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Computer Error Blots Report Cards

Associated Press June 19, 2000

WATERTOWN - Some straight-A students probably had a bit of explaining to do when report cards came home.

But honestly, mom and dad, it wasn't their fault.

A computer glitch at Watertown High School added comments to the card that were the opposite of the teachers' opinions. When marking the cards, teachers could choose from 70 responses.

``Somehow, they got reversed,'' Schools Superintendent Dinoo Dastur said.

For example, ``a real pleasure to have in class'' was printed as ``inconsistent effort.'' And ``takes pride in work'' came out ``unmotivated/poor attitude.''

School officials say the error was spotted when a student with an A average was described in a report card as ``offering inconsistent effort.''

The computer error was limited to six new comments offered this marking period. The school mailed the already-printed report cards to parents with a slip of paper that decoded the negative comments.

The glitch did not affect any grades. The school has apologized and has offered to pay for reprinting cards with the correct comments.

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-- (Dee360Degree@aol.com), June 19, 2000