Woodbridge School Staffers Suspended Over Test Problems

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Two principals and three teachers in a New Jersey school district have been suspended after a state investigation found an unusual number of erasures and other irregularities on standardized tests.

Woodbridge School Board President Brian Small announced the suspensions Monday. He also said an assistant superintendent has resigned.

Four Woodbridge schools were among nine that the state Education Department announced in March it was investigating because of high erasure rates on tests.

State investigators recently completed reports on the problems at the Avenal Street and Ross Street Elementary Schools finding what Small called "improper coaching" of students before and during the exams in 2010 and 2011.

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"Unfortunately, these reports reveal a pattern of activity by certain individuals in those schools which is absolutely unacceptable and which includes improper coaching of students before and during the exams which can only be described as conscious and intentional cheating," Small said in a statement.

Small said test scores will not be changed or revised and said that "no child will be adversely affected by these reports."

"For the students, we are looking forwards, not backwards. For staff, let's be clear – each and every staff person who cheats will be held accountable," Small said.

Probes are continuing for two other Woodbridge Schools.

State Education Department spokeswoman Barbara Morgan says reports should come for them and other schools soon.

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