Kentucky Superintendent Charges Education Report Contained 'Contaminated Data'

HENDERSON, Ky. (AP) - Some western Kentucky school officials are disputing the data that shows Henderson, Union and Webster counties failed to make "adequate yearly progress."

The districts are contesting what they say is inaccurate information released as part of "No Child Left Behind" program from the 2006-2007 academic year. District officials say there are many results turning up with blank or minimal scores even while it is certain that students took the tests.

Superintendent Thomas Richey of the Henderson County school district said yesterday (in these words) "As far as I'm concerned, it's contaminated data."

State Department of Education Spokeswoman Lisa Gross said some changes were made in core content standards that are affecting student scores. She added that there are always other issues that make it necessary for the state to deal with clean up and quality control.

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