Education Archive

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CRCT Bowers: 450 interviews in cheating probe have been conducted; GBI’s work is complete

 

By Kevin Hogencamp

 

Dougherty County Schools Superintendent Joshua Murfree indicates in an outline distributed to the Board of Education that he’s putting together an eight-point plan to deal with the fallout from a state investigation into allegations of cheating on Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests.

Meanwhile, a lead investigator in the case said Tuesday that about 450 interviews – mostly of school system teachers and administrators – have been conducted, and more than 200 interviews remain.

“We hope to be through in Albany in a couple of weeks and then there’s a write-up period … which will probably take two to three weeks.”

From there, the fate of the team’s work will be in Gov. Nathan Deal’s hands, Bowers said.

Some of those who have been interviewed are students, said Bowers, who added that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s work on the case is complete while seven of members of the three lead investigators’ staffs remain on the job.

In an outline titled “The Plan”, Murfree lists eight steps that he indicates he is prepared to take after the investigative report is presented to Deal.

The steps are:

1. Identifying the possibilities of lost positions

2. Planning for job announcements

3. Checking the teacher pool

4. Interim positions for administrators if needed

5. Prepare for the community

6. Hold press conferences based on facts !!! (a) status of students; (b) status of teachers; (c) status of administrators; (d) status of the community

7. Moving forward

8. We are not going to claim guilt for anyone without evidence!!!

Mufree’s spokesman, R.D. Harter, said Tuesday that Murfree hasn’t developed details to go with his outline.

“It was just a sheet to let the board know Dr. Murfree intends to be ready for whatever the report says. I currently have no expectations and am just waiting to see what is brought out from the investigation,” Harter said response to a reporter’s inquiry.

Murfree refuses to be interviewed by The Albany Journal.

A state audit of erasures made on 2009 tests indicates that systematic CRCT cheating in the Dougherty County School System is likely. The team of special investigators began its work in Dougherty County in August after issuing a scathing 800-page report last month on the Atlanta Public Schools, revealing that 178 teachers from the Atlanta area from as early as 2001 cheated by falsifying CRCT test results.Additionally, 38 principals were linked to the scandal either by directly participating in the changing of wrong answers or allowing the changes to be made when they knew, or had the responsibility to know, what was going on.

Like Atlanta, Dougherty County was flagged by state officials in an analysis of erasures and wrong-to-write answer changes on the 2009 CRCTs; teachers and administrators at 14 of Dougherty County’s 26 schools are suspected of cheating.

A former Georgia attorney general and one-time gubernatorial candidate from Atlanta, Bowers refused to say Tuesday whether all Dougherty County school personnel are cooperating with the investigation. Meanwhile, he also said that investigation tipline, which Bowers says “has generated quite a few calls”, remains operational. The number is (404) 962-8349; callers can remain anonymous.

Responding to a reporter’s question Tuesday, Bowers also said that it is likely – but not certain – that school personnel who “were in a supervisory role and knew or should have known” about CRCT cheating will be identified in the report.

The Atlanta and Albany investigations are not only exploring who altered tests – but why. Motivations for doctoring tests include job preservation because of expectations placed on educators for their students’ to pass standardized testing, along with appeasing school leadership by meeting expected performance goals. A less selfish, yet misguided, motivation for some educators who cheat could be to advance low-performing students to boost the students’ self-esteem.

Former Dougherty Schools Superintendent Sally Whatley, who was in charge of the school system in 2009, has said that if cheating occurred on CRCT tests during her tenure as superintendent, she would accept full responsibility. Still, Murfree has said that educators with information about cheating should discuss the matter with him first. Murfree also said he would encourage investigators to ignore anonymous information provided to them during the probe. Later, without addressing his concerns about anonymous tipsters, Mufree said he is encouraging his staffers to cooperate fully with investigators.

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News from Savannah College of Art and Design

Local Residents Named to Dean’s List at the Savannah College of Art and Design

 

SAVANNAH, GA (09/27/2011)(readMedia)– Local residents have been named to the Dean’s List at the Savannah College of Art and Design for summer quarter 2011. Full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or above for the quarter receive recognition on the Dean’s List.

 

Local residents include:
Crystal Terry of Sylvester, Ga. (31791)
McDaniel Cave of Albany, Ga. (31721)

 

The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution conferring bachelor’s and master’s degrees to prepare talented students for professional careers. As the most comprehensive art and design university in the world, SCAD offers more than 40 majors and more than 50 minors at distinctive locations in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia; in Hong Kong; in Lacoste, France; and online through SCAD eLearning.

