Reduction in Cheating Following a Forensic Investigation on a Statewide Summative Assessment

ABSTRACT

This study examined indicators of cheating on a statewide summative assessment for grades 3–8 over a 4-year period. Between year 2 and year 3 of this study, the state launched an aggressive, highly publicized investigation into cheating by educators. The basis of the investigation was an erasure analysis. The current study found that the number of classes flagged for excessive Wrong-To-Right erasures declined dramatically from year 2 to year 3. Only a small percentage of the classes that were flagged for erasures in year 2 but not year 3 were actually under investigation, suggesting that the decline in the number of classes being flagged for erasures was due to publicity surrounding the investigation, rather than a direct result of the investigation. Indicators of cheating not associated with erasures remained consistent across all four years.