Monday, November 22, 2010

How should I handle this?

The other day I was walking around, helping my students (juniors and seniors) with a math assignment. While certain students distracted me, another went up to my computer (which I left unlocked - and I admit that was a mistake on my part) and changed some of their grades. Thank goodness I had an actual paper grade book so I could go back and fix the grades. But several students' grades were changed, and I know who did it. The administrators are ignoring it, probably because most of those involved are basketball players and they don't want word to get out that they would do something like this (they have a really good team who gets a lot of press). So it's up to me. How should I handle it? Letters to parents? Zeroes for all the changed grades? I admit I should have locked my computer, but they knew better than to do this, and I think they need to face SOME sort of consequences.How should I handle this?
Tough call. It seems unfair to only punish the one guy who changed the grades since other people distracted you. If you know for a fact exactly who ALL was involved, I'd send home letters to their parents (mailed). Explain what happened WITHOUT placing blame on yourself (If you leave your purse on your desk, that doesn't give them the right to pilfer through it). Also explain that you take such an offense very seriously and as a result are giving them zeros for the grades that were changed. If the zeros are going to change their grades from passing to failing, be prepared to get knocked down by administration. At least you'll have made your point. If you don't think you'll be able to get away with that approach, at least try to swing some sort of Saturday detention. I think one for every grade changed is fair. Ugh. I can't stand administration too afraid to actually man up.How should I handle this?
What does school policy say? Letters to parents and disciplinary action for sure.
This is blatantly wrong and this student deserves to be punished. I would definitely go to the school board and inform them of what happened. They should deliver a just punishment and if that involves suspension from sports then so be it.
Find out policy. Surely there is some policy on academic dishonesty. Bring that to the attention of the principal. If he continues to do nothing, go to the superintendent.
I think that you should definetly inform the parents and request a conference w/the parents as well as the administrators at 1x. Ask that they are present w/the students and notify the staff that if they dont do something that you may go over their heads w/this ? what would have been the consequences is the students were not playing sports ??
That's what is wrong with the pro athletes today.. Take a look at Michael Vick, he felt he was above the rules because of his athletic ability. ( and O.J.) I think the student that changed the grades should be punished along with the distractors. It might be the best lesson that you can teach them. I would send a letter to the principal with cc to the school board. If they let this incendent pass with no disapline then the kids are getting the wrong message.
I wouldn't make too big of a deal out of it, because the student was probably just joking around, but the student does deserve some sort of punishment. If it were my decision I would give the student a zero on at least one of the grades that they changed.
kid had no business on your computer and he committed fraud by cheating like that. Give him zeros... nail him! The fact he is an athlete makes it worse, he should be held to a higher standard of conduct. Talk to coach and ask to have him suspeneded. Tell him that when he goes to college you will write a letter to the Dean of students and head coaches explaining what he did and that he is not of good character.



Throw the book at him any way you can.
Handle it on your own, harshly as you can. Put it on their record and tell their parents. Have a class meeting where you sort of put them on the spot and humiliate them.
I looked at every one's answer. I think since you have already voiced your opinion about what happened you should take measures in your own hands. You are dealing w/ juniors and seniors and they should be preparing for college and adulthood. These young people need to learn a valuable lesson. they were not satisfied with their grades as they were and were not really to work harder for better grades so instead they steal better grades and cheat. Let them continue to think they are getting their ';A'; and when its time to get the grades for 6 weeks or 9 weeks let it be lower than the letter grade than what they were actually getting for the grades that were changed. I too am studing to be a teacher. And I think this is how I would handle it.
My teacher says you should give them a detention.... suspension... as a student, I would love to see you humiliate them in front of the class. That would be cool. Maybe you should change their basketball scores in the school newspaper.... THAT WOULD BE FUNNY!!!!!

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