 

SCAD has more than 20,000 alumni and offers an exceptional education and unparalleled career preparation. The diverse student body, consisting of more than 10,000 students, comes from all 50 United States and nearly 100 countries worldwide. Each student is nurtured and motivated by a faculty of more than 700 professors with extraordinary academic credentials and valuable professional experience. These professors emphasize learning through individual attention in an inspiring university environment. SCAD’s innovative curriculum is enhanced by advanced, professional-level technology, equipment and learning resources and has garnered acclaim from respected organizations and publications, including 3D World, American Institute of Architects, BusinessWeek, DesignIntelligence, U.S. News & World Report and the Los Angeles Times.

 

For more information, visit scad.edu.
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ASU announces first endowed chair


Special to The Journal

 

Albany State University officials announced today ASU’s first endowed chair.

The Fuller E. Callaway Endowed Chair of Nursing is funded by the Fuller E. Callaway Professorial Chairs Trust through Bank of America. The trust provides a 50 percent supplement to the Callaway Endowed Chair’s salary.

“Being selected for the establishment of the Fuller E. Callaway Endowed Chair of Nursing is a tremendous honor for Albany State University,” said ASU President Dr. Everette J. Freeman. “We are grateful to be recognized for our academic excellence and our commitment to students through the establishment of this endowed chair.”

The first Fuller E. Callaway Endowed Chair of Nursing, Dr. Cathy Williams, recently became chair of the Department of Nursing. Williams was also named ASU Teacher of the Year for 2010-11.

“We were delighted to nominate Dr. Williams for the very first endowed chair at Albany State University,” said Clifford Porter Jr., Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “While writing the proposal for the endowed chair, I was especially impressed by Dr. Williams’ philosophy on teaching and learning coupled with her outstanding career as an educator and as a practicing nurse.”

Williams earned an associate degree in nursing from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 1984, the same year she was licensed as a registered nurse. She continued her studies at Albany State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1992 and a master’s degree in nursing in 1997. In 2007, Williams graduated from the Medical College of Georgia with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

Williams began teaching at Albany State University in 2005 as an assistant professor. In 2010 she was promoted to the rank of associate professor. From 2007 to 2010, Williams served as the coordinator of the ASU undergraduate nursing program. In 2010 she became the director of the Nursing Department. Last month, Williams was named chair of the Nursing Department.

“Learning is a lifelong process. I am proud to be a dynamic contributor to the student’s learning process,” Williams wrote about her teaching and learning philosophy. “I know that I am successful as a teacher when students state that they have learned and I can see evidence that they use critical thinking skills in the application of the new knowledge that they have gained.”

 

Photo caption:

Dr. Cathy Williams (second from right) was announced as the first Fuller E. Callaway Endowed Chair of Nursing during a press conference held today at Albany State University. Joining in the announcement are (from left) Dr. Everette J. Freeman, ASU president; Dr. Abiodun Ojemakinde, vice president for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Joyce Johnson, dean of the College of Sciences and Health Professions.

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WHATLEY: CHEATING HAPPENED

By Kevin Hogencamp

Former Dougherty Schools Superintendent Sally Whatley said Tuesday that system officials investigated a Criterion-Referenced Competency Test cheating complaint during 2008 and that it was dealt with appropriately.

An anonymous tipster prompted the investigation, Whatley confirmed, responding to an Albany Journal inquiry after the tipster’s complaint to Whatley was posted Tuesday on the Facebook page “Albany Voters for Good Leadership.”

The tipster further noted that there were other instances of cheating that resulted in Dougherty County School System teachers being terminated.

At a news conference earlier Tuesday, Whatley said that if cheating occurred on CRCT tests during her tenure as superintendent, she would accept full responsibility.

“Ultimately, it was my responsibility. It happened on my watch and it certainly isn’t the responsibility of (current Superintendent) Dr. (Joshua) Murfree. I was responsible for the system,” she said.

A state audit of erasures made on 2009 tests indicates that systematic CRCT cheating in the Dougherty County School is likely. But Whatley reinforced her earlier statements that she is not aware of any CRCT cheating during 2009 – the period under scrutiny by a Gov. Nathan Deal-ordered investigation. Further, Whatley says that all evidence available to her, including data compiled during the state audit and a separate internal investigation, supports her conclusion that the system hasn’t been a part of any systematic wrongdoing.

“The CRCT audit report clearly states that collateral evidence (of cheating) must be found,” Whatley said. “The audit taken in isolation (by itself) doesn’t prove cheating … For every test section there are 15 different forms per section. That would have to be an elaborate scheme for somebody to cheat.”

As part of its internal investigation, the Dougherty County School System sent a team to Indianapolis, Ind., at taxpayer expense. The team was not allowed access to tests taken by first- and second-graders, although 63 percent of the CRCT tests flagged during the state audit were taken by first and second graders.

