Procedures for Processing
Georgia High School Graduation/ Georgia High School Writing Test (GHSGT/GHSWT) Waivers/Variances Requests

Waiver
A GHSGT or GHSWT waiver is a decision by the State Board of Education (SBOE) not to apply all or part of the requirements of the GHSGT or GHSWT to a Georgia student who meets certain basic qualifications.

Variance
A GHSGT or GHSWT variance is a decision by the State Board of Education (SBOE) to modify all or part of the literal requirements of the GHSGT/GHSWT.

Applying for GHSGT/GHSWT Waiver/Variance

1. Applicants should obtain a waiver/variance checklist and follow the outlined steps.
   1. Checklist can be obtained from:

1. DOE website –www.doe.k12.ga.us
2. High School Counselors
3. Newton County Curriculum Office

2. Applicant must provide a letter requesting consideration for a GHSGT/GHSWT variance or waiver.  The letter should including the following information: (Letter from parent/guardian if applicant is under the age of 18.)
   1. State whether applying for a variance or waiver.
   2. Section(s) of the test for which you are requesting consideration.
   3. Permission for Newton County School System to release records regarding the variance or waiver request to the State Board of Education.

3. Applicant must complete checklist and provide the necessary documentation for each item.  (see waiver/variance checklist)

4. Once checklist is completed with documentation and a letter addressed to Newton County School’s Superintendent provided, information should be submitted to the Newton County School System’s Test Director for review. 

5. Once the submitted information is verified to be complete, a letter from the superintendent will accompany the applicant’s GHSGT/GHSWT waiver/variance packet and be sent to the State Department of Education.

6. The Georgia Department of Education will contact each applicant as to the status of his/her application.

Contact:

Dr. Carl Skinner

Director of Testing, Research, and Evaluation

(770)-787-1330 ext. 1216