Ohio to fine schools that break testing rules

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state says it will begin collecting a $25 fine per student each time a district reports a breach of rules on a standardized test.

The fines, collected per student and per test subject, will cover situations where a test is botched, such as a teacher providing answers or other guidance.

Ohio Department of Education spokesman Scott Blake attributes the change to the tight state budget.

Blake says the state will use the fines to cover the cost of retesting students and re-scoring their tests.

The fines could cost some districts hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the nature of a problem with a test.