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LA Charter Schools To Shut Down Over Alleged Cheating

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The Los Angeles Board of Education is set to shut down six charter schools across the city that have been accused of cheating on 2010 standardized tests, officials said Wednesday.

The board made the decision on Tuesday to close the schools, citing the improprieties and an insufficient response to the allegations, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Executive director of schools John Allen, founder of the Crescendo organization, allegedly ordered principals and teachers to use actual test questions to get them ready for the exams. Several teachers at the schools alerted the district about the tactics.

Despite an earlier recommendation by district staff to reauthorize the schools for another five years, the board revoked the charter of the Crescendo organization, the Times said.

The Times reported Crescendo's problems on Monday and by Tuesday incoming Supt. John Deasy recommended an investigation by Inspector General of the Los Angeles Unified School District Jess Womack.

The results could determine if a one-year renewal contract could be considered, Deasy said.

The schools may stay open through the end of the year, pending the length of the revocation process.

Allen initially denied wrongdoing and was demoted, according to district documents and interviews. Principals received 10-day suspensions.

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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