As I've noted before, I know that cheating can be tempting in environments where cheating is accepted and promoted. In my life I've seen this happen to people in all kinds of organizations and groups. Some people get away with it, promote illegal acts, and/or follow along. Ultimately some people get caught and pay the price while others get away with it or learn from the prosecution of those who got caught.
How do we avoid this kind of cheating and scandal?
First, when small issues of ethics, illegal activity, and cheating occur, pay attention and speak up. When you speak up you save yourself and others. If you stay silent, the illegal and/or unethical behavior will only grow and more people will be deeply hurt.
Obviously, know and follow the laws. If you disagree with a law, have the courage to work to change that law rather than break the law.
And work to prevent acts like these before they happen.
Why did families cheat? I can imagine lots of reasons for this including the following:
- Everyone was doing it
- It was a way to circumvent one's insecurities about parenting, learning needs/challenges, or social status
- Ignorance
- Greed
What should be the consequence. I think one consequence should be a financial consequence that translates into scholarships for students who can't afford to pay for college.
What was most sad about this situation to me was that people sacrificed their own children's well being by cheating. Also some coaches' and administrators' greed was so great that it ruined their reputations and the reputations of their schools. And, of course, dishonesty and cheating meant that some well deserving students did not gain entry to the schools mentioned.
As a mom who took the college process seriously by doing my homework and working to help my children find their best possible college matches, I don't like the emphasis on single criteria like the SAT, instead I do think that colleges and students are better off when schools take a holistic look at students and accept a good diversity of students to keep the college population diverse and dynamic. I also know that colleges have to pay their bills so while they don't talk a lot about it, they do have to accept enough students who are willing to pay the lofty costs of running the college. The truth of these economics is something people don't like to talk about, but it's a reality.
The best college for your child is a college that's a good fit. There are great colleges all over our country, and finding that match takes time and attention. Of course we need to make our public colleges affordable and inclusive--those colleges should be the most desired as they are in some states. Children who desire a private college have many, many good choices too.
Modeling ethical behavior is a good way to ensure that you or your children don't cheat. Cheating doesn't pay, avoid it.
Modeling ethical behavior is a good way to ensure that you or your children don't cheat. Cheating doesn't pay, avoid it.
