RateItAll: The Opinion Network

Why would a Prinicipal change the absences of students so as to favorably reflect AYP reports? Is this not cheating, violating ethics and teaching teachers to lie at all costs??

AYP could possibly be the biggest fraud situation in Chatham County Schools. Shmae on the top supervisor who is condoning these practices!!! I trust it is not the Superindent.

Georgia has three of my favorite places to visit. They're all far from Atlanta, and all relatively uncrowded with tourists. 1. Plains, Jimmy Carter's home, is a soul-changing experience. The town is so small, population 650, that it has one business, a gas station. The attraction is the closed school that's now a 'museum', really more of a memorial honoring the Carters. They show a movie about his political career that will change the way you think about Jimmy and small town politicians in general .. for the better. He really is a Good Man, almost saint-like. 2. Okefenokee, in SE Georgia near FL, is like going through a time warp 50 million years. The word swamp makes people think of green slime. This swamp is mostly dry land crisscrossed by hundreds of miles of natural canals filled with water the color of iced tea. The only good way to see it is in a rented canoe. You'll have alligators swimming under the boat and sunning on banks a few feet away. They're everywhere. They're not dangerous, despite what you saw on TV. You'll see flights containing thousands of ibis, sandhill cranes, roseatte spoonbills and other tropical birds. Maybe tens of thousands at a time. You half expect to see dinosaurs. This is the real deal, not some Disney recreation or animated Jurassic Park. It's the perfect place to spend a week away from modern life. Go to the main entrance of the federal park; avoid the small state park and avoid the touristy power boat tour, which is limited to one canal. 3. Calloway Gardens, in Western Georgia north of Columbus, is one of the best botanical gardens in the US. One of its attractions is the Day Butterfly Center, named for the founder of Day's Inns, a big greenhouse containing hundreds of buttterflies and hummingbirds. The grounds are large. It is several miles from the entrance to the main buildings. At Christmastime, they have wonderful roadside displays that are best seen at night. Seeing most of it takes a whole day, or at least four hours.

georgia is a good place, BUT the people are rude and loud!

Nice friendly state with lots to see and do in Atlanta. The state is full of history and lots of good country places to eat.

I knew someone who lived in Georgia due to a job he landed in Atlanta for three years and here is the good and the bad that he had to say. The Good - 1.) Atlanta- as there is a great nightlife and cool people to meet despite the horrendous congested traffic 2.) Savannah - He was stating the people there are as hospitable as it gets and he had lots of fun there. 3.) The food- as he believes it makes New England's food (where i'm from) seem bland in comparison. 4.) The wheather is nice most of the year around with the exception of the summer where it felt downright brutal he claims. He says he felt like he was going to suffocate a few summer days while there. Now the Bad. 1.)Mentality- Once traveled outside of Atlanta he says the mentality gets very 'southern' and old fashioned (not that that's a bad thing but bear with me). He was stating even though Atlanta and Savannah he believes has gone a long ways and has made strides in accepting minorities, gay marriage and etc. the mentality of a lot of the small towns has changed very little over the years. He was saying how they still cling to obsolete/old fashioned ideas and beliefs. 2.) superfical friendliness and backstabbing - He was saying a lot of people were friendly (to ones face that is) in the small towns but it is a thinly disguised facade. If you didn't have a lot of the beliefs a lot of people there had you were marked off immediately even though they'd still be polite face to face. So, if you weren't a baptist (usually there most common religion), weren't white, and was a northerner or someone without a southern accent you were, in a lot of cases, marked off , gossiped about, and was an outsider. He's seen people supremely friendly to someone elses face only to backstab and gossip about him/her to there little click or group of friends on how they didn't approve of him/her because they weren't for example religious in sunday school the way they see fit or about his/her personal habits and they would forever judge that person badly. Of course, backstabbing happens everwhere but he claims he's seen more backstabbing there in one year while there than 10 years in New England(where we live). He was dissatisfied with the extreme judgmentalness of the people while there. 2.) Religious zeolots - he comments on the over religious atmosphere (not to say religion is bad. It's actually an excellent thing and i'm a believer in god myself) but plenty of people there didn't like it if you weren't baptist and some would even shun you for it. He was agnostic and was not accepted as "one of them" because of this even though he was a believer in god/the bible and etc. He said there were some that were religiously nuts. 3.) behind on the times of some social issues - Yes, he was commenting on how a lot of people down there were still against inter-racial marriage, gay marriage, and etc. and there is still racial polarization in many towns. I mean of course one could disagree with mixed race marriages and gay marriages and most would be accepting and its there right but he felt the people wrote another off immediately if he disagreed with their beliefs even if said in all diplomacy. So much for freedom of speech lol The closeminded nosy neighbors and intolerance made him want to move back up to Mass. where we reside. Anyways, i guess if one is to move down there the best idea is to stick with the big cities such as atlanta, savannah, and etc. and stay away from the small towns (which are more likely to stick to old beliefs) or live in the neighborhoods where there are fellow transplants where these people are more willing to be accepting. Feel free to correct me on this as this was my friends perspective. Anyways, I hope this helps.

