Accused kindergarten teacher gains support

A statewide organization that opposes Washington’s high stakes student achievement test has pledged $500 in support of a Spokane kindergarten teacher who was investigated for allegedly helping her son cheat on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning.

Debra Pearson, a Browne Elementary kindergarten teacher, was not disciplined by Spokane Public Schools. Pearson contested the allegations that she somehow discovered the essay topic on the WASL and then passed it to her son. She said her son learned of the topic from another student who took the test days earlier.

Spokane Public Schools forwarded the matter to the state Office of Professional Practices, which could revoke her license.

“This is clearly a situation of a parent doing what is in the best interest of her son,” said Juanita Doyan, director of Parent Empowerment Network, in a statement released Wednesday. “This investigation is inappropriate and an invasion of Ms. Pearson’s relationship and communication with her son.”

The group pledged $500 for legal expenses should legal services become necessary.

When told about the pledge, Pearson said that was the first she had heard of it.

“I really appreciate their support,” Pearson said.

Under the Spokane Education Association contract, if needed, legal fees would be picked up by the union, she said.