Michigan probes irregularities in statewide exams

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The state has asked 22 school districts to explain why students wrote identical paragraphs in answer to certain questions on statewide exams, Treasurer Doug Roberts said Thursday.

The Michigan Educational Assessment Program science and social studies tests were administered this winter to fifth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students at 550 school districts. The irregularities were noticed by a testing company that graded the exams.

If the state finds the schools were cheating, it can give the schools a zero for results on that test, said Roberts, whose department oversees the tests.

If individual teachers or students were involved, the school would be responsible for disciplining them.