Cheating allegations prompt probe of two Denver public schools

May 15, 2012

Nancy Mitchell / EdNews Colorado

State officials on Tuesday opened investigations into possible cheating at two Denver elementary schools, interviewing the principals and staff at Beach Court Elementary and Hallett Fundamental Academy. Principals of the two schools were placed on administrative leave.

Denver Public Schools leaders were releasing limited information about the investigation, including the names of the schools, which have been confirmed by other multiple sources.

DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg said district staff conducted a “very thorough” analysis of 2011 assessment data for schools across the city.

“Where that analysis raised statistical concerns, we shared the information with the state Department of Education and asked the state to lead an examination,” Boasberg said. “I want to stress that the existence of this statistical analysis does not imply wrongdoing nor have we reached any conclusions.”

The Colorado Department of Education, though its legal counsel, the state Attorney General’s office, has hired a New York-based consulting firm to assist in the investigation. DPS is footing the bill. The same firm, Alvarez & Marsal, was hired in March to look into similar concerns in the Washington D.C. public schools. …see full story by EdNews Colorado

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Tags: Beach Court Elementary School, Colorado Department of Education, CTB-McGraw Hill, Denver Public Schools, Hallett Fundamental Academy, Tom Boasberg