Here is a long article about the Atlanta testing scandal, with a focus on the first teacher fired for changing test scores. This is just a sad tale, with the corruption beginning at the top, but people at the bottom doing the dirtiest part of the dirty work. And paying the biggest price. Never compromise your morals for a boss. He or she won’t be the one dragged down.

When I decided not to return to teaching this school year, it was in large part due to the disgusting teacher evaluation process began by the Hawaii Department of Education. It was a confirmation to read in this article that the federal Race To The Top program is the impetus for the crummy system. My heart goes out to all the teachers in Georgia who will have 50% of their rating determined by test scores that they have between 1% and 14% influence over.