State Senate approves $3,000 teacher raises, more scholarships

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The Oklahoma Senate passed a $339-million education bill Tuesday that would provide $3,000 across-the-board pay raises for state teachers. <br/><br/>Senators also approved a program

Tuesday, February 28th 2006, 1:27 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The Oklahoma Senate passed a $339-million education bill Tuesday that would provide $3,000 across-the-board pay raises for state teachers.

Senators also approved a program to expand the number of students who qualify for free college tuition.

The teacher pay raise bill would double over two years the $5,000 bonus that teachers receive for national board certification. The bill also increases the stipend for mentor teachers and for teachers who get advanced degrees.

The other bill would raise the maximum income level under which students are eligible for free college tuition from $50,000 to $75,000.