Research
Real Reforms, Real Results |
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In the past, students in Georgia outperformed students in Florida on an important national benchmark for learning progress (the NAEP 4th grade reading test). Florida enacted its A+ Reform Plan in 1999, and Florida's students now outperform Georgia's students. Even more significant, its low-income and minority students have made striking improvements. The Real Reforms, Real Results report produced for the Center for an Educated Georgia by Dr. Matthew Ladner explains the Florida education reforms that led to significant student gains, and how Georgia can turn the tide on poor academic achievement. |
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Cultural Indicators |
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Drawing inspiration from William Bennett’s The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators, and the work of one of our sister organizations, Alabama Policy Institute, The Center for Policy Studies at Georgia Family Council has compiled and analyzed data relative to nearly 30 indicators of cultural health, including marriage and divorce rates, household types, infant mortality, incarceration, etc. While some measures, like educational achievement, reveal how some of our citizens are doing, such measures taken in isolation can rarely provide a truly accurate picture of the health of the state. Taken together, however, the metrics in this study provide a much clearer picture about how we are doing as Georgians -- relative to past decades and in comparison to the nation as a whole. |
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Education Choice Works: Survey of Special Needs Scholarship Families |
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This survey released by GFC's Center for an Educated Georgia analyzes the results of a statewide survey of families with children enrolled in a private school using the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship -- a program that helps parents of children with special needs pay the tuition of a private school that better meets their child's unique requirements. By an overwhelming margin, these parents are satisfied with their new private school. The survey also finds that parents rate their child's experience at a private school significantly higher than their previous public school. Click here to view |
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Return on Investment? Public Education in Georgia |
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This study released by GFC's Center for an Educated Georgia finds graduation rates in our state are lower than they were a generation ago, despite massive increases in education spending. During the past 25 years, public education spending in Georgia spiked 119 percent when measured on a per-student basis and adjusted for inflation, however, Georgia’s graduation rate remains 49th in the nation, below where it was a generation ago. |
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The Taxpayer Cost of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing |
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In first-ever research, this new report quantifies a minimum $112 billion annual taxpayer cost from high rates of divorce and unmarried childbearing. It identifies national, state and local costs which account for more than $1 trillion in the last decade. This landmark scholarly study was released by four renown policy and research groups—Institute for American Values, Georgia Family Council, Institute for Marriage and Public Policy, and Families Northwest. Click here to download the study and access additional materials. |
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Study Finds Tax-Credit Scholarships Save GA Money
This study, published by the Friedman Foundation and sponsored by Georgia Family Council, finds that a tax-credit scholarship program in Georgia would save local school districts up to $94 million. The costs of the program to the state budget would also be offset by significant savings in state education spending. The study examines the fiscal impact of a tax-credit scholarship program approved by the passage of H.B. 1133 during the 2008 legislative session. Click here for more information.
Georgia's Opinion on School Vouchers
The study, commissioned by the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation and released in conjunction with Georgia Family Council, is a first of its kind look at how likely voters in Georgia view school choice. It finds strong support across all socio-economic and racial groups for a system where parents could receive credits or vouchers to send their children to the school of their choice. Click here to download the poll.
With This Ring...A Survey on Marriage in Georgia
This report provides data about Georgian's attitudes about marriage and the health of the institution across the state. The survey explores addresses why the health of marriage in Georgia is not better and how the health of marriage can be improved. "With This Ring" was published by the National Fatherhood Initiative in partnership with Georgia Family Council. Click here to download this report.
Sample Marriage Declaration
MarriageNet, GFC's flagship program to help reduce the divorce rate in Georgia, includes a Community Marriage Declaration that churches can sign to commit themselves to strengthening healthy marriages in their congregations and communities. Click here to download the sample declaration.
Policies and Polls
Policies and Polls is a clear, concise report on issues that are at the front of the political debate. It will help you understand whether ideas proposed by your candidates will work to help or hurt the family and will equip you research and talking points to clearly address Georgia's most pressing issues. Click here to download your copy.
Family Time Report
Family is the heart of our society. It is the life-giving institution that shapes our culture. The success of it is defined by the relationship between a parent and child. Click here to read our Family Time Report.
Family Manifesto
Throughout history, devotion to marital and family commitments have served as an integral part of our understanding of what it meant to be human and to live well. Click here to read our Family Manifesto.
Fatherhood Report
Fathers are not an arbitrary convenience for children, nor are they an arbitrary convenience for society. They are a necessity for both. Click here to read our Fatherhood Report.
