The Texas Education Agency has initiated an investigation into more than 100 educators suspected of cheating on certification exams, with 50 of them being from districts in North Texas. The investigation revealed that educators paid over $1 million combined to cheat on certification tests. While certifications of these educators remain valid, they are flagged for review by the TEA Educator Investigations Division.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office criminally charged five educators in Houston for their involvement in the cheating operation. Teachers from all over the state came to Houston to pay for passing grades. The TEA has stated that this is just the beginning of their investigations and more educators may be involved.
Several school districts in North Texas confirmed that some of the teachers are no longer employed by them, while others have been placed on administrative leave pending investigations. The districts are taking the matter seriously and cooperating with the TEA. In response to the investigation, school districts are committed to hiring qualified educators and ensuring that they adhere to certification standards set by the state.
The Dallas ISD has confirmed that six of their employees are implicated in the cheating scandal and are cooperating with the TEA investigation. The TEA has identified 21 school districts in North Texas with educators under investigation and expects to continue opening more cases. RTDBGCBS News Texas is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates on the ongoing investigation into the alleged cheating scandal involving Texas educators.
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