in the front seat

The Woonsocket School Board recently passed a resolution to make 60% mastery a passing grade.  If you listen to the Board's reasoning, it sounds pretty simple.  According to, " New Graduation Requirements Make First Passage " by Sandy Phaneuf , an article posted on the Woonsocket Patch , this decision will raise WHS's graduation rate from 63% to 70%.  That sounds good for the city.  Right?  Let's not even comment on the fact that the Board is trying to raise the graduation rate to the 70% mark because that is more acceptable.  Instead, let's think about this in the larger context.  Over the last few decades, educators, policymakers, journalists, and parents have demanded higher standards for our schools.  We worry about the future competitiveness of our economy because our students are not learning.  By all means, lower the minimum passing grade.    Would anyone want a teacher who only knew 60% of their subject?   Would an...

According to a confidential national survey, 74% of students admitted to cheating or knowing someone who cheated in school.  This is a highly disappointing number.  Teachers work, not only to teach their students a specific subject but to promote a sense of honesty and integrity in their students.   When a student cheats they fall short of both goals.  The act of cheating represents three ethical wrongs: cheating=sneaking+lying+stealing.  First, a student plans how to deceive a teacher.  Second, a student carries out the act putting his or her name on another person’s work.  Last, a student hands the work in calming to have done the work.   Other studies have shown that most teenagers experienced the desire to cheat.  Many who do, have tried once or twice. Oftentimes feeling guilty or shameful, they do not attempt it again.  However, some of those who succeed, continue to cheat, eventually feeling trapped in the need to...