Prosecutors to review widespread cheating in Atlanta schools

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Prosecutors to review widespread cheating in Atlanta schools

By Beasley | Reuters – 2 hours 57 minutes ago

By Beasley | Reuters – 2 hours 57 minutes ago

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Prosecutors are weighing whether to file any criminal

charges against 178 Atlanta teachers and principals who state investigators said

had cheated on standardized tests to inflate student scores.

The cheating in 2009, found in 44 of the 56 Atlanta public schools examined, was

prompted primarily by pressure to meet targets in a data-driven environment, a

statement released by Governor Deal's office said.

" A culture of fear, intimidation and retaliation existed in Atlanta Public

Schools, which created a conspiracy of silence, " the state report concluded. The

2009 cheating was said to include teachers erasing incorrect answers on state

standardized tests.

Deal's office said on Wednesday that the decision of whether or not to prosecute

would be up to district attorneys in the three Georgia counties where the

educators live.

Fulton County District Attorney said in a statement he had appointed

a senior member of his staff to " begin a thorough review of this case to

determine what role our office will play in taking action on this report. "

" Once the review is completed, we will make an announcement at that time, " he

said, without elaborating on what, if any, charges might be on the table.

Eighty-two teachers and principals have confessed to the cheating, according to

the state report. Deal's office said six principals refused to answer questions.

" These principals, and 32 more, either were involved with or should have known

that there was test cheating in their schools, " the investigation found.

LEADERSHIP FAILURE

The report concluded that there was a " major failure of leadership throughout

Atlanta Public Schools with regard to the ethical administration " of the 2009

standardized exams known as the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests.

Cheating occurred as early as 2001, and warnings several years ago of misconduct

were ignored, the report said.

Amid the investigation, Beverly Hall stepped down last month after nearly 12

years as superintendent of the Atlanta Public Schools.

She had been named National Superintendent of the Year by the American

Association of School Administrators in 2009, the same year the state contends

widespread cheating took place.

The Atlanta school district has an enrollment of about 48,000 students and is

smaller than many of the surrounding suburban school districts.

A schools spokesman, Bromery, said the school system would take no action

against the accused teachers and principals until it investigates the

allegations in the state report.

" These are allegations that are unproven so far, " he said. " We just got this

report yesterday. It takes time to go through it. "

Hall's attorney said he was reviewing the report, having just received it, but

maintained there was no direct evidence that the former superintendent knew in

2009 that widespread cheating had occurred.

" We deny that Dr. Hall has engaged in any intentional wrongdoing whatsoever, " a

statement from attorney Deane said.

(Editing by Colleen and ston)