A cheating scandal

One of the first things we are taught in school is that there must be no cheating.

So it is shocking to learn that Atlanta's school district is mired in a cheating scandal that involves not only students but some of their teachers, as well.

Nearly 180 teachers in Atlanta's 6,000-employee district are believed to have cheated by either helping students answer questions on standardized tests or by changing students' answers. Suspicions arose because some scores seemed improbably high. The cheating was apparently motivated by a desire to meet federal educational requirements. The federal government should not be setting educational standards, but its setting of those standards is no excuse for cheating.

Some educators may face criminal charges and might lose their teaching licenses. Students in the affected classrooms will get tutoring and remedial help.

There are more than enough problems in schools these days without a cheating scandal. And it is especially appalling if teachers are involved.

Upcoming Events