Texas Teachers Face Dismissal in Cheating Claim

School officials in Houston will decide whether to fire five teachers for allegedly giving "improper assistance" to elementary school students during state exams last year.

Superintendent Terry Grier has recommended the teachers be dismissed. The school board Thursday is expected to vote on the matter.

The Houston Chronicle reports that a district investigation determined the teachers helped students on the high-stakes exams. All five teach at the same elementary school, as do another 11 who are under suspicion.

Scrutiny of standardized test results has increased in recent years as a growing number of districts link test scores to teacher pay and performance evaluations.

The teachers facing termination in Houston argue investigators are relying on evidence from children who confuse getting help on practice tests with the official state exams.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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