“It’s not a high-stakes test. Questions are read to the children by the teachers,” she said.

Whatley said that if cheating had occurred during 2009, the system and the news media likely would have received anonymous tips. Indeed, she noted that some CRCT scores dropped in 2009; meanwhile, many CRCT scores dropped again in 2010 when state monitors observed the testing.

Whatley said that some, but not many, teachers were interviewed last year during the internal investigation. She says she doesn’t know why all teachers at the 14 “flagged” schools were not interviewed. The results of the system’s investigation, which included a representative from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, were compiled in a report issued April 28, 2010.

A team of special investigators, headed by former state Attorney General Mike Bowers, began its work in Dougherty County on Monday after issuing a scathing 800-page report last month on the Atlanta Public Schools. Investigators interviewed Whatley on Monday; she said the meeting lasted three hours and that she was not accompanied by an attorney.

“They asked about my background, particularly my educational background,” Whatley said. “And I told them I do not believe there has been massive cheating in the Dougherty County School System. I had a great deal of confidence in the teachers and people of the school system. And I still do.”

Last month, an investigation revealed that 178 teachers from the Atlanta area from as early as 2001 cheated by falsifying CRCT test results. Additionally, 38 principals were linked to the scandal either by directly participating in the changing of wrong answers or allowing the changes to be made when they knew, or had the responsibility to know, what was going on.

Now, the probe has shifted to Dougherty County, where local officials insist that no cheating occurred while an investigator says that some teachers already have confessed. Like Atlanta, Dougherty County was flagged by state officials in an analysis of erasures and wrong-to-write answer changes on the 2009 CRCTs; teachers and administrators at 14 of Dougherty County’s 26 schools are suspected of cheating.

The Atlanta and Albany investigations are not only exploring who altered tests – but why. Motivations for doctoring tests include job preservation because of expectations placed on educators for their students’ to pass standardized testing, along with appeasing school leadership by meeting expected performance goals. A less selfish, yet misguided, motivation for some educators who cheat could be to advance low-performing students to boost the students’ self-esteem.

Whatley and Murfree have differing philosophies about anonymous tips. Last month, Murfree said in a press statement that educators with information about cheating should discuss the matter with him first. Murfree also said he would encourage investigators to ignore anonymous information provided to them during the probe. But last week, without addressing his concerns about anonymous tipsters, he encouraged his staffers to cooperate fully with investigators.

Editor’s note: Click here for the anonymous tipster’s letter and click here for the Dougherty County School System’s April 28, 2010 CRCT Audit Analysis Summary.

CRCTAnalysisInternal

Tags: education
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CRCT PROBE: Murfree’s new directive to teachers: Fully cooperate

By Kevin Hogencamp

 

Dougherty County Schools Superintendent Joshua Murfree admonished his staffers Tuesday to cooperate with state investigators who return to Albany this month to determine whether educators altered students’ Criterion-Referenced Competency Test scores.

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Dr. Murfee discusses back-to-school issues

SUPERINTENDENT’S PRESS STATEMENT
July 20, 2011
THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

These are exciting times in the Dougherty County School System. Veteran teachers are preparing their minds and hearts to return to class and new teachers are being indoctrinated into school and classroom instructional management. In short, we are looking forward to a great school year.

A part of making it great is the involvement of parents and community members in a successful start. I have mailed letters to area pastors asking their help and now I am asking the media to help us let every parent know that Monday, August 1, is Day One — the first day of school — and Success Begins on Day One.
We will hold a system-wide Open House in each one of our 26 schools on the afternoon of Sunday, July, 31. The Open House schedule will rotate to allow parents with children at the different levels time to visit each school in which they have children enrolled. The schedule is: Elementary – 3:00 pm until 4:30 pm; Middle Schools – 3:30 pm until 5:00 pm; and High Schools – for incoming freshmen parents only – from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.
Ten through twelfth grade high school parents will have a special Open House on September 1.
The Bell schedule to begin and end the school day remains as it was last year: Elementary begins at 8:00 am and ends at 2:30 pm; Middle School begins at 8:15 am and ends at 3:15 pm; and High School begins at 8:45 and ends at 4:00 pm.
The system maintains its policy for elementary school uniforms for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Students may wear a white or blue collared shirt, plus one more of the schools chosen spirit color. Pants, shorts, skirts or jumpers are to be khaki or navy blue.
New enrollees to a school need proof of residency — a utility bill — at the time of registration.
School office staff are working now to prepare for Day ONE. You may visit your child’s school to make sure their enrollment is in order.
High School students should visit their school during the next two weeks to pick up their class schedule. This will make the first day easier for all students.
Bus riders MUST complete a transportation request at the child’s school at time of school registration. Students who have not made application for transportation will not be allowed on buses. This measure helps our transportation department make the most efficient routes and
schedules possible.
Drivers — please pay attention to school crossing safety zones and keep your speed below 20 miles per hour. Be aware of students walking beside the road. The safety of our students and staff is a priority for us.
Our annual Back-To-School newspaper supplement will be inserted in the Albany Herald this Sunday. It contains a lot of useful information for students and parents.
Thank you for helping us move the Dougherty County School System to new levels of Educational Achievement Beyond All Expectations.
Our next Press Conference will be held Friday morning July 22, 2011 at 11:30 A.M. at the Isabella Complex at 300 Cason Street to discuss the Medical Arts Alliance with our health care partners at a luncheon held to announce our expanding curriculum options.

