Trustees to Vote on Anti-Cheating Policy

An academic honesty policy to standardize consequences of cheating is being fine-tuned, and school board members will vote on it later this month.

The proposal includes parental notification of cheating. Students would lose credit for the assignment in question, and the pupil’s citizenship grade would be affected.

Also under the policy, teachers would be encouraged to discuss the principles of honesty and integrity with students, monitor test-taking, modify seating arrangements and use multiple versions of exams to minimize cheating in the classroom. They also would be encouraged to teach students how to study and develop skills in research, test-taking, note-taking and time management.

The policy was drafted at trustee Anthony M. Valla’s request. “I just feel that this is a sickness that has infected our kids,” he said, pointing to cheating problems at a local high school, where many pupils are on the honor roll. “Kids figure they’re better off cheating than disappointing their parents. It’s something that we have to stop before it starts.”

The school board will vote on the policy March 24. If approved, posters detailing the rules will be hung in classrooms and mailed to parents and tutoring centers.