RANDY ECONOMY: LCCN Column hones in on API Test Cheating Scandal at Furguson; Angry ABCFT Rep calls me "demented." OMG, are you kidding me?

My column this week in the Los Cerritos Community News has already sparked anger from members of the ABC Federation of Teachers Union. Ina Tennison, a retired teacher and an Activist here with the ABCUSD Teachers Fed has resorted to calling me "demented" in my thinking, and not "worthy" of knowing the name of the teacher who got caught cheating over at Furguson Elementary. Here is my Column for this week, and followed by INA TENNISON'S angry letter. Thanks, Ina for your "kind words." Your a class act. "Demented, no!" Seeker of the TRUTH, yes!

Randy Economy

API TESTS AT FURGUSON TOSSED OUT BY STATE
By RANDY ECONOMY

Furguson Elementary School in Hawaiian Gardens had its state accountability results thrown out this year after the ABC Unified School District found that a 3rd Grade teacher had inappropriately coached students while they took standardized tests.Because of this misdeed by the unnamed teacher, Furguson Elementary, located at 22215 Elaine Ave., will not receive an Academic Performance Index score as part of the state school accountability system.API serves as a barometer of student achievement and determines whether a school has met its academic growth targets for the year.

Furguson will be ineligible for two years for state performance awards like the California Distinguished School Award, according to John Boivin, administrator for the Standardized Testing and Reporting Program Office at the California Department of Education.


So, here’s the low down on how the “alleged” cheating took place:

When reviewing the testing booklets to erase any stray pencil marks, a Teacher at Ferguson noticed that a booklet from one 3rd Grade teacher's classroom had an “unusual” amount of erasures that changed incorrect answers to correct responses, said Boivin.

When approached, the student in question claimed to have been “coached” during the test by this "unnamed 3rd Grade Teacher."


“Coached” to cheat? Are you kidding me?

Additional student interviews and a review of test answer booklets in the class indicated “inappropriate coaching,” and according to published reports in the Long Beach Press Telegram, one test booklet had 33 questions in which wrong answers had been erased and changed to correct responses, the district's investigation revealed.Because the alleged cheating affected at least 5 percent of the school's tested students, state rules forbid Ferguson from receiving an API score this year.

Listen, Furguson Elementary School has lots of wonderful teachers, and great students. The misdeeds of a few sneaky teachers have caused a huge black eye to the image of this campus that has been through rough times recently.

Why do we tolerate any cheating on State Testing from any teacher?

It’s a sad commentary on our education system when we see these activities occur. I applaud the ABC School District for making sure that this never happens again! What’s your opinion? Drop me a note to RREconomy@CerritosNews.com

LETTER from ABC Federation of Teacher Member Ina Tennison:

Randy:

You don't deserve to know because you only delight in demeaning those who do well. However...the three you named are still working--go figure with your demented brain. Your warped sense of righting wrongs only suits a few. Cheating is not acceptable and it was handled properly. Get your facts straight before you spout off.

Ina Tennison, retired
Teacher of 35 years in ABC

Response to Ina:

I have my facts totally straight. Cheating is UNACCEPTABLE PERIOD!

If you have a problem with John Boivin of the California Department of Education, perhaps to vent your anger directly to him.

The PEOPLE of this School Distict pay the salaries of EVERY teacher here, and we deserve transparency and accountability when these type of misdeeds occur.

Randy Economy