At its June 15, 2017 regular meeting, the State Board of Education voted to adopt State Board Rule 160-4-7-.15: Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS). This rule replaced the prior State Board Rule governing GNETS.

The new rule more clearly defines GNETS, clarifying that GNETS services are available within the continuum of supports to consider when determining the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for students and clearly establishing that consideration for GNETS services is determined by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team using the criteria set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations.

The rule defines service delivery and environments, emphasizing that removal from the general education setting should occur only when the nature and severity of a student’s disability is such that education in the general education setting, with the use of supplemental aids and services, cannot be achieved. It also clarifies responsibilities for all stakeholders, including the Georgia Department of Education, local school districts, GNETS, and fiscal agents.

The State Board of Education and Georgia Department of Education gathered public feedback on the rule at public feedback sessions in Buford, Dublin, Thomasville, Atlanta, Gainesville, Tifton, and Fayetteville. An email address was also established to allow stakeholders to provide written comments.

The rule will become effective on July 5, 2017.