This state is often overlooked, but if you weigh out the whole picture it's really a good place to be. The people are really nice, there is a nightlife scene in Atlanta, and the cost of living is fair. You can find a good paying job here that allows you to get ahead. Atlanta has every sort of club or bar you could possibly imagine. The negatives are the traffic in 'The ATL' is absolutely horrible. Georgians are aggressive drivers. However, there's water access if you go to Savannah. The people are extremely nice and comforting to be around for the most part. And the weather is pretty good!

Yikes! I came here once and I realized if your not a southerner or proud you'd better leave. So I left!

8 years in Georgia, Where do I begin? I moved to Rome, GA. back in Oct98 from Jackson, TN. I was born in Rome back in 77 and my dad used to live here but he moved in 95 or so. Now I know why. I moved here because I wanted a change in environment and that is exactly what I got. Be careful of what you wish for or want, you'll probably get it, but not how you think. Getting anything done in this state is a true hassle. Because of one of my jobs I've got to see and be around a lot of different towns and cities in North to Mid-Georgia. For the first 1 year I noticed how most of everyone here outside of Atlanta is very anti-social. I was thinking at the time, well I'm new and people just don't know me. Well as time went on, I realized that no one really wanted to get to know me. I noticed others that moved here from elsewhere having the same problems. I knew I wasn't the only one at that time. I just couldn't figure it out, but I finally begin to ask around to people here, who were locals about the socialization aspects of Georgia. Everyone's very family oriented here, and close to those they went to school with. That's cool, but the downside is that they don't care to allow new people into their lives. There very closed minded when it comes to that. If you've got a lot of family or friends down here, I still don't suggest moving here by any means, but it will make your stay more comfortable. The economy is really bad down here. The courts, lawyers, jail and prison systems here makes up a huge chunk of their employment here. They have some ridiculous laws here and if you noticed the count of police while you were here, you should have realized that this is a police state. I've had police pull me over for no reason and accuse me breaking some law only to then let me go 30-45 minutes later. When I used to live in West TN., I never had trouble finding work. Most of the people who live in the smaller towns and cities drive to or near Atlanta for there jobs. That's because pay is better, though traffic is much worse, and there's many more opportunities. Factories and Mom & Pop shops are constantly shutting down, closing there doors in these area's outside of Atlanta, which make finding jobs there increasingly difficult. Even competition for fastfood, restaurant, and retail work is getting much worse. The school system is very bad here. Kid's don't learn very much, then again they don't have to. My nephews moved down here from TN. and started the local school here in Rome. They went from c's, d's, & f's to a's, b's, c's. I asked them and they said they didn't hardly have to do anything compared with school back in TN. I was not really shocked. The SAT's scores for the state rank it one of the lowest, go to collegeboard.com. Education isn't very prioritized, because a lot of kids drop out because of un-planned pregnancy, or to follow in the trade of their fathers, just like their fathers, and their fathers, and so on... Rude Habit Rednecks, Dirty Good Ole Boys, and Hypocrite Christians are mostly what you'll find outside of Atlanta. It can be weird sometimes to be around so many people with low IQ's and brain smarts, and no common sense either. Sometimes though, it scares me and then other times I feel like a superhuman because my intelligence has went from average to above-average in one state, and just by moving to another state I'm a genius all of a sudden. Living outside of Atlanta is not too bad, but the suburbanites can be a little snobby and conceited. I guess that's everywhere though. In Atlanta you'll find everything that most big cities can offer including the bad. The music scene in Atlanta is great, cause that's what it's all about. A lot of popular bands come from here. If you've got Georgia on your mind, then change the channel. I wrote this to help those who are thinking of moving or visiting here, for a little heads up. If your from city person, which you probably are, stay close to Atlanta, if you don't you'll regret it. If your from the country, then most likely your already happy where you are and don't see much reason to leave. It's now 2006 and I'm getting ready to move back to TN. where I belong. It's my own faught that I've waited this long, but better late than never. Georgia is definitely not for me. I don't have much to show for being down here for 8 years, except maybe a lower IQ, and a lot of bad memories. That sums it up for this 8-year veteran. Like they say a lot down here. This isn't the Old South anymore, this is the Dirty South. Need I say more...

Seems like one of those states you either love it or hate it. For me, it just seems like any other American state and doesn't have anything really good or bad about it. But it has it's good points and bad points. The only reason this state has any relevance to me is because a friend lives here. To be honest, I've never even heard of this state until I came to RIA! Well, I am from overseas! Well I probably have but never noticed it. The only states I've really heard of are Florida, California, Boston, New York, Colorado, Michigan, Huston, Texas and that's about it. Well if that is what is being spread or mentioned overseas, you certainly know what gets the focus, and Georgia is one of those states in the overseas eye which isn't mentioned much.

