Senate passes bill to require online course for high schoolers

Georgia high school students would be required to take at least one online course before graduating if a bill passed by the state Senate on Thursday becomes law.

The legislation, authored by Majority Leader Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, and approved by a vote of 36-15, would mandate that students entering the ninth grade in the 2014-15 school year or later take at least one online course as a prerequisite for graduating.

Democrats fought the bill as an encroachment on local authority over school instruction. The bill, SB 289, now goes to the House of Representatives.

About the Author

Wayne Washington

Voters to decide special elections to state House in Cherokee and Athens area

Those wishing to cast a ballot in the pair of special elections for Georgia state House seats have until polls close at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

2h ago

State lawmaker charged with unemployment fraud

Authorities say State Rep. Sharon Henderson, while a candidate for the Georgia House in 2020, applied for federal pandemic unemployment benefits under false pretenses.

Raffensperger sues to scrap fundraising laws he says favor Jones in governor’s race

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is challenging Georgia election laws he says give his Republican rival an advantage as they campaign for governor.

The Latest

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Voters to decide special elections to state House in Cherokee and Athens area

2h ago

Firebrand state senator running for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat

Raffensperger sues to scrap fundraising laws he says favor Jones in governor’s race

Featured

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Georgia districts forge their own way as troubled program faces a crossroads

School districts are dropping out of GNETS to serve students with emotional and behavioral disabilities.

Ex-Truett McConnell VP indicted in case tied to sex abuse probe

A White County grand jury has indicted a former Truett McConnell University vice president, accusing him of lying to a county sheriff investigator.

Dickens asks top donors for $250K to help fund inauguration events

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is soliciting up to $250,000 from top donors to sponsor three days of events celebrating his second-term inauguration.