US Education Chief Says Feds 'Looking At' Cheating in Atlanta

ATLANTA (AP) -- U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says he has been in contact with the department's investigative arm about test cheating scandals in schools, including a widespread one in Atlanta.

Duncan said Monday he believes the office is "looking at them" but stopped short of saying whether an investigation was under way. His office referred questions to the Office of Inspector General, which declined to comment.

School officials in Washington, D.C., have said the federal department is investigating cheating allegations in the city's school district.

Atlanta schools spokesman Keith Bromery says the district will cooperate with any federal investigation.

A state investigation released July 5 showed Atlanta educators in nearly half of the district's 100 schools changed exam sheets and gave students correct answers on standardized tests dating to 2001.

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