Atlanta schools recognized for cheating safeguards

Strict security measures enacted by Atlanta Public Schools have helped restore “a standard of ethics and integrity” to its standardized tests, according to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.

The school district implemented safeguards over testing procedures after a state investigation indicated widespread cheating on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test, which measures knowledge of Georgia curriculum standards.

The precautions include requirements to seal test answer sheets immediately after testing concludes, use video surveillance to monitor the inventory of testing materials, detect anomalous test score gains and audit test administration.