Advanced Placement Exams of 250 Students Scrapped

The organization that sanctions Advanced Placement exams has invalidated test scores of about 250 Mira Costa High School students after some students alleged that cheating had taken place during the exams and that seating guidelines were not followed.

The Educational Testing Service notified the district Thursday that scores on exams in chemistry, English literature, microeconomics, U.S. history, biology, Spanish, European history, calculus and government and politics would be thrown out. The service informed the district that although it found no evidence of cheating, its investigation revealed that there were administrative irregularities during the May testing period. Students who pass the test can receive college credit.

Students are required to sit at least five feet apart. Manhattan Beach students who took tests at the school library and auditorium and at a nearby church were seated four to an eight-foot table. Tests taken in classrooms complied with guidelines.

Supt. Jerry Davis said the district is distressed by the decision. He said a retest has been scheduled Aug. 11-18 and free daily tutoring sessions will be arranged for students who have to take the test again.