Schools

State Finds Possible Testing Irregularities in Alexandria Adult Ed Program

An employee has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation by the state and city.

Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Morton Sherman announced Friday evening that possible testing irregularities have been discovered in the Adult Education Program.

The Virginia Department of Education said in a memo to ACPS: “A review of the information reported by Alexandria into the state adult education database raises questions about the validity of the program’s assessment procedures and whether or not they are in compliance with the state assessment policy.”

An employee has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Four areas came under scrutiny by the state: assessment score irregularities, assessment administration, assessment policy and assessment dates.

According to the state office, the information entered into the system suggests that required assessments and goal setting have not been conducted in accordance with policies by the state’s Office of Adult Education and Literacy.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

ACPS said while an investigation continues into the situation, students can expect to start their next school session April 9, as scheduled.

Sherman and the city’s School Board have been discussing which meets the ongoing job training and educational needs of Alexandria’s adult learners.

ACPS said in a statement that “now is the right time to restructure this program with licensed, experienced staff to ensure proper management, reporting, and instruction is taking place for the sake of our students.”

The transition of the Adult Education Program for the 2012-13 school year has begun with the appointment of new Adult Education Program Coordinator Teri Barnett and continuous review of data, policy and program implementation.


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