Governor Agrees to Changes in Teacher Bonus Plan

     PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Gov. Dennis Daugaard and legislative leaders
say they have agreed on some changes to the governor's plan to give
bonuses to some South Dakota teachers.
     The governor had proposed annual bonuses of $3,500 for math and
science teachers. The revised plan would give new math and science
and teachers $8,000 annual bonuses for their first five years of
teaching, as long as they teach at a South Dakota public school.
     Daugaard also has proposed giving $5,000 annual bonuses to the
top 20 percent of teachers in each school district, based on
evaluations and student performance. The new proposal allows school
districts to follow the governor's original plan, create their own
teacher reward plans or not take part at all.
     The House Education committee hears testimony on the issue
Wednesday.