Former Phila. Teacher Charged With Changing Test Scores Cleared Of Most Serious Charges
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A former Philadelphia teacher charged with changing standardized test scores has been cleared of the most serious charges against her.
A Common Pleas jury has found former Cayuga Elementary School teacher Ary Sloane not guilty of tampering with public records and forgery, but guilty of conspiracy.
The verdict came after the state brought criminal charges against five Cayuga staffers, alleging a "culture of cheating" to boost scores on state tests.
Defense attorney Michael Coard questioned the jury's verdict.
"For some reason, after two and a half days of deliberations, (the jury) said conspiracy. The question is, conspiracy to what, after the jury just decided that she didn't do what the prosecution accused her of."
Coard says he would seek to have the conspiracy conviction tossed out. Sentencing is set for May 9.
Cayuga's former principal Evelyn Cortez and teacher Jennifer Hughes pleaded guilty in the case last week.