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Hofmeister requests OSBI conduct criminal investigation into grade-tampering allegations
in Chickasha
OKLAHOMA CITY (March 20, 2018) – The
Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has been investigating
allegations of misconduct including potential fraud and tampering with student
grade and attendance records by Chickasha Public Schools. OSDE has requested
and engaged the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to assist in this
matter.
The
OSDE probe found unexpectedly high levels of district personnel logins and
grade changes within the online Self-Paced Learning Center (SPLC) system used
at the school district. A review of the SPLC found that during a four-month
period, between October 2017 and January 2018, approximately 5,500 student
course grades and 18,800 individual assignment grades were overridden.
Additionally, there were significant discrepancies in the number of times
individual teachers logged into the system.
“There
have been complaints and reports of wrongdoing which continue to warrant
further investigation. The allegations are extremely troubling and require the investigative authority of OSBI,” said Joy Hofmeister, State Superintendent
of Public Instruction. “The integrity of student records must never be
compromised, and academic honesty is of paramount importance. The district’s lack
of oversight appears particularly disturbing as the consequences may be far-reaching and affect many students and families.”
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