Cheating From the Top Down

According to Jed Wallace of the California Charter Schools Association, “Cheating is unacceptable and inexcusable in any school.” As a result, this organization has been forced to withdraw their support from six California charter schools that were cheating on state standardized tests. Apparently, John Allen, the former executive director of the Crescendo charter schools, instructed school principals to tell teachers to break the seal on the tests and prepare the students with actual test questions. Many did, but some teachers reported what was happening. Mr. Allen was fired and the schools are being closed.

But what about the principals and teachers who obeyed the order? The message their behavior gives students is clear: “Grades are more important than learning and keeping your job is more important than being ethical”. The fact that there is currently a veritable epidemic in student cheating, with about 80% of high school students admitting to the practice, shows that the message has also been received. We need to change this. With your help, AITSE can make a difference by providing education to increase scientific understanding and enhance integrity in academia.