First teacher fired in Atlanta schools cheating scandal

ATLANTA - A panel of educators has voted to fire the first teacher in connection to a massive cheating scandal in Atlanta Public Schools.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://bit.ly/wvupFT ) reports that former Parks Middle School teacher Damany Lewis confessed on Wednesday to cheating four straight years, using a razor blade to cut into test booklets and make copies for other teachers.

Lewis was among 180 teachers and principals accused of giving answers to students or changing answers once the tests were completed. Lewis said teachers felt pressured to improve test results.

Three educators resigned rather than go through with hearings, which are scheduled through March 30.

A state investigation in July revealed widespread cheating by educators in nearly half of the Atlanta's 100 schools, dating back to 2001.