The Georgia Department of Education (DOE) is responsible for assuring that local school
systems implement federal and state laws related to education, including education for students
with disabilities. Within the DOE, the Division for Exceptional Students (DES) works closely
with parents, local systems and other agencies to ascertain that all students receive the free and
appropriate public education to which they are entitled. Education in Georgia is locally
controlled. Local school systems are responsible for developing and implementing their own
policies and procedures based on the rules and laws of both the state and the federal government.
Regarding transition planning, the role of the state department is to answer questions, provide
technical assistance, monitor systems for compliance with the laws and ensure that transition
planning and implementation is occurring.