Dive Brief:

• In order to turn around 26 failing schools in Atlanta, Superintendent Meria Carstarphen wants the district to partner with private businesses, close some schools, and build new ones that would have a focus on math and reading.
• Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has expressed a desire to take over failing schools and subsequently create a brand new district.  
• Carstarphen tells WSB-TV that teachers might disagree with her plan, but she has already presented it to the Atlanta Public Schools board and is hoping for a vote on some of the plan's components by March 2.

Dive Insight:

Atlanta is a city still recovering from a high-profile cheating scandal. In April 2013, 35 educators were named in a 65-count indictment that alleged a conspiracy to improve test scores via cheating, concealing cheating, and retaliating against whistleblowers. Involvement went all the way up the chain of command to former Superintendent Beverly Hall.

A report by Georgia State University researchers last spring found that the criminal issue has longstanding effects, including an ongoing impact on reading and ELA performances. It also took note of the fact that the debacle compelled more families to leave Atlanta Public Schools for charter school districts.