Computer records retrieved from the teacher's laptop showed that on June 6th the student had an "F" in the class ... But according the district's investigation, by June 11th, teacher Jeff Powell had made 52 data entries into his electronic grade book for quizzes, tests and other assignments. The end result of those point additions were enough for the student to get an "A".
The district's investigation shows the teacher also made entries affecting 27 other students. For someone else to have made changes in the grades, they would have needed access to the teacher's password and computer. Powell's laptop was reported stolen, but Hanson said it was stolen months after the grading period was complete.
Hanson also answered allegations that the student in question was absent from class 66 times-- and for that reason, should have failed. "Pursuant to our district policy and administrative regulations, the determination whether to fail a student for excessive absenteeism rests alone with the teacher," said Hanson.
As to the possible motive behind the teacher making a grade change he would later deny ... Hanson has no explanation. "If it was clear and understandable as to the why, we would not have been sitting here for the last two months taking the kind of public flogging that we have, and put our kids at risk and have our staff kind of droop their heads-- we don't know."
Powell was placed on paid administrative leave in October.
Hanson says some good has come of all of this. The investigation has prompted the district to make some changes, including improvements in how they support and prepare student athletes to be career-ready graduates. They will also implement board policies on changing student grades and attendance procedures.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
abc30 News Links:
Links to other news sections on our website.
- HomePage
- Top Headlines
- Fresno Local News
- State News
- National/World News
- Entertainment News
- Business News
- Politics News
- Sports News
- Health Watch
- Consumer Watch
- Mr. Food
Breaking News Alerts:
Click Here to Sign-Up for Breaking News E-Mail Alerts
Receive Breaking News alerts in your email inbox.
Click Here to Sign-Up for Text Message Alerts
Receive Breaking News alerts right on your cell phone.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
