Charter Schools in Cheating Scandal Stay Open

Los Angeles - Six Los Angeles charter schools have been allowed to remain open because of reforms following a state test cheating scandal involving teachers and principals.

Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy told the Board of Education on Tuesday that he halted charter-revocation proceedings against Crescendo Schools because they have implemented sufficient safeguards to prevent future cheating violations.

Parents erupted into cheers as he announced his decision. Crescendo Schools operates elementary schools in low-income areas and is noted for an innovative music-math program.

In May 2010, the then-executive director showed an advance copy of state tests to principals, ordering them to direct teachers to quiz students based on actual questions on the tests. Two teachers reported the cheating to the district and the state invalidated the exam results.