NORFOLK --An investigation by theVirginia Department of Education uncovered alleged violations in testing at Lafayette-Winona Middle School.
In June, the state received a complaint saying teachers at the middle school were filling out worksheets and allowing students to copy the answers, and giving them scripts to memorize before audio tests.
The state conducted a three-day investigation into the testing procedures at the school. It interviewed central office administrators, school administrators, teachers, and analyzed data from the spring of 2009 testing period.
The investigation report says teachers did not fabricate test results but two teachers did not follow testing procedures. It says some of their students turned in identical work with the same punctuation and spelling mistakes.
'We love these students. We're concerned about them, and we're concerned about their education,' says Janet Davis who is a SpecialEducationteacher, though not one of the educators believed to have failed in following the testing guidelines. In their defense, Davis adds, 'They wouldn't do a thing like that.'
The report also says 24 special education students were supposed to be tested but they were not.
In all, the state says Norfolk Public Schools had violations in five areas of federal and state regulations for special education.
During a press conference Thursday afternoon, Chief Academic Officer Christine Harris says she does not believe the teachers were cheating. She says they did not understand the testing procedures.
'Giving the teachers the benefit of the doubt,' Harris begins,'I think they just truly were not informed, and that's what the Corrective Action Plan will address.'
The school has made testing training sessions mandatory for all teachers.
Norfolk School Board Chairman Stephen Tonelson says he does not believe the problems happened because of the teachers didn't understand procedures. He is calling for a full investigation into the incidents.
'To the same degree that we hold a student responsible for his or her actions, I believe teachers and administrators also need to be held responsible,' says Tonelson.
Superintendent Dr. Stephen Jones says the district will look into the testing problems further and decide on disciplinary action in early 2010.
Right now, the two teachers in question are still teaching special education at Lafayette-Winona Middle School.
Norfolk City Councilman Randy Wright says the state findings are 'abominable.' He said the alleged improper practices are sending the wrong message to students.
'Heads need to roll,'said Wright.
The school board plans to discuss the report at its meeting Wed. Dec. 16.
