Educators Sentenced In Atlanta Public School Cheating Scandal

05:31

April 13, 2015

Former Deerwood Academy assistant principal Tabeeka Jordan, center, is led to a holding cell after a jury found her guilty in the Atlanta Public Schools test-cheating trial, Wednesday, April 1, 2015, in Atlanta. Jordan and 10 other former Atlanta Public Schools educators accused of participating in a test cheating conspiracy that drew nationwide attention were convicted Wednesday of racketeering charges. (Kent D. Johnson/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

Sentences will be handed down today to 10 Atlanta-area educators convicted earlier this month of racketeering in one of the country's largest-ever public school test cheating scandals.

The educators, who include teachers, principals and administrators, were involved in cheating on standardized tests in 2009. Their wrongdoings allegedly included erasing incorrect test answers. It was hoped that higher test scores would help the schools meet test target goals, as well as secure promotions and cash bonuses.

The deals expected to be offered to 10 of the educators range from a year in jail with a $10,000 fine and five years probation to six months of weekends in jail and a $5,000 fine. All the proposed sentences include an apology, community service and a waiver of appeal.

Celeste Headlee, a host and producer at Georgia Public Broadcasting, joins Here & Now's Robin Young from the Atlanta studios of Georgia Public Broadcasting to provide the latest details on the story.

Guest

Celeste Headlee, host and executive producer of the Georgia Public Broadcasting program "On Second Thought." She tweets @CelesteHeadlee.

This segment aired on April 13, 2015.