Educators Implicated in Atlanta Cheating Scandal

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Dr. Hall did not want to know cheating was going on. She knew that the gains were unrealistic but she continued to praise the cheaters and preside over the Mafia-like climate she created.

Elaine Lawson of TN 7:42PM July 08, 2011

To Rhonda Trimmer of GA
O yes, those teachers, and principals should be held accountable, first because their actions are illegal, and second because their actions are not only illegal, but utterly despicable. Let's see if the Georgia State Attorney does his duty as we, all, public officers, must do.
As to feel any shame, I don't feel any shame. We want our schools fixed; that's what we all want. For that purpose, the truth must come to light. I have just referred what I have seen and learned, to the best of my abilities.
No, I don't feel any shame at all. No. But, perhaps, for hiding my name.
But then, if I am right and there is widespread corruption, why should I put myself on the hands of iniquitous people? Why should I rest assured there won't be any retaliation. No, I feel no shame at all.
In our schools we are shaping the future citizenry of our country and anyone that has a piece of the truth should stand and speak up now. How are we going to teach our children to be free and to have compassion for their fellow citizens, if we tolerate wickedness, no more, no less, than on school premises.
To Davidks of KS
As to the teacher who did not know Spanish, let me tell you that I resigned a position in a charter school, after the superintendent in person asked me to teach Biology when she knew I was certified to teach Mathematics and I was not qualified to teach Biology. Then I remained unemployed more than one year because, well, everything goes to your record here.

Dexter of AZ 12:08PM July 08, 2011

To ann keenan of MI
I am sure you have seen were I live. Now take a look at this:
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0208phx-scribner0209.html . Now, trust me, teachers don't make $200,000 plus benefits in that district.
Are superintendents and principals putting their hands in the cookie jars, I won't discard the possibility, that's what I wrote. It's a statement about me, not about principals and superintendents. I am not implying anything, I wrote "I won't discard the idea..." Why no? Because this case proofs that teachers, principals, and superintendents are not beyond corruption.
What to do with those kids...? I am not in the place to make a decision as to what to do with those students throwing apples at teachers, but the Arizona legislature is in that position. Check this out:
http://law.onecle.com/arizona/education/15-507.html
There are also special schools to help those kids.
As to joining a group who could be part of the solution to this problem, trust me, there are no such groups around. All heads are down, because people likes to eat, teachers don't want to lose their jobs.
Finally: years ago I wrote an eight pages letter to the superintendent of my school district, making him aware that I was seeing this culture of fear and authoritarianism growing up in my school and across the district. He replied in a sealed envelope labeled "confidential", thanking me for communicating him what I was seeing. In the same letter he told me there will be an investigation and one assistant superintendent will contact me to "follow up". I did never have the pleasure to talk to the assistant superintendent. The next year I was out there looking for another job. I was not fired but it wasn't a pleasure going to work.
I hope this answers your questions.

Dexter of AZ 9:48AM July 08, 2011

"Administrations will do basically nothing about those mischievous behaviors, because they want to "keep the kids in school" in detriment of those other students that really want to learn. Why? Because school districts are always wanting more federal money. Some of it to pay for those "consultants" [I won't discard the idea that some of that money goes to the pockets of principals and superintendents]."
Do you base the above statement on personal knowledge? What is it you want to do with those students who are a detriment to other students? Have you investigated why schools districts are "always wanting more federal money"?
Principals and Superintendents are paid more money than teachers? Are you implying that, in addition to their salaries, Superintendents and principals are embezzling funds from their respective school districts?
Have you thought about joining a group who could be part of a solution to this problem? Have you contacted your local school district to voice your concerns? How have you come to these well-informed and well-documented conclusions?

ann keenan of MI 12:20AM July 08, 2011

seenbetterdaze of NC:
Have you any idea of what you are saying? What you stated is what people say when they give an opinion based on no research of any kind. If you are stating an opinion, gathered by no research whatsoever, you are using up valuable oxygen in our atmosphere, just when we are in most need of oxygen. How can this country possibly retain a democracy without knowing what is really the truth in this country? We are very much in danger of losing democracy because the media (including all of these comments on the Internet) does not attempt to find and tell the truth; lying in the media is LEGAL. Democracy is destroyed when its citizens are not told the truth by those who represent them in the government, and by those who profess to tell the "news," but, instead, propagandize.
Do you know what propaganda is? You need to know; your life as an American citizen is depending on it. Do you even know the definitions and differences of socialism, fascism, Marxism, communism, an aristocracy, an anarchy, an oligarchy, a plutocracy, a democracy, a social democracy?

ann.keenan of MI 11:50PM July 07, 2011

If the Socialists expected to ever win over the American Citizens they had to DUMB DOWN the Citizens...which is what Duncan's job is all about evidently.

seenbetterdaze of NC 8:56PM July 07, 2011

My daughter had a Spanish teacher, that didn't know Spanish.
There should be firings, suspensions, and probation based upon levels of involvement and responsibility. If there are not consequences for those involved, then there is no reason not to repeat it nor do it.
There are a lot of teachers out of work , quite willing to take their spots.

Davidks of KS 8:49PM July 07, 2011

I read the schools and teachers got more money if their kids tested out as improving...so you know they would cheat for the money. The Liberal Unionized teachers are protected...the sorry teachers don't know how to teach, and many don't even CARE, it's about the good salaries and long vacations and days off with many. Teaching used to be an honorable profession. What's it going to take to get back our ONCE GREAT Public Schools? GET the FEDS OUT of Education! They RUINED it back in the 60's, it's been downhill since they decided to go for EQUALITY instead of EXCELLENCE...with the TEACHERS and the STUDENTS.

seenbetterdaze of NC 8:48PM July 07, 2011

“In many of my school visits, I go into classrooms where there are Teach For America teachers, and I’m always impressed with them. I think Teach For America is having an impact in more ways than we probably even realize right now.”
Dr. Beverly L. Hall
Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools

Mr. C. Joiner of CA 8:47PM July 07, 2011

These teachers should face consequences for taking the easy way out. THEY stole from children by their underestimations of their abilities. Instead of bringing them up and forward they chose to cover themselves and their economic interests. Shame on you.

Rhonda Trimmer of GA 6:37PM July 07, 2011