FCAT violation costs teacher's job

Barbara Heggaton, who received stellar evaluations during her 20-year career and was named teacher of the year at Moon Lake for the 2004-05 school year, was fired by the Pasco County, FL. School Board for rephrasing questions for special education students on the FCAT.

He said this ruling shows that even if teachers act in good faith in proctoring the FCAT, they'll face the possibility of losing their job and possibly their license. Benjamin said the state's Professional Practices Services, which has the power to yank teachers' licenses, is also investigating.

The incident happened during FCAT testing Feb. 28. Karen Middleton, an instructional assistant, said she was in her office, which is next door to Heggaton's room, when she heard Heggaton ask a student, "Why did you change that answer when you had it right? Don't you know this test determines your future?"

Source: St. Petersburg Times; 6-20-07