G.F. Brandenburg is the unofficial watchdog for the D.C. public schools.
In this post, he includes a link to the court documents that contains Adell Corthorne’s account about the cheating that she saw, what happened when she reported it, and her belief that the district received Race to the Top funding based on inflated test scores.
This is a jaw-dropper.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
That was some pretty remarkable late-night reading material. Kudos to Guy Brandenburg.
LikeLike
“It’s a mass of irony for all the world to see, It’s the nation’s capitol, it’s Washington D.C.” -Gil Scott Heron
If Arne Duncan doesn’t protect the integrity of school funds in the nation’s backyard, that is not a good example.
LikeLike
Funny you should use “integrity” in the same sentence with “Arne Duncan”.
LikeLike
So what does Mr. Brandenburg think this is anyway, a democracy? Does he seriously think Important and Valuable and Excellent people like Michelle Rhee, Kaya Henderson and Arne Duncan should be subject to the same pesky laws and penalties as us mere mortals?
And off-topic, but I just had to share. One of the partners at the law firm I work at sent out an email yesterday about a “football squares” fundraiser he is organizing ($50/square). All proceeds benefit Teach for America. He just joined their auxiliary board. I want to cry. Not to mention bathe.
LikeLike
On the cover of Fast Company Magazine – 10 Business Conversations That Changed Our World. Listed at number 5, Wendy Kopp asking Ross Perot for a $1 million. He gave her 500,000. Why is your colleague donating to her business?!
LikeLike
I agree completely. I really want to say something to him (like, “would you want your own daughter being taught by a “teacher” with five weeks’ training?!”). I want to point out the vast bucketloads of money TfA already gets. I want to point out all the ways that TfA is hurting education. But he’s not the kind that you just “say something” to. And I need my job. I have a whole new appreciation for teachers who implement tests and other curricula that they know is wrong, but they need the job.
LikeLike
Incredible information. I think it’s time for more of Adell ‘s cupcakes. If I could, I’d buy a round of cupcakes for everyone!
LikeLike
Very disconcerting, but not surprising. Those of us who follow the “rules” are at a disadvantage compared to the unscrupulous.
LikeLike
Big time kudos. Could someone update us as to where this all stands? This linked-to complaint is part of a civil suit that’s actually making its way through the courts, correct? What would the mechanism be by which a prosecutor looks to see if fraud has taken place? I know the IG looked at the case and didn’t do a thorough job. Does that have to be the end of the criminal investigation road?
LikeLike
The National Research Council will be reviewing what happened. Their review won’t have any legal bearing, but we have to keep watch on what comes from that corner.
At this point, I am sure that Kaya and Michelle and Duncan feel they can ignore the scandal. But the media should not.
LikeLike