Glen Cove Probes Test 'Coaching'

Glen Cove Schools Superintendent Joseph Laria said the district is investigating allegations of "coaching" third-to-fifth-grade students on state assessment tests.

"These allegations, if true, represent a grave disservice to the children, families and community of Glen Cove," Laria announced on the district's website Thursday.

He made the statement three days after the lawyer for the District spoke at the Board of Education's meeting about an investigation into testing improprieties at Connolly and Landing Elementary schools.

Attorney John Gross said Monday: "The issue at core is some issues have been raised regarding the integrity of standardized testing procedure and administration."

Specifically, the district is looking into state assessment test scores for English Language Arts as well as Math exams from spring 2012, Laria said.

The investigation was launched in November after the district learned of the allegations, according to the statement. On the advice of counsel, the district hired an outside investigator. Interviews were conducted with staff members, students "with parent permission" and building administrators.

The New York State Education Department was alerted to the matter as required by law, Gross said.

Laria said in the statement there is "no reason to believe" there was criminal misconduct and there are no district charges pending against any teachers or administrators.

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