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Former Lewis Central Special Ed teacher reprimanded

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November 4th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

A former Lewis Central teacher was reprimanded after allowing her students extra time on a standardized test. According to the Daily NonPareil, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners issued a final order at its most recent meeting requiring Marlys Frohwein to complete a 15-hour course on ethics for educations.

Frohwein had been a special education teacher for the Lewis Central Community School District for the past 23 years. She resigned effective June 16th, with the school board accepting her resignation as part of a special meeting held June 17th, according to meeting minutes.

According to the Board of Educational Examiners, a complaint was filed June 29 alleging Frohwein violated the state’s professional code of ethics. The board found probable cause Aug. 7 that Frohwein violated Iowa Administrative Code, and she entered into a settlement agreement with the state agency. In its decision, the Board said Frohwein “Admitted she provided students extra time to think through questions on their tests, an accommodation not provided in any of the students’ IEP.” IEPs are individualized education programs, which outlines students’ current level of performance, educational goals and special services or accommodations.

Lewis Central Superintendent Mark Schweer confirmed the finding but did not further comment on the case. He said the district does not suspect additional cheating took place. Frohwein received a written reprimand on her license, which was shared with a national database, but she maintained her credentials as an Iowa educator. She carries several special education and instructional endorsements, as well as a general middle school endorsement, athletic coach and physical education endorsements.