The Tests Are The Most Important

The fundamental measure of our schools has become the results of state-wide testing.  A lot can ride on these results - funds from the government. bonuses, promotions to administration, dinner at the White House, praise in the media, etc. So, you can understand that there may be some pressure to 'improve' the students' scores.  For example, in El Paso, a superintendent went to prison recently after removing low-performing children from classes to improve the district’s test scores. In Ohio, state officials are investigating whether several urban districts intentionally listed low-performing students as having withdrawn even though they were still in school.  

Atlanta tried a different approach. Seven teachers sat in a locked windowless room every afternoon during the week of state testing, and raised students’ scores by erasing wrong answers and making them right. Some wore gloves so as not to leave fingerprints on the answer sheets.

The state of Georgia has charged the former superintendent of the Atlanta schools, Beverly Hall, and thirty-four additional educators with racketeering, theft, influencing witnesses, conspiracy and making false statements. Prosecutors recommended a $7.5 million bond for her; she could face up to 45 years in prison.  Dr. Hall was named superintendent of the year and hosted at the White House. Plus, she earned more than $500,000 in performance bonuses while superintendent. The superior test scores were largely responsible for these rewards.