How important are grades and doing well in school? Apparently making the grade is more important than values and self-respect to some students.
In two separate states, students are being accused of paying teachers or school staff for better grades or academic favors. In California at Diablo Valley College in the San Francisco Bay area, over 60 people may be charged with giving and accepting gifts in exchange for higher grades.
A student employed in the records office at the school broke into the grade system and learned how to change students’ academic records. Some students paid up to $600.00 to have their grades improved. Other students traded more personal things including sexual favors.
It is thought that possibly 400 false grades have been given. Some of the grades have already been transferred to four-year universities.
In Hartford, Connecticut, a teacher has been accused of accepting money in exchange for letting students off of detention. The teacher was relieved of duties at Quirk Middle School with pay until the school system has time to investigate the accusations. Several parents have complained. One parent says that the teacher took more than $30.00 from her son.
There are two things about stories such as these that bother me. The first is that teachers or school staff members could be so dishonest and unsupportive of teaching values and morals to students.
The second concern that comes to mind is the pressure that we are placing on students. I feel very disturbed that the students felt so much pressure about making better grades and staying out of trouble that they committed dishonest acts. The pressure comes from all directions. Some students deal with self inflicted pressure while others receive it from their parents. Schools and families need to focus more on teaching that honesty and effort are most important. Doing your best is preferred over being the best.
In a previous homeschool article, Andrea discussed how eliminating competition and pressure was one reason why she is glad that she homeschools her children. While pressure is usually worse in higher-grade levels, it is a concern of public education.
Reasons I am glad I homeschool: Poor Judgement
Concerns of Public Education: Q = Questionable Conduct