Watch One Child Left Behind: The Untold Atlanta Cheating Scandal

One Child Left Behind: The Untold Atlanta Cheating Scandal is a 2020 documentary film that sheds light on the widespread epidemic of cheating that took place in the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) during the tenure of Superintendent Beverly Hall. Directed by Jodi Gomes and narrated by actor Hill Harper, the film features interviews with former teachers, students, and whistleblowers who played a significant role in exposing the cheating scandal.

The film takes viewers on a gripping journey through the history of the APS and the pressures that led to the cheating scandal, which rocked the school system to its core. It traces the rise of Beverly Hall, a dynamic and charismatic leader who was initially embraced by the Atlanta community for her efforts to improve the school system. However, the film also highlights the immense pressure Hall faced to show results and to maintain high test scores, which ultimately led to widespread cheating.

The documentary delves into the mechanics of the cheating itself, which involved both teachers and administrators altering students' test scores to boost their own ratings and meet unrealistic targets. It also explores the emotional toll that the scandal took on students, many of whom had their academic futures irrevocably altered by the cheating. Importantly, the film emphasizes the fact that it was primarily low-income Black students who were affected by the scandal and who were denied the quality education they deserved.

The filmmakers make use of interviews with key players in the scandal, including former APS principals, teachers, and students. Along with these primary sources, One Child Left Behind also features interviews with experts in the field of education, such as education historian Diane Ravitch and civil rights advocate Gerald Griggs. These experts provide vital context for the scandal and help to explain the larger systemic issues that contributed to its occurrence.

Perhaps most importantly, the documentary serves as a call to action, urging viewers to reckon with the fact that cheating scandals like the one in Atlanta are symptomatic of larger problems within the American education system. One Child Left Behind argues that high-stakes testing, which has become a cornerstone of education policy in the US, creates an atmosphere in which cheating is not only possible but also almost inevitable. The film also underlines the fact that the Atlanta scandal is far from an isolated incident; similar cheating scandals have been uncovered in other school districts across the country.

Overall, One Child Left Behind: The Untold Atlanta Cheating Scandal is a searing indictment of the American education system, highlighting the ways in which vulnerable students are often the ones who suffer due to institutional failures. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in education reform or social justice, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of immense pressure.

One Child Left Behind: The Untold Atlanta Cheating Scandal is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.