
3 | GLRS Scope of Work | 2025-2026 School Year
Appendix A: FY26 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Contract Deliverables
GLRS: MEGLRS____________________ Fiscal Agent: DeKalb County School District___________
Date Submitted to GaDOE: 5/26/25___ Date Reviewed by GaDOE: __5/29/25_(CR)________
o School leaders
• Increase student engagement with Everway & other
available AT tools
• Collect implementation data:
o Participant levels of engagement
o Participant perceptions of value/use
o Participant implementation outcomes
Math Preschool Ensure special Ensure professional learning in mathematics is available to Examples:
education teachers teachers of SWD.
Math K-2 • -PL sign in sheets
receive mathematics
• Identify LEA teachers, leaders, & support staff in • -Presentations
Math 3-5 training
need of math professional learning • -TA tools & resources
Math 6-8 • Collaborate with RESA math specialists, content • -Coaching logs
Math 9-12 specialists, & SI specialists to offer math • -Implementation Action
professional learning, including ATSI schools Plan
• Provide PL and technical assistance with math
SPP/APR diagnostic assessment (class or schoolwide) • how to discuss AT in IEPs
3,9,10 • Identify age-appropriate evidence-based math • AT software access
instructional routines from: • Specially designed
o GaDOE resources instruction
o Approved national resources
o Approved book studies
o Approved guidance documents
• Model and coach LEA staff in effective delivery of
math instructional routines using a practice profile
• Collect data on proficiency across time with
identified core components of selected instructional
routines
4 | GLRS Scope of Work | 2025-2026 School Year
Appendix A: FY26 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Contract Deliverables
GLRS: MEGLRS____________________ Fiscal Agent: DeKalb County School District___________
Date Submitted to GaDOE: 5/26/25___ Date Reviewed by GaDOE: __5/29/25_(CR)________
• Facilitate grade-band job alike cohorts
o Coaches
o Teachers
o Paras
o School leaders
• Increase student engagement with Everway AT
tools
• Collect implementation data:
o Participant levels of engagement
o Participant perceptions of value/use
o Participant implementation outcomes
TPRP Georgia To provide HLP training Georgia Teacher/Provider Retention Program (TPRP) High Examples:
Teacher/Provider within the TPRP Leverage Practices (Paired with EBPs)
-PL sign in sheets
Retention Program initiative.
To ensure LEA special education teachers have the -Presentations
(TPRP)
professional learning, technical assistance and coaching to -TA tools & resources
implement HLPs, FBAs & BIPs, and compliant IEPs -Coaching logs
integrating HLPs. -Implementation Action Plan
Indicators: 3,4
• PL sign in sheets
• Facilitate HLP professional learning
• Participation data
• Facilitate HLP MRS sessions
• Collaborate with partners to deliver grade-band
technical assistance
• Collaborate with GSU to offer FBA & BIP PL
• Coordinate FBA BIP MRS sessions
• Collaborate with partners to provide technical assistance
for grade-band cohorts
5 | GLRS Scope of Work | 2025-2026 School Year
Appendix A: FY26 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Contract Deliverables
GLRS: MEGLRS____________________ Fiscal Agent: DeKalb County School District___________
Date Submitted to GaDOE: 5/26/25___ Date Reviewed by GaDOE: __5/29/25_(CR)________
Evidence-Based To ensure LEAs in the • Teacher Use of Evidence-based Practices Examples
Practices (EBP) region have the • Teacher development and use of functional
• Sign in sheets
professional learning behavior assessments and behavior intervention
• Early Warning • Agendas
and technical assistance plans
System - Check • PL sessions
to select, implement • Teacher proficiency with FBA & BIP in mixed reality
and Connect
with fidelity, and • LEAs increased academic
simulation
• FBA & BIP achievement, graduation
monitor EBP that
increases the functional rates and post-secondary
Indicators: outcomes (SPP/APR)
and academic
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,12,
achievement of • LEAs Check and Connect
14, 15,17 Fidelity and
students with
disabilities. Implementation Data
• LEA increased proficiency
with development and
implementation of FBA &
BIPs
6 | GLRS Scope of Work | 2025-2026 School Year
Appendix A: FY26 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Contract Deliverables
GLRS: MEGLRS____________________ Fiscal Agent: DeKalb County School District___________
Date Submitted to GaDOE: 5/26/25___ Date Reviewed by GaDOE: __5/29/25_(CR)________
Transition To ensure LEAs in the Collaboration with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Examples
region have Agency (GVRA), CTAE, and other agencies to promote
• Transition Plan • Agendas, Sign-in Sheets
professional learning student eligibility for Pre-ETS and Client Services
Compliance • LEAs Increased Compliant
and technical assistance
Provide TA with Transition Plans Review and Compliance Transition Plans
• Post-Secondary to promote transition
Outcomes best practices, and • Evidence of Increase
Provide TA for Comprehensive Transition Activities &
• Summary of transition compliance. SPP/APR for Post-
Services
Performance And to ensure LEAS Secondary Outcomes
• BCW - Preschool have professional
Collaborate with GaDOE to offer state transition • PL and TA to improve
collaborative OR facilitate regional job alike. knowledge and skills
Transition learning and technical
assistance to promote around transition and
positive transitions post-secondary outcomes
SPP APR Indicators: for students with
through school to post-
1,2,13,14 disabilities
secondary outcomes for
students with
disabilities and their
families.