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Dougherty County Schools Superintendent Joshua Murfree’s Statement on the CRCT Cheating Investigation

This morning, Superintendent of Schools Joshua Murfree issued the following statement on the governor’s CRCT cheating investigation:

I have asked you here today to make sure our community knows that, as superintendent of
schools, cheating is something that will not be tolerated in our school system. Although I came to this office after the erasure audit and local investigations began, I have been committed to
finding the truth from the very beginning. I visited each school involved in the investigation
along with my Public Information Director and a member of the Law Firm of Perry and Walters
and encouraged the staff to tell me if they have participated in any unethical or illegal behavior
pertaining to the CRCT. My door is always open to anyone who has information about cheating.
I’ve asked them to come to me, first. I have stated that I will not tolerate cheating and anyone
who is found to have cheated will have their employment terminated, immediately!

Having said that, we have no reason in evidence to suggest that the results of our investigations
are not valid. I will make a request to the investigative team and investigators that will return to
our system that, when they get leads, they do not accept anonymous calls, letters, emails, or
otherwise without holding those calls, letters, emails, or otherwise to the same standards and
scrutiny for which they are holding this district. All callers should give their names and
telephone numbers as a point of reference for follow up. If an anonymous letter has no name and number it should not be accepted.

Finally, I believe we employ the finest teachers and leaders that can be found. We look forward
to getting these questions of character behind us as we work to maintain our focus on the
education of the children and youth of this community.

Our next Press Conference will be held in the morning July 20, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. here at
the Board Room to discuss the Importance of August 1st 2011, the first day of school.

 

 

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Phoebe Worth Medical Center To Host ‘Scenes of Worth’

Phoebe Worth Medical Center and the Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce are inviting media and the public to join them for a premier viewing and dedication on Monday, July 18.

“Scenes of Worth,” a pictorial view of Worth County as seen through the lens of Doug Wolfe, is part of Phoebe’s Centennial Celebration recognizing a century of commitment to the citizens of Southwest Georgia. Scenic images from throughout Worth County will take permanent residence at Phoebe Worth Medical Center to lift spirits and celebrate a true sense of community.

The Sylvester-Worth Chamber business-after-hours event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the dedication, followed by the premier viewing. The event will be held at Phoebe Worth Medical Center, at 807 South Isabella Street in Sylvester.

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DNA STUDY: ASU CLAIMS NO SLIP-UPS

By Kevin Hogencamp

 

Albany State University is refuting allegations that it botched a federally funded 2010 DNA study involving 21 undergraduate students by failing to obtain approval for the project beforehand and by not following privacy regulations, training requirements and other protocol, public records show.

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ASU students no longer required to take Regents’ Test

Albany State University officials learned today that the Regents’ Test will no longer be a requirement for ASU students.

Virginia Michelich, associate vice chancellor for student achievement with the University System of Georgia, wrote to ASU President Everette J. Freeman that ASU’s application for exemption from the Regents’ Test is approved. The exemption is effective immediately.

With the approval of the Regents’ Test Exemption, current ASU students and newly admitted ASU students are no longer required to take the Regents’ Test, upon their successful completion of English 1101 and English 1102.

The application proposal was developed by a committee of ASU faculty and staff members headed by Dr. James L. Hill, chair of the Department of English, Modern Languages and Mass Communication. The proposal was approved without any changes. Michelich commended ASU for the “well-conceived plan.”

According to ASU’s plan, students’ reading and writing skills will be monitored in English 1101, which includes an exit exam, and English 1102. Both courses are mandatory. Students with difficulty in these courses may then take more comprehensive English courses.

“Despite other activities competing for their time and effort the committee members produced, within a short period of time, an excellent proposal that was approved by the Board without an amendment or a revision,” said Dr. Abiodun Ojemakinde, ASU vice president for Academic Affairs. “Considering the quality of the submitted proposal, the outcome of our application was no surprise.”

Michelich’s letter also commends ASU’s QEP program, “Writing. Realized,” which provides extensive writing activities in a variety of courses.

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