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Politics & Government

Bill Making Teachers Pay Back Bonuses Awaits Governor's Signature

HB 692, which follows a cheating scandal on standardized tests, would make those found guilty give back bonuses and pay raises.

The state Senate passed a House bill Monday that stiffens penalties for teachers who falsify student assessment results. It now awaits Gov. Nathan Deal's signature.

According to lawmakers, HB 692 outlines a greater measure of accountability standards for teachers found guilty of falsifying assessments or standardized tests.

A teacher who knowingly falsifies these test scores who gets a bonus or salary increase not only has to forfeit any bonus money, all money already received has to be paid back.

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This legislation followed a in which many educators and administrators were implicated when the system's standardized test scores rose by phenomenal amounts in a short time. Many educators were asked to quit or be fired.

Sen. John Albers carried the bill in the state Senate, where it passed, 52-0.

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“Although the vast majority of Georgia’s teachers are dedicated to maintaining the highest level of integrity in the classroom, there are a small few who have abused the system and should be held accountable for their actions. This bill simply ensures educators are teaching for educational benefit and not for financial gain,” Albers said.

Teachers can receive a salary increase or bonus when students perform well on standardized tests, such as the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) or the End of Course Tests (EOCT).

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