eNews Archive

June 12, 2006

Dear Plano ISD eNews Subscriber:

The results of a recent study analyzing state test scores listed nine Plano
ISD schools due to alleged anomalies in scores on the TAKS (Texas Assessment
of Knowledge and Skills).

Regarding a related report published in the "Dallas Morning News" this past
weekend entitled, “TAKS Analysis Suggests Many Graduates Cheated,” Plano ISD
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto said, “I stand behind our staff and
the work of our students. It is unfortunate that this study has brought such
unwarranted speculation to schools and caused doubt with anyone regarding
testing practices."

The study was released by Caveon, a company Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Commissioner Shirley Neeley hired to analyze state test scores. The
company’s purpose is to detect scoring anomalies that show unusual gains and
scoring discrepancies.

Although nine Plano schools are listed in Caveon’s report, there has been no
evidence indicating wrongdoing. Commissioner Neeley has stated that any
flagged scores are not necessarily indications of cheating.

“Our district rallied and worked diligently to address areas of need from
last year. As a result, we believe the early results will show that Plano
ISD will once again achieve "Recognized" status,” said Superintendent Doug
Otto. “These scores are simply the evidence of hard work on behalf of
administrators, teachers and their students. I couldn’t be more proud of our
district.”

Dr. Otto has reassured the principals, staff and parent communities within
Plano ISD that, although any areas of concern will be addressed with a due
diligence approach, he is confident in the efforts that led to the testing
results.

“The information from TEA is so vague, that any suggested internal review is
impossible,” said Dr. Otto. “This has been a classic ‘drive by shooting,’
and many of our dedicated teachers and principals are victims. I stand
firmly behind our staff and the work of our students.”