Real shame of APS cheating: “We have let testing corporations make mockery of education.” | Get Schooled

Real shame of APS cheating: “We have let testing corporations make mockery of education.” | Get Schooled

Real shame of APS cheating: “We have let testing corporations make mockery of education.”

9:42 am July 14, 2011, by Maureen Downey

I have written a lot about APS in the last two weeks, so I am delighted to offer other perspectives on the cheating scandal, including this strong piece by Stephanie Jones, associate professor and graduate coordinator Department of Elementary and Social Studies Education at the University of Georgia and co-director of the CLASSroom Project at UGA.

Enjoy.

By Stephanie Jones

The Multi-Billion Dollar Testing Industry has done it again. The industry continues to usurp precious resources out of local schools when districts are forced to lay off teachers, discontinue programs for children, and eliminate field trips. But beyond the fiscal crimes inflicted on schools that restrict children’s opportunities, the industry makes a mockery out of the whole education enterprise.

And they’re laughing all the way to the bank.

The latest, but certainly not the last, scorned school district is right here in our back yard.

The Atlanta Public Schools “cheating scandal” is scandalous, but not necessarily for the