Forty percent of Georgia eighth graders failed to pass the math portion of the CRCT this year. House Democrats said Cox's office knew the curriculum did not adequately teach what the CRCT tested and failed to act.

"The Superintendent and her department have blamed the school systems, the principals, the teachers, even the students. We know that the blame lies much closer to the top," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus).

Other Democrats present at an event calling for the investigation were State Rep. Dubose Porter (D-Dublin), State Sen. Horracena Tate (D-Atlanta), Rep. Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus) and Georgia Democratic Party Chair Jane Kidd.

School Superintendent Kathy Cox responded in a press conference this afternoon. She said the lower 8th grade math scores were the result of a tougher curriculum; and that her office did everything it could.

Cox told reporters the higher standards meant that, for many kids, there was what she called a "missing piece" in their understanding of the subject. With more time and study, she said, teachers can help the students catch up.

"We don't have the luxury of giving kids time," Cox said. "Summer school will give them time."

She said teachers are doing a "great job." And Cox predicted that future years will see an improvement in CRTC scores the first time the students take the test.

"It's not about blame," she said.

As for reports that she wants local school districts to wait until the third week of August to start their academic years, Cox said she wanted to start a conversation about it. But she added, local districts should have the ultimate discretion.

"It should not be mandatory," she said.