Rogers Herr Middle School

Standarized test scantron answer sheet

Cheaters never prosper—that’s the message the Los Angeles Board of Education sent LAUSD schools yesterday, when it voted to shut six charter schools operated by Crescendo Schools for cheating on state exams. The schools’ founder and executive director John Allen allegedly ordered teachers last year to break the seals on state tests and use the questions to “teach to the test”. Incoming LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy on Monday recommended the possibility for a renewal of Crescendo’s charter after a year of suspension, but in a 6-1 vote yesterday, the L.A. board of education decided to send a stronger message. Is this a lone example of a corrupt administrator or a larger illustration of a school district pressured to perform well in state testing and strapped by time and unrealistic expectations?

Guest:

Adolfo Guzman-Lopez, KPCC reporter on Education issues

Tamar Galatzan, board member, Los Angeles Board of Education, District 3