Parental test refusal right approved by Georgia Senate

The Georgia Senate approved legislation that guarantees parents’ right to refuse testing for their children in school.

Prior to Monday's 39-9 vote, the state Department of Education said in a committee hearing that parents already could refuse testing for their children. Senate Bill 355 by William T. Ligon, Jr., R-Brunswick, clarifies that right.

Ligon originally used the bill to target the use of tests in teacher evaluations, but he deleted that part and scaled back the bill because Senate Bill 364 already addressed teacher evaluations. The Senate passed SB 364 by unanimous vote Friday. Both must still get through the state House of Representatives to become law.

About the Author

A Georgia kid placed 3rd in national spelling bee. He hopes to return in 2026.

Georgia fifth grader Sarv Dharavane placed third in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the youngest participant to make the final round.

Metro Atlanta valedictorians are resilient, hopeful — and a little worried

Valedictorians from the Class of 2025 look ahead as they graduate high school.

25 years of wisdom: Class of 2000 valedictorians have advice for new grads

New technology and new challenges separate the Class of 2000 and the Class of 2025.

The Latest

A Georgia kid placed 3rd in national spelling bee. He hopes to return in 2026.

25 years of wisdom: Class of 2000 valedictorians have advice for new grads

Metro Atlanta valedictorians are resilient, hopeful — and a little worried

Featured

Credit: Dan Anderson/AP

Trump’s pardons may backfire, former federal prosecutors warn

The president's actions could erode faith in the justice system and deter federal investigators and prosecutors, Atlanta attorneys say.

A Georgia kid placed 3rd in national spelling bee. He hopes to return in 2026.

Georgia fifth grader Sarv Dharavane placed third in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the youngest participant to make the final round.

South Georgia mayor among those arrested, indicted for election interference

Prosecutors say Owens and the 2 election officials improperly blocked voters from casting ballots in a special election. Polling places were locked the morning of the vote.