June 16, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Judge halts MDE's hearing on Clarksdale cheating claims
Several Clarksdale educators appeared at the hearing, including Superintendent Dennis Dupree and Heidelberg Principal Lowanda Tyler-Jones. Both have denied any cheating occurred in the district and appeared united in their defense of Smith-Kemp, who remains actively employed despite the state's civil charges.
Several Clarksdale educators appeared at the hearing, including Superintendent Dennis Dupree and Heidelberg Principal Lowanda Tyler-Jones. Both have denied any cheating occurred in the district and appeared united in their defense of Smith-Kemp, who remains actively employed despite the state's civil charges.
May 13, 2015: Jackson Free Press: Getting to Graduation: Mississippi’s Statewide Push to Keep Kids in School
"They try and try, and eventually, they give up," Dennis Dupree, the district superintendent, said. Dupree estimates about 35 students this year may not get their diplomas because of the tests. Statewide, 3,856 of 28,797 seniors—about 13 percent—are at risk of not graduating because they failed at least one of four tests, according to Department of Education data.
"They try and try, and eventually, they give up," Dennis Dupree, the district superintendent, said. Dupree estimates about 35 students this year may not get their diplomas because of the tests. Statewide, 3,856 of 28,797 seniors—about 13 percent—are at risk of not graduating because they failed at least one of four tests, according to Department of Education data.
Apr 23, 2015: WTOK: State Seeks Revocation of Teacher's License
Clarksdale schools Superintendent Dennis Dupree says it's "premature" to say whether Smith-Kemp will be allowed to keep teaching before the hearing. Dupree says she will have to hire her own attorney.
Clarksdale schools Superintendent Dennis Dupree says it's "premature" to say whether Smith-Kemp will be allowed to keep teaching before the hearing. Dupree says she will have to hire her own attorney.