Dive Brief:
- After unbelievable jumps in test scores, the Nevada Department of Education investigated Las Vegas' Kelly Elementary School and has determined the campus cheated on the 2011-2012 state test.
- The school, where 5th graders had a track record of never scoring above 25% proficiency in reading, suddenly jumped to 78% in the 2011-12 school year and 72% for 2012-13. This massive improvement raised eye-brows and incited the investigation by the Nevada Attorney General's office.
- After determining adults on campus erased student answers and re-bubbled in the responses, the state Department of Education announced the test scores would be annulled. The school may still face disciplinary action from the Clark County School Board.
Dive Insight:
As we place more pressure on students, teachers and schools to show massive academic improvements through their test scores, it should be considered why such pressure would drive schools to cheat. While putting systems in place to curb cheating may feel mistrusting of schools and teachers, officials must also consider the motivation or fears which prompt this behavior.