Cold Creek Elementary School: San Miguel, California Presented by Joe Carona Brian Jeffrey Tammy Ncube Tammy Martinez

Case Summary The San Miguel community is upper-middle class and the school district reflects the appearance and values of the community. Parents have high expectations for their children and some schools have received National School Achievement Awards. Cold Creek is one of those schools. The district publishes school test results and results by teachers. Parents use this information to request particular teachers for their children. Mrs. Burton, a close friend of the principal, usually has high test scores and is the most requested teacher for second grade. Maintaining high test scores has created a great deal of pressure for teachers and administrators at the schools, including Cold Creek.

Case Summary After testing, the principal walks into Mrs. Burton’s classroom and finds her with a pencil in hand and a student booklet in front of her. This is against testing procedures at the school. Mrs. Burton tries to cover the test booklet. The principal inquires why Mrs. Burton has the test booklet and reminds Mrs. Burton that test security is important. The principal also requests a meeting with the vice-principal to report the test booklet incident. The two conclude that the test security procedure had been violated and that a further investigation should be done.

The Problem Mrs. Burton, a close friend of the principal, is suspected of violating testing procedures and cheating during testing.

People, Places, & Programs San Miguel School Community Mrs. Burton Principal Parents Vice-principal Students PTA/Parent Proctor Three Other Teachers Union Rep Place San Miguel, CA San Miguel School District Cold Creek School Mrs. Burton’s Classroom Principal’s Office Programs State Testing State Distinguished School Recognition Award National School Achievement Award

Review, Prioritize, and Locate the Significant Data The Incident

Review, Prioritize, and Locate the Significant Data Administrative Meeting

Review, Prioritize, and Locate the Significant Data THIS Verbal Warning

Review, Prioritize, and Locate the Significant Data Conference Summary

Review, Prioritize, and Locate the Significant Data Letter of Reprimand

Which Scenario Best Serves the Interest of the School and District? Warning Conference You Choose Summary Reprimand Answer: Conference Summary

Responding to Case Study Questions Letter of Reprimand