Lengthy prison sentences was handed down to eight former school educators and principal by an angry judge for their conviction on racketeering charges. The trial is the biggest test-cheating trial in United State history and such lengthy prison sentences were unusual for teachers, but it was also an emotional trial with the judge describing the teachers actions "like the sickest thing to have ever happen to this town (Atlanta)".
Among other charges, the educators were found guilty by a jury, of altering test scores and erasing students' wrong answers to favour higher scores in order to meet the test target. The principal and educators in return got cash bonuses and promotions for their 'students outstanding performances'.
Harsh Sentences
The Superior Court Judge, Jerry Baxter offered the defendant an opportunity of lighter sentences if they apologize to the community, two of the defendant took the offer and apologize in court and the rest eight received harsher judgment after failing to tender an apology.
The Judge gave three of the educators convicted in the scandal 20-year sentences with seven years to be served in prison and the rest on probation. The rest five teachers, got five-year sentences, with two ordered to serve two years in prison and three to serve one year.
Widespread Malpractices
Investigators say that cheating was so endemic that more than half of the district schools in Atlanta were implicated and some members of staff even held erasure parties where incorrect answers on exams were altered. This revelation prompt schools throughout the United State to enact measures guarding against cheating. Many have however,claim that the standardised tests common in the US set unrealistic goals in public schools, giving the teachers, the pretense to help students excel.
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