2. CSI: Classroom Handling Testing Irregularities Harry E. Wilson Staff Attorney, State Board of Education

3. The Scene Date: EOG/EOC test day, 2005 Place: Normal public school classroom Event: Students are taking the EOG/EOC. Time: After testing is complete

4. The Disclosure “I’ve seen those questions before!” “Our teacher passed them out in class.” “I saw the teacher changing answer sheets.” “There are too many erasures on these answer sheets.” “The teacher was making copies of test booklets.” “Ms. Jones gave me a copy of the test.” Other scenarios?

5. “What do I do now?” Document all that you have been told. Notify proper authorities. Ask yourself, “What should I expect to find? What seems out of the ordinary here?” Develop a plan.

6. The Investigation Locate witnesses. Interview witnesses. Consider additional leads. Reevaluate your plan. Re-interview as needed. Identify other sources of evidence.

7. Evaluate Your Case What does the evidence tell me? –Was there a violation? –Where do I look for the standards? –Who was responsible? –Who was affected? –How much damage has been done? –Is there enough evidence to act? –Do I need to tell someone else?

8. If you get in over your head... When do you hand this off to someone else? –Know in advance how far you can take things. –Keep superiors informed. –Notify law enforcement of criminal behavior.

9. How do I handle the media? Check with your PIO – do you have a media plan? Have your facts straight. Explain your limits. Tell all you can, but not what you can’t. Be open and honest.

10. But, you ask... Why bother? Nothing is ever done with these cases. This won’t amount to anything. This teacher has too many connections. What is the big deal? It’s only a test, after all. Who will know the difference if I don’t handle this?

11. The Process DPI (Testing and Accountability) is notified. Report comes to SBE attorney. Attorney reviews material. May refer to Superintendent’s Ethics Advisory Committee. May hire investigator. May impose sanctions.

12. Consequences The teacher is found to have violated ethical standards. The “sentence” may be: –Lose ABCs bonus –Cause school to lose ABCs bonus –Lose job –Lose teaching license –Face criminal trial –Face copyright infringement suit

13. Lessons Learned Testing is serious business. The ultimate purpose is to help students. Any violation must be dealt with. Mistakes are costly – when one person messes up, we all pay.

14. That’s it!

15. Questions?