Report: Glen Cove Teachers Coached Students on State Tests

Teachers at Connolly and Landing elementary schools coached students during state tests last year, according to a district probe recently obtained by Newsday.

Teachers either provided test forms with darkened answer bubbles or persuaded students to change their answers, according to the report, and about 80 percent of students received inappropriate coaching on the ELA, math tests, or both.

The Board of Education posted a response to the article on its website following publication of the Newsday article:

First, we want the community to know that while the report is a legitimate  document being used in the disciplinary proceedings regarding certain Glen Cove school district employees, it was unconscionable for information from this report to end up in a newspaper on Sunday. These are closed hearings that are being held before an impartial hearing officer selected through the State Education Department, in accordance with education law. The proceedings and the testimony contained in the investigative report are confidential to protect the privacy rights of employees and those who may testify at the hearing.

Second, it is important to note that it is old news.  The report published in Sunday's paper  was prepared as a result of the investigation concerning testing irregularities that occurred in 2012, not this past spring.

The Nassau District Attorney's office and State Department of Education are also investigating the claims. 

Superintendent Maria Rianna and Board of Education President Donna Brady declined to comment directly on the investigation, only stating that the district is working closely with the DA's office and the Department of Education to come to a resolution.  

"We are doing our best to honor both the integrity of an educational institution, as well as the dignity of staff we are committed to," said Brady.