Editorial: Allegations should be made public

In the view of Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Winston Brooks, investigators for the state Public Education Department swooped down on an Albuquerque elementary school earlier this month, dragged teachers out of class and generally caused chaos at the school.

There wasn't enough advance notice to get substitute teachers in classrooms while teachers were called away and grilled about alleged testing improprieties last year, he says.

Sierra Vista's principals were attending a meeting off campus, leaving district officials to field panicked phone calls from the school.

Brooks says he still hasn't been told what the specific allegations are but would like to know because students currently are taking this year's standardized tests.

If there were irregularities or improprieties, Brooks wrote in an email to Public Education Secretary-designate Hanna Skandera, "... we could have made the adjustments necessary. As it is, I have no idea if the alleged irregularities or improprieties are occurring once again this year?"

A PED spokesman said only that the department received complaints and is investigating.

That clear as mud response is unfair to teachers, parents, school officials and the public, leaving them to wonder how serious the allegations are.

Did an inexperienced teacher give a test on the wrong day? Were teachers engaging in "eraser parties" like those uncovered last year in Atlanta?

Without some clarity from the PED, people are left to speculate.

Transparency is the better policy, and state officials should start talking. The public has a right to know at least the basics of what Sierra Vista staff members are accused of doing. And for the peace of mind of all concerned, the investigation should be wrapped up as soon as possible and not be left to languish for months, undermining trust in the school.

A quick note to both the PED and APS: The "P" stands for public, a fact that both organizations seem to conveniently forget from time to time.