Newfields Teacher Disciplined For Coaching Students In Test

EXETER, NH — A Newfields Elementary School teacher has been disciplined after reportedly coaching students during standardized testing. According to SAU16 Superintendent David Ryan, the teacher committed minor deviations from rules while administrating the N.H. Standardized Assessment System in English Language Arts to fourth-grade students. The teacher has been on administrative since allegations came forward last month.

According to Ryan, the School District's investigation of the incident has been concluded, and officials found minor deviations from the testing procedures. The name of the teacher is not being released because the incident is a personnel matter.

"The teacher has been disciplined in accordance with the district's progressive discipline policy and will be required to make mandatory retraining on the proper administration of standardized tests," said Ryan. "Additionally, working closely with the New Hampshire Department of Education, all faculty and administration at the Newfields Elementary School will be retrained this coming school year on the proper administration of statewide standardized tests to ensure strict adherence to testing procedures in the future."

According to School District officials, the original allegations stated the teacher gave correct answers. School staff notified state education officials of the incident as soon as the allegations came to light, Ryan stated last month.