Wednesday, March 31, 2004
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Wednesday, March 31, 2004 |
Cox announces two to head testing, technologyAfter an exhaustive search, State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox announced the hiring last week of Dr. Michael Hall as deputy superintendent of information technology and Dr. Sharron Hunt as director of testing. “The expertise they bring to the department will provide endless benefits to every school, teacher, and student in the state of Georgia,” said Cox. “In this era of accountability, their technology and testing experience is critical as we work to lead the nation in improving student achievement.” Hall has spent 23 years in education in the state of Georgia and holds master’s and specialist degrees in education, as well as a doctorate in educational leadership. He is currently principal of Houston County High School, which was recognized as the most advanced school in the nation for technology integration across the curriculum. The school was also recently named an Intel Model School (one of only three in the nation). Under his leadership Houston County High School developed partnerships with IBM, Gateway, Dell, Hitachi, and many other technology-related organizations, accounting for well over two million dollars in donations to the school. The school is one of the few completely wireless schools in the state and currently has over 1200 computers, 13 wireless labs, and 9 fixed labs. Hall serves on a variety of technology advisory boards and committees. He is also a regular presenter and advisor at national technology conferences. He is also involved in several projects examining the use of technology in the classroom as a way to revolutionize the way teachers access information and educate their students. Couple this with his extensive background in computer hardware, software, and network operation, and you quickly realize that he has what it takes to move technology at the Georgia Department of Education and in all of Georgia's schools into the future. As deputy superintendent of information technology, his responsibilities will include providing leadership in the areas of administrative, educational, and internal technology, while overseeing the department’s Student Information System project and the GDOE Information Technology Help Desk. He will also supervise the collection of data from local school systems and coordinate long- and short-term planning for information technology. Dr. Hall will represent the GDOE in an official capacity before the Georgia Technology Authority, the State Board of Education, committees, task forces, etc. In addition, he will be responsible for technology procurement and security of all data transmitted and received through electronic methods. Hall joined the GDOE team last Thursday. Hunt began her education career in 1967 as a classroom teacher in Kentucky. She holds master’s and specialist degrees in education and a doctorate in dducational administration and supervision. She was chief accountability officer for the Atlanta City School System, where she was responsible for student assessment, FTE reporting, grants development, planning, charter schools, research, and program evaluation. Hunt was responsible for the administration of all federal-, state-, and district-mandated tests. She made policy recommendations relating to student assessment and developed a training program for district staff for appropriate administration of assessments and effective interpretation and utilization of test results to boost student achievement. From 1999-2001, Hunt served as assistant director of research, evaluation, and testing at the GDOE. She worked to design and develop policy governing test security measures, procured contract services for test development, and ensured compliance with state and federal guidelines for the testing of special needs students. She has also worked as an assistant principal, curriculum supervisor, learner support strategist, and social studies teacher. As director of testing, Hunt’s new responsibilities include managing, planning and directing the analysis and development of statewide Kindergarten through 12th grade testing programs. She will also work closely with state schools, local superintendents, education associations, the State Board of Education, federal and state agencies, and testing vendors/contractors to ensure Georgia’s testing programs are effective and comply with state and federal laws. She joined the GDOE team March 1.
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