Typically, letters to the editor are not anonymous. However, due to the sensitivity of this topic, the Scholium editorial staff has decided to allow this writer to remain anonymous.
To the Editors:
I am writing out of my sadness and frustration that despite EA’s recent efforts, cheating is still such a big issue at the school. I wish the administration would do more to crack down on academic dishonesty by setting examples and addressing the root of the problem.
I want to start by saying that EA does do a lot to prevent students from cheating, such as installing the new cell phone holders in each classroom and having each student read and sign academic honesty policies. However, I believe that the school should do more.
I have seen many instances of cheating when I am sitting in class and heard of many more as I am walking the halls, ranging from unauthorized collaboration on take-home assessments to strategic test placement on the Harkness tables to aid classmates. Although many of these students have been caught and some are punished accordingly, I do not think my teachers are aware of many instances of cheating. I am writing this letter to shed light on the problem.
To prevent future cheating, I think EA should set an example by suspending or even expelling the students who are caught cheating, showing students that there are serious consequences for their actions. Also, teachers should be aware that everyone is susceptible to “The Halo Effect,” a form of cognitive bias where preconceived positive notions about someone influence your opinion on their actions now. Sometimes when students already have a good reputation, teachers can unintentionally overlook infractions such as cheating. When a student commits an infraction, the school should monitor the student more closely, such as providing more supervision while they are taking tests. Additionally, when a student is caught for academic dishonesty, the administration and teachers should not only punish the student but explore HOW they cheat in order to prevent other students from using the same methods.
Students strategically place cheat sheets in various places on their person or in their bags. Students talk to each other about answers in the bathroom in the middle of tests. Students from other sections of a class ask other students who have already taken a test about test questions. I recognize that EA is trying to combat these problems by having teachers make different tests for each section. However, the problem still exists.
Students who do not cheat are affected by the issue. In AP U.S. History this year, some students made a shared Google Doc with multiple choice questions and answers to collaborate on the graded assignment. The assignment was clearly labeled as an individual assignment. The teachers discovered the unauthorized collaboration and they decided the best course of action was to cancel everyone’s scores. Although this was an effective method to handle the students who cheated, it unfairly affected the students who worked for hours on the multiple choice questions without cheating.
I also think the school should try to fight the root of the problem: why students decide to cheat. In my experience, students cheat for two reasons: laziness and pressure. Many students, not only those at EA, but worldwide, cheat because they are too lazy to do their work. They try to cut corners. Other students cheat because they are under pressure, either from themselves or their parents. Some students who want to get into top colleges may feel that the only way to do so is to use whatever methods they can to get the best grades. The intrinsic competitive nature of many EA students, as well as the competitive environment of the school itself, builds pressure on students. Some students cheat in order to live up to certain expectations.
Unfortunately, this is not an easy problem for EA and schools nationwide to fix. The world of college applications is competitive and stress-inducing. What schools can do, however, is make students aware of the consequences for their actions. Additionally, EA should make sure there are always resources and extra help available for students who need it so they do not feel the need to cut corners. The school should give students ample opportunity to meet with their advisors, teachers or school counselors to find ways to manage academic work and extracurriculars while maintaining academic integrity.
Cheating is problematic on a case-by-case basis. However, the real danger is making cheating a practical step for all students on the road to college.
When a student is caught for academic dishonesty, the administration and teachers should not only punish the student but explore HOW they cheat in order to prevent other students from using the same methods.
Cheating is problematic on a case-by-case basis. However, the real danger is making cheating a practical step for all students on the road to college.
Sincerely,
An EA Student