A $1 million test cheating scandal is rocking the Texas education system

Five Texas Teachers face criminal charges for their role in a widespread teacher certification system scandal that fraudulently shortlisted more than 200 candidates through sophisticated test cheating. The operation, which raised more than $1 million, threatens to undermine educational standards across the state.

Harris County prosecutors revealed Tuesday that applicants paid $2,500 each to have attorneys take certification exams at testing centers in Houston. The program involved bribing supervisors who allowed candidates to change their seats during the exams.

The commander of the alleged operation was Vincent Grayson, the head basketball coach at Booker T. Washington High School in Houston. The four other defendants include testing official Tywana Gilford Mason, alternate test taker Nicholas Newton, and Darian coordinators Nikole Wilhite and LaShonda Roberts.

The Texas Education Agency discovered irregularities at the school Houston Training and Education Center in mid-2023. Investigators noticed that candidates traveled long distances to retake previously failed exams and suddenly achieved high scores.

The breakthrough came when a former coach looking for a job in the police informed him about the program. Thanks to this tip, investigators emailed traces and payment records identifying participants in the operation.

The program took advantage of Texas law that allows teachers to be hired on a fixed-term basis without certification. Grayson allegedly collected the payments by sharing the proceeds with Mason, who received $125,000 to facilitate proxy testing at HTEC.

Newton admitted to passing more than 430 certification tests and earning $188,000. Roberts allegedly referred more than 90 teachers, giving Grayson $267,000. After the closure of HTEC, TACTIX operations continued through Wilhite.

Each defendant faces two counts of organized criminal activity. Grayson and Roberts have posted bail, while Newton remains in custody. During the investigation, defense attorneys maintain their clients’ innocence.

The scandal raises troubling concerns about the quality of classrooms. Some teachers with false certifications are under separate criminal investigations, including allegations of sexual misconduct.

Houston Independent School District has pledged to fire all teachers involved. The Texas Education Agency is reviewing testing protocols as it examines additional suspects in the ongoing investigation.

The case exposes gaps in teacher certification processes during the pandemic. As of May 2020, the program thrived under loose controls, potentially compromising educational standards in the coming years.