Atlanta school cheating: When teachers cheat, what do you tell the
kids?
The Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal has three-dozen educators facing trial
for cheating on standardized tests. But the message kids wind up with is
determined by how adults around them explore virtue.
“To know the good, love the good and do the good.” Though Kevin Ryan, founder
and director emeritus of the Center for Character and Social Responsibility at
Boston University School of Education summarized it that way, that’s what a host
of experts see as the goal in raising children of strong character. And with students
back in the classroom this fall, their teachers are right there with them, as role
models and guides.
But what happens when educators themselves are the ones flunking the character
test? It happens, and in some places it happens big time. In Atlanta’s public school
system, for instance, three dozen teachers and officials are due to stand trial for
cheating on standardized testing in 44 schools, allegedly providing test answers,
and changing answer sheets in an effort to boost test results. Testimony against the
first administrator in the case began late last month.
So what can adults do when teachers or other important adults are caught doing
something bad? It can be devastating to the children. But does that send an
irrefutable message to children that “good” is just an empty word? That excuses
can explain away immoral or illegal actions?
It doesn’t have to, says Leslie Matula, founder of Project Wisdom, which provides
character education programs in schools. While hugely disappointing, and
disillusioning to parents as well as kids, all is not lost, she says. “It’s important to
remember that the vast majority of teachers are responsible, caring human beings
who teach because they care about children. The demands on classroom teachers
have probably never been greater.
“It’s always unfortunate when these things happen," she adds, "whether it’s a large
scale scandal or a classroom teacher who 'falls from grace' because of a poor
choice, but these situations do create teachable moments … opportunities to talk
with young people about the consequences of their choices and the importance of
living lives of integrity, lives based on a set of core ethical values.
More importantly, she says, such times provide “an opportunity for adults to sit
back and reconsider how their choices and actions impact the lives of the
youngsters in their sphere of influence. Children look to us for guidance as they
navigate their way through the challenges of life. We have a duty to strive to be the
best role models we can be so they have every opportunity to become successful,
caring and responsible adults.”
As child psychiatrist and author Robert Coles wrote in “The Moral Intelligence of
Children,” “The child is an ever-attentive witness of grown-up morality – or lack
thereof.”
If all adults at all times are indeed helping to form children’s character – whether
they intend to or not, whether they are aware they are doing it or not – then all
adults have the ability to positively influence the next generation, say experts.
They suggest adults take a break once in a while from cheering on academic and
athletic accomplishments, and focus on children’s virtues. Label the components of
good character when you see virtue in action in kids and offer encouragement: You
were thoughtful when you helped the checkout clerk; you were respectful when
you called the volunteer mom by name; that was generous of you to share your
lunch; I appreciate your honesty when you came clean with me about cutting class.
In discussing the Atlanta situation, parents and teachers can ask questions about
potential temptations like cheating: What does this test mean to you? What might
happen if you mess up? What if someone asks you for the answers – how might
you respond? If you actually cheated, do you regret it? Was it an empty “A”? What
would you do next time?
Class dismissed.
