Improper “manipulation” of school grades on Indiana’s A-F accountability system likely took place under former state schools chief Tony Bennett, according to his successor.
Schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz, a Democrat who defeated Mr. Bennett in his re-election bid last year, said a “preliminary examination” revealed the problem, and grades for the 2012-13 academic year would be delayed until a further review is completed.
In July, the Associated Press published emails between Mr. Bennett and his staff, while he was Indiana’s superintendent, revealing that they altered the system when a charter school that Mr. Bennett told officials would receive an A was actually slated to receive a lower grade.
Mr. Bennett, who had taken over as Florida’s education commissioner in January, subsequently resigned from that post, although he denied any wrongdoing. A final report from the Indiana education department could be released in September.
