Three former administrators convicted in a test-cheating scheme in the Atlanta school district have had their prison sentences reduced.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Judge Jerry Baxter imposed the less severe punishment on Thursday. Tamara Cotman, Sharon Davis-Williams and Michael Pitts were sentenced to three years in prison, seven years of probation, 2,000 hours of community service and a $10,000 fine. Earlier this month, the judge had sentenced them to serve seven years in prison, 13 years of probation, and 2,000 hours of community service, as well as pay $25,000 in fines.
The three school district employees, along with eight others, were convicted April 1 of conspiring to change student answers on standardized tests. The criminal charges came after an investigation found that as far back as 2005, educators in Atlanta provided answers to students or changed answers on tests. At the April 14 sentencing the judge expressed frustration that most of the defendants were unwilling to admit guilt.
