Opinion Brief

Did Michelle Rhee cheat on test scores?

USA Today investigates standardized test scores from D.C. schools that improved rapidly after the polarizing new chancellor took over — and finds disturbing patterns

The controversial school reform efforts of former Washington, D.C., chancellor Michelle Rhee came under scrutiny this week, after a USA Today investigation uncovered evidence of possible impropriety on standardized tests administered during her tenure. At a school held up as a model of achievement under Rhee, 7th graders in one classroom erased an average of 12.7 wrong answers on reading tests and changed them to the correct ones. Their counterparts in all D.C. classrooms, on average, did so less than once. Rhee called the report "an insult" to dedicated teachers and students. Was the report a hatchet job, or is cheating Rhee's secret to success?

Statistics don't lie: It's simply statistically improbable that so many kids would erase and correct their answers at the schools that just happen to have rocketing test scores, says Alex Pareene in Salon. Rhee pointed to the performance gains as evidence that her reforms, which focused on privatizing schools, worked. But the evidence suggests the real reason might have been "an epidemic of cheating during Rhee's tenure, if not outright fraud."
"Paranoid Michelle Rhee blames her 'enemies' for cheating report"

This is predictable push-back from Rhee's enemies: Nobody has proven teachers or administrators did anything wrong, says Brock at The Right Sphere. "In fact, an investigation has already been conducted and has shown there was no wrongdoing." But Rhee's critics on the Left will stop at nothing to smear her efforts to fire underperforming educators, and make public schools accountable. This is what happens "when reformers do bold things."
"Dishonesty from Eric Boehlert on Twitter"

It's fishy enough to investigate: Rhee accuses USA Today's reporters of "arguing the Earth is flat" because they suggested test scores couldn't have risen without cheating, says Mike DeBonis at The Washington Post. But she's the "flat-Earther here." Teachers and principals knew their jobs depended on bringing up test scores. So it's perfectly reasonable to ask whether there was cheating at rapidly improving schools, instead of dismissing "the prospect out of hand."
"Michelle Rhee’s flat-earth response to testing reliability"

Recommended

At least 20 dead after storm system rips through South and Midwest
The aftermath of a tornado in Arkansas.
Destruction Across the States

At least 20 dead after storm system rips through South and Midwest

Judge orders Dominion lawsuit against Fox News to go to trial
Fox News logo.
Fox'd Up

Judge orders Dominion lawsuit against Fox News to go to trial

10 things you need to know today: April 1, 2023
The aftermath of a tornado in Arkansas.
Daily briefing

10 things you need to know today: April 1, 2023

Is there any hope to stop gun violence?
guns and american flag
Talking point

Is there any hope to stop gun violence?

Most Popular

Millions of Americans poised to lose Medicaid coverage on April 1
Doctor holding clipboard.
healthcare at risk

Millions of Americans poised to lose Medicaid coverage on April 1

Jennifer Aniston: Friends is now 'offensive' to a 'whole generation'
Jennifer Aniston
the one where they get canceled

Jennifer Aniston: Friends is now 'offensive' to a 'whole generation'

The 8 most bizarre moments of Gwyneth Paltrow's ski crash trial
Gwyneth Paltrow
downhill

The 8 most bizarre moments of Gwyneth Paltrow's ski crash trial