Atlanta Public Schools´ Scandel

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Recommended: Effects of no child left behind

The Atlanta Public School system was involved in what some describe as one of the largest scandals in United States history. The scandal was uncovered by the Atlanta Journal – Constitution after research showed “statistically improbable increases” in test scores. A two-year investigation ensued and reviled test scores dating all the way back to 2005 were tampered with. In 2011 the investigation concluded 44 of the 56 schools examined were found cheating. The educators violated a numerous amount of code sections. Felonies, if found guilty are punishable by nothing less than five years, maximum twenty years. The number of educators with involvement in the scandal was astronomical. One-hundred and seventy eight educators helped orchestrate the plan to raise the CRCT test scores. CRCT stands for Criterion – Referenced Competency Test. This test is given to students from grades one through eight. The purpose of this test is to assess the students in areas such as reading, English, mathematics, social studies and science.
In effort to maintain high education standards and being labeled a “Distinguished School”, the educators decided the best plan of action would be to change the student’s answers, due to the fact the students were not preforming to the level needed to pass to the next grade. The No Child Left behind Act of 2001 set measurable goals to improve education. Sadly in this case the standards set by government did not help the students it did a horrible disservice to the students. The educators did not teach or tutor the students when they fell behind. Changing the scores of students whom did not grasp the information and just passing them on sets them up for epic failure.
The educators stated pressure came from the school sy...

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...ting a new curriculum. The system needs an entire restructuring, from the top to the bottom.
A nationwide investigation also reviled school across the nation were involved in changing test scores. In order to stop this cruel and I think criminal intent on our children we must understand different learning habits. Also understand the environment of the child. The environment plays a strong role in how our children learn and are able to grasp what is being taught. Most importantly we must be patient. Every child does not learn one the same level. We are all different in so many ways. The teaching outline should reflect our unique characteristics. Let’s use the universalization test. What would the United States be like if every educator changed test scores? We would be a nation of inadequate uneducated individuals. We have an unwavering responsibility to our children.

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