STATEMENT FOR BOARD PRESIDENT In 2008, the New Jersey Department of Education requested information State wide regarding erasure rates on the standardized NJ ASK tests. The NJ ASK tests language arts, math and science skills. That analysis was completed, and certain schools throughout the State were then identified as having on their tests a number of erasures, and changes from incorrect answers to correct answers that was so high as to prompt further investigation. That investigation was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance, usually called OFAC, beginning in the Fall of 2011. The Board cooperated fully. OFAC’s investigation in the Woodbridge Township School District centered on four of our schools.
OFAC is also
investigating several other school districts. We have just received OFAC’s report as to two of the four Woodbridge schools – the Avenel Street School and Ross Street School. Unfortunately, these reports reveal a pattern of activity by certain individuals in those schools which is absolutely unacceptable and which includes improper coaching of students before and during the exams which can only be described as conscious and intentional cheating. The Board and the Superintendent are immediately taking action to make sure that these types of actions do not happen again.
Not long ago, the Board accepted the
resignation of an Assistant Superintendent. That was the first step. Tonight, the Board will, on the Superintendent’s recommendation and with the Board’s approval, suspend three teachers and two principals. Preparation of a corrective action plan is already underway.
As OFAC continues its investigation of two other schools, the Board will
continue to cooperate in every way possible.
We have clarified with representatives of the Department of Education that no child will be adversely affected by these reports. No test scores will be changed or revised. For the students, we are looking forwards, not backwards. For staff, let’s be clear – each and every staff person who cheats will be held accountable. I do not believe that this was or is a district-wide problem. It was localized to only a few of our 24 schools, but even a few is a few too many. This report will be released to the public tomorrow, August 28, 2012, at which time the full report will be posted on our website. Dr. Crowe will now inform the public of his personnel recommendations.