APS Cheating Scandal: In No Way Excusable; In Every Way Predictable

The Atlanta Public School (-teacher) cheating scandal, and similar reflections in other cities, points to the systemic corruption of the K-12 educational establishment.  That corruption is especially prevalent in major metropolitan areas where affirmative action priorities [1] have reduced the level of competence and judgment of "educators" [2].  Crony Socialism (a redundant phrase) invites collusion between city  bureaucracies with oversight and those overseen.  To offer cash incentives for teaching and administrative performance within a system where incompetence has become the accepted standard, is to ask for trouble.  Moral hazards and predictable outcomes.



It is refreshing to see school personnel being held to account, but without the work of the AJC's Heather Vogell and the publicity that followed, attempted cover-ups probably would have succeeded.

How far up the chains ethical and legal culpability will migrate remains to be seen; Beverly Hall tendered her resignation, and it will likely turn out that she walks away virtually unscathed.  Her legal fees are into six figures, but city taxpayers -- not Beverly Hall -- absorb the cost.  Her $580, 000 in "bonus" money appears safe.  Bureaucracies take care of their own.

Do honor codes still obtain in public schools?  What is the message to students? 



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1.  This assertion, along with the lower graphic may seem racially provocative.  Regarding affirmative action, how else to explain this (here and here) or, especially this?  As to the graphic on the right, which looks like a bigot's cartoon parody, it is the offering of the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  What were they thinking...?
Jay Bookman's article is revealing as to the character of APS superintendent, Beverly Hall.  Affirmative action and accountability are rarely on speaking terms.  
2.  I use the term with some irony.  Schools were once staffed by teachers.