Regionally Identified Priorities
Regional priorities require prior approval from GaDOE for the use of contract funds. Non-approved activities will not be reimbursed.
Priorities must align to SPP APR indicators and directly support improved outcomes in these areas in general supervision activities OR student
outcomes using evidence-based practices.
7 | GLRS Scope of Work | 2025-2026 School Year
Appendix A: FY26 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Contract Deliverables
GLRS: MEGLRS____________________ Fiscal Agent: DeKalb County School District___________
Date Submitted to GaDOE: 5/26/25___ Date Reviewed by GaDOE: __5/29/25_(CR)________
Purpose. To provide each GLRS with the flexibility to establish regionally identified priorities using data from surveys, interviews, needs assessments, etc.
Evidence: Implementation deliverables may include agendas, evidence of LEA implementation, training tools/resources, handouts, modules, number of
participating schools/districts, etc.
Please Note: Some of the items below are included in the state-identified priority list. These items can be included again under regional priorities, but it is the
expectation that more tailored and intensive support be given to districts/schools.
Please Note: GaDOE may request additional documentation and clarification to effectively monitor the implementation of activities for GLRS priorities.
Priority Informed By Deliverables and Evidence Audience
Performance Targets
Choose from the sample Surveys, Ex: Modules, agendas, sign- Describe which audience will be
list below or list other data- interviews, needs Describe the professional in sheets, surveys, tools, served (educators, school
informed priorities assessments, learning or technical resources, district/school leaders, directors, etc.) and list
CNAs, state and/or assistance that will be participation rates, number of the names of the districts/schools.
local data, etc. offered to support the attendees
identified priorities
Individual LEA Disproportional data provided Districts (Fulton, City Schools of
by GaDOE. Decatur)
CEIS/CCEIS Technical
Assistance Identified as needs
improvement
Individual LEA data, self-
assessment
Restorative Practices Data (behavior), Program Specialist will Development of presentations Teachers, school and district
number of dispro Provide training for school and training administrators
and discrepant teams
districts Sign In Sheets (Open to all Metro Districts)
Agendas
Regional Consortium Autism Facilitate Meetings in the Sign In Sheets Job Alike
Metro Area providing the
Needs assessment opportunity to collaborate Agendas Teachers, school and district
in job alike groups and administrators
Calendars
delivering instruction, (Open to all Metro Districts)
8 | GLRS Scope of Work | 2025-2026 School Year
Appendix A: FY26 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Contract Deliverables
GLRS: MEGLRS____________________ Fiscal Agent: DeKalb County School District___________
Date Submitted to GaDOE: 5/26/25___ Date Reviewed by GaDOE: __5/29/25_(CR)________
information and training as Meeting Notes
indicated
ID Facilitate Meetings in the Sign In Sheets Job Alike
Metro Area providing the
District Request opportunity to collaborate Agendas Teachers, school and district
in job alike groups and administrators
Calendars
delivering instruction, (Open to all Metro Districts)
information and training as Meeting Notes
indicated
MTSS Facilitate Meetings in the Sign In Sheets Job Alike
Metro Area providing the
Tier 2 – 3 Data opportunity to collaborate Agendas Teachers, school and district
in job alike groups and administrators
Calendars
Number of delivering instruction, (Open to all Metro Districts)
students referred information and training as Meeting Notes
to special indicated
education
Parent Mentors Facilitate Meetings in the Sign In Sheets Job Alike
Metro Area providing the
District Request opportunity to collaborate Agendas Teachers, school and district
in job alike groups and administrators
Calendars
delivering instruction, (Open to all Metro Districts)
information and training as Meeting Notes
indicated
Instructional Coaching District Surveys Program Specialists will Development of presentations Special education leadership,
Institute provide training on and training special education coaches and
Personnel Indicated
Need approaches to coaching Sign In Sheets special education professional
and the coaching cycle (Jim learning facilitators
Agendas
Knight)
De-Escalation Strategies Surveys Mindset trainers will Development of presentations Teachers, school and district
(Mindset) design and deliver de- and training administrators
Discipline Data
9 | GLRS Scope of Work | 2025-2026 School Year
Appendix A: FY26 Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Contract Deliverables
GLRS: MEGLRS____________________ Fiscal Agent: DeKalb County School District___________
Date Submitted to GaDOE: 5/26/25___ Date Reviewed by GaDOE: __5/29/25_(CR)________
escalation strategies based Sign In Sheets (Open to all Metro Districts)
on the Mindset Framework Agendas
Classroom Management Surveys CHAMPS Training Development of presentations Teachers, school and district
and training administrators
Discipline Data
Sign In Sheets (Open to all Metro Districts)
Agendas
AI Teacher Tools in the Trend Data Tools List Development of presentations Teachers, school and district
Classroom and training administrators
Development of
presentations and training Sign In Sheets (Open to all Metro Districts)
Sign In Sheets Agendas
Agendas
Autism Basics Surveys Presentation Materials Development of presentations Teachers, school and district
and training administrators
Discipline Data
Sign In Sheets (Open to all Metro Districts)
Agendas
Materials Production Center Current Usage Data Sign In Usage Reports Teachers, school and district
administrators
(Open to all Metro Districts)
10 | GLRS Scope of Work | 2025-2026 School Year