Friday, March 29, 2013

Atlanta Indicts Some 3 Dozen Former Educators; Raised Students' Test Scores to Receive Bonuses

In an embarrassing blow to Atlanta public schools, some three dozen former educators -- including the ex-superintendent of schools -- were indicted today (March 29, 2013) in one of the nation's largest test cheating scandals, according to the Associated Press website.

Former Superintendent Beverly Hall -- who could be sentenced to 45 years in prison -- faces several charges, including racketeering, false statements, and theft because prosecutors said some of the bonuses she received were tied to falsified scores. Hall retired just days before a state probe was released in 2011.

The criminal investigation lasted 21 months and the allegations date back to 2005. In addition to Hall, 34 people were indicted: four high-level administrators, six principals, two assistant principals, six testing coordinators, 14 teachers, a school improvement specialist, and a school secretary.

All of the people named in the indictment face conspiracy charges. Other charges in the 65-count indictment include false statements and writings, false swearing, theft, and influencing witnesses. Those indicted raised the results of student test scores -- by giving answers to students and changing answers on tests after they were turned in -- in order to get extra federal dollars and bonuses for themselves.

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