Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

Which power does the State Board of Education have regarding local school systems?

1. To directly manage all local schools

2. To set educational standards

3. To regulate teacher salaries

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: To set educational standards

The State Board of Education in Georgia possesses the significant power to set educational standards for local school systems. This responsibility includes establishing guidelines and criteria that govern curriculum development, assessment methods, and overall educational policies which local school systems must follow. By defining these standards, the State Board ensures that educational practices align with state laws and educational goals, promoting consistency and quality across various school districts. While some options may involve aspects of educational oversight, they do not accurately reflect the Board's role. For instance, the Board does not directly manage local schools, as that responsibility lies within the local school boards that have the authority to operate individual schools. Similarly, while the Board may influence educational funding mechanisms, it does not specifically regulate teacher salaries, which are typically determined by local school systems in accordance with their own policies and budgets. Therefore, the role of the State Board is primarily focused on the formulation of educational standards rather than direct management or financial regulation.