• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Skip to main content

New England Public Radio

  • Donate
  • National Public Radio
  • Public Radio International
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Mary A. Dryden Veterans Memorial school in Springfield, Mass.
(Photo Credit: Mark M. Murray for The Republican)

State: No Answers From Investigation Into Irregular Test Scores At Springfield School

by: Sam Hudzik March 27, 2015 SPRINGFIELD

Massachusetts education officials have closed their investigation into irregular test scores at a Springfield elementary school.

Last year the state invalidated three years of test scores for Dryden School in Springfield because of significant inconsistencies in student scores and “widespread” eraser marks in test booklets, with incorrect answers changed to correct ones.

A state education spokesperson says after an “extensive investigation” officials could not determine who changed the answers. She says the Dryden principal from those years has surrendered her educator’s license, but that it was voluntary and not part of a disciplinary action.

Springfield Schools Spokesperson Azell Cavaan says the district all along had confidence in Dryden’s staff.

“We certainly know that students are told to check and recheck their tests,” Cavaan says. “And so we know that there could be a…perfectly reasonable explanation why there would be erasures on a test other than any sort of impropriety.”

But she says the district is not contesting the state’s decision to invalidate the scores.

Previous

‹A Closer Look at Why New England Native Plants Are Threatened

Next

Thai Ruler Says He’s Prepared To End Martial Law›

  • Listen Online
  • HD Radio
  • Mobile, iPhone & Android
  • Reception FAQs
  • Five College Consortium
  • Springfield Central Cultural District
  • National Public Radio
  • Public Radio International
  • University of Massachusetts
  • Amherst College
  • Mount Holyoke College
  • Smith College
  • Hampshire College
  • Five Colleges Incorporated
  • Springfield Central Cultural District

© 2025 New England Public Radio