Mistake on list creates confusion for Cobb schools

MARIETTA - A mistake on a list of low-performing schools is creating a bit of confusion for parents in Cobb County. <br> <br> The Cobb County school system mistakenly told several hundred parents this week their children qualified for tutoring or a transfer to a better-ranked school. Officials didn&#39;t tell several thousand other parents they have just a few days to request a transfer. <br> <br> Cobb officials thought four of the system&#39;s 100 schools fell under the federal no Child Left Behind Act. Letters went out to parents at the four schools Tuesday. <br> <br> Wednesday, the district learned that Cobb actually has ten schools that must offer transfers. Austell Elementary - whose parents were sent letters - is not on the list. <br> <br> Officials say the miscommunication stemmed from a state worker&#39;s error as the state and local districts rush to implement a new federal law requiring greater public school choice. <br> <br> ``It&#39;s our fault. The person just didn&#39;t know. And he guessed wrong,&#34; Merri Brantley - a spokeswoman for the state Department of Education - said. <br> <br> Starting this school year, children who attend chronically poor-achieving schools have the right to transfer to a better-performing school, with transportation provided by the district, or receive extra tutoring if they stay.