Atlanta has attitude- is it justified- probably not- a growing metropolis, but rather traffic ridden, congested and hardly worth the hassles and heat. The rest of the state, is southern conservative- with a slant that goes back to the pre and civil war period- too much trash on the highways, too many ignorant people, and just an unpleasant place to live.

it's all about atlanta

Life long resident, although I've visited many other states. Theres an old expression that states 'it's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there'. GA is probably the opposite. We don't have a whole lot that would draw visitors...but it seems that EVERYONE wants to live here. We've got everything you need here. If we DONT have it, then you don't need it. I treat out-of-state visitors the same way that I treat guests in my home. We'll get along fine, as long as you don't wear out your welcome. So please, wear a watch. And yes, this is very much a church going state. I suppose it's because we have so much more to praise God for.

I've stayed in Georgia with my uncle almost every summer of my teenage life and I still vist pretty freqently, so I know it pretty well. I'll try to be fair... The Good: (1)Great food! I put on so much weight every time I go to Geogia. (2)A lot of southern hospitality, probably more than you'll find in any other southern state.(3)Atlanta is pretty cool if you don't mind the traffic and crowds. The Bad: (1)Bugs! Bugs everywhere! (Huge too!) I discovered insects I never knew existed when I stayed in Georgia. (2)It's hot as hell in the summer! You could almost faint on the way from your house to your car! (3)The people. Not ALL of them, but MANY of them. Sometimes when I talked to them, I felt like I was back in the 1940s. I guess because I'm white, they felt it was ok to use racial slurs and say derogatory remarks about hispanics, blacks and asians around me. It wasn't. There are even a few small towns, where everyone on the block are a part of (or support) the KKK. It's really scary to me. I can't imagine how scary it must be for minorities. (4) If you don't have a southern acent expect some funny looks when you open your mouth in any store or social area. I got a lot of those... All in all, Geogia is ok. They still have a long way to go, but it's still A LOT better than some southern states like Mississippi or South Carloina. Save travels...=)

Being a southern red state automatically it gets 2 stars knocked off. Maybe the most beautiful state in the south. Atlanta area is modern and somewhat progressive, for the south that is. A few too many malls though. I dont know much about the rest of the state, and I probably dont want to know.

God Bless Georgia! It's the home of the greatest band in the world, REM. Athens GA is a great city aside from the fact that Michael Stipe and Mike Mills still live there. The city still boast a superb music scene with the E-6 bands and Vic Chesnutt among others. Also 5 points in Atlanta is a great place to be. If you like strip joints there's plenty in Atlanta. And Macon is the home of the Allman Brothers. Whoo! What a state. And also the site of the omce great Georgia Championship Wrestling! The only bad thing about the state is the Braves. Go Phillies!!

I've drove through and stayed in Georgia a few times on my way to florida and thought it was a beautiful state. The people were also very nice and showed that warm southern hospitality. I am from NYC and currently live in Philadelphia, and believe me when I tell you, that there is badness and problems EVERYWHERE!!!. I am especially interested in Atlanta Georgia because I understand they have wonderful opportunities for Minorities in particular. Is this true? I love suggestions!

Georgia has some interesting areas, most notably the Atlantic coast, and the mountains of the northwest. Atlanta is traffic clogged, has a high crime rate and is over rated. The rest of the state is hick dixie, that has changed surprisingly little in the last 50 years.

My brother has lived here for only a few years and is now determind to move his wife and kids back North. I only went there once. georgiarocks, you claim everyone who gives Georgia a bad rating is judging it on Atlanta, well Atlanta is really bad and has traffic and crime and really sucks, and it is still the BEST part of Georgia. Try living in beatiful upstate ny and having everyone judge you bases on people from NYC! Yes, the pollen is the worst there as it is in all of the south.

Georgia has its ups and downs just like many other states but the people here are nice and its has alot of great food

Let me clear up a few misconceptions you folks seem to have: a) We aren't ignorant. SAT scores are skewed due to the fact that nearly all students here take the test as opposed to other states where fewer than 10% may take it. b) Yes there are some undesirable people here. Please show me a state where there are none. Most Georgians, though, are friendly and hospitable. By some of your definitions, undesirable means religous. Yes, we are Christian and if you don't like that, then you probably won't like it here. c) Please tell me you have more sense than to judge a state from the interstate. Interstate highways in Georgia (as in many states), for the most part, bypass cities and activity. That would be why you see a lot of trees. And we're the ignorant ones?? d) Living conditions, including but not limited to weather, are ideal here. If you don't believe me, ask the thousands of folks from your home states that move here every year to get away from the blizzards, rude folks, factory/traffic smoke, and such. e) Atlanta IS NOT all of Georgia. Georgia is a state; Atlanta is just one of the many cities inside it. Don't make ignorant comments about how you hate Georgia because of Atlanta traffic or because you had to wait in the airport too long. And finally, f) There is absolutely NO STATE in the country with better food than Georgia. ---- Georgia is a great state that gladly welcomes many folks from your states every day. As happy as we are to have you, though, we don't want to hear how bad you hate it. We like it and it's our state. Georgia's not for everyone; if it's not for you, Delta's ready when you are.