SC House budget-writing committee starts debate

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The House budget-writing committee has approved suspending a bonus program for teachers who earn a national certification.

The full committee voted Tuesday to close the program to new entries as part of the 2012-13 budget. It would apply to teachers who would otherwise apply after June 30. Those already in the program are not affected.

Certified teachers who applied before July 2010 earn a $7,500 bonus annually for 10 years. Those who applied later receive $5,000 a year. The process can take up to three years.

More than 8,000 teachers statewide have the certification, ranking third nationwide.

House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham says the additional money has not led to a discernible increase in student performance and there needs to be a better way of rewarding quality teachers.