Sentences will be handed down today to 10 Atlanta-area educators convicted earlier this month of racketeering in one of the country’s largest-ever public school test cheating scandals.
The educators, who include teachers, principals and administrators, were involved in cheating on standardized tests in 2009. Their wrongdoings allegedly included erasing incorrect test answers. It was hoped that higher test scores would help the schools meet test target goals, as well as secure promotions and cash bonuses.
The deals expected to be offered to 10 of the educators range from a year in jail with a $10,000 fine and five years probation to six months of weekends in jail and a $5,000 fine. All the proposed sentences include an apology, community service and a waiver of appeal.
Celeste Headlee, a host and producer at Georgia Public Broadcasting, joins Here & Now’s Robin Young from the Atlanta studios of Georgia Public Broadcasting to provide the latest details on the story.
Guest
- Celeste Headlee, host and executive producer of the Georgia Public Broadcasting program “On Second Thought.” She tweets @CelesteHeadlee.
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