Eight Atlanta educators have been sentenced to between one and seven years in prison for participating in a massive cheating ring, Reuters is reporting.
The former principals, teachers and administrators were accused of trying to boost their bonuses by conspiring to cheat and falsely raise student test scores. Initially, dozens of educators were charged and many have since pleaded guilty in exchange for their cooperation in exposing the scandal which first came to light in 2008.
"There were thousands of children that were harmed in this thing. This was not a victimless crime that occurred." Judge Jerry Baxter said during sentencing. "It's the sickest thing that's ever happened to this town."