Encouraging Ethical Behaviors

Excellence in Education: Encouraging Ethical Behaviors 

The other day I was having a conversation with a teacher who wanted to give her students a take home test. Even though the test consisted mostly of short answer type of questions, she was concerned about the students cheating whether this meant copying from a classmate or directly from an online source. On the other hand, she wanted students to be able to refer to online sources and she felt that doing this in class might not be the best use of instructional time. 

We talked about the assignment, its instructional value, how it could be tweaked to encourage higher-order thinking and less cheating, and made some modifications to the assignment. We also recognized that most students don’t cheat and we shouldn’t make a decision based on the small minority that may. 

As teachers we can instill in our students a sense of personal responsibility, of ethos, and it’s pretty easy to do.

1. Avoid loss-framed statements, such as “If you cheat, you will get a zero.” Research shows that these statements may temporarily prevent cheating but do little in the long-run. Instead frame your statements in a positive manner.
2. Teach character. Remind students that even minor cheating infractions, speak to their character and trustworthiness.
3. Reinforce positive behaviors, such as being honest and have students reflect on their own principles and values.

So before giving a take home test or another assessment where the opportunity to cheat presents itself try, “We’ve worked hard to build trust this year. I’m proud of the trust that we’ve built, I know you won’t let me down.” Then when you hand out the assignment, require students to look you in the eye and pledge their affirmation with a statement like “I will not cheat,” or “I won’t let you down.” 

As a final step, when students turn the assignment in you can have them either write on the assignment or have them say, “I fulfilled my promise. I didn’t cheat,” or a similar statement. When they do this, thank them for their work and honesty.  

So instead of threatening students with zeroes and office referrals, a more effective anti-cheating policy is to remind students of who they are, how they want to be seen and who they want to be.

Tasks, Important Information, Upcoming Events

Wednesday, February 12: Senior class picture. To ensure all seniors will have the opportunity to be in the class picture, the picture will be taken at 1pm. 

1. Seniors will be called out of their 2A classes or lunch at 12:50 to go to the stadium.
2. At 12:55 students will be lined up by Mr. Garland, Ms. McCaskill for pictures.
3. At 1pm the picture will be taken.
4. Students will be dismissed to class or PM CATEC. 

Thursday, February 13: Medford League Basketball Game during Mustang Morning 

Friday, February 14: B day, Lovefest, ACPS climate survey to be administered before all Lovefest Activities. No clubs. 

AVID Professional Learning Workshop (earn 14 re certification points, become AVID certified, learn new instructional techniques that are high-yield and can be easily implemented): Feb 18-19 @ Jouett. Email wtrent@k12albemarle.org if you're interested in attending.

If you haven't yet completed the Showcase Survey, please do so  https://forms.gle/V9aqhxC32PDe1VaY9


Intent to return. Intent 2020.  Please complete by 2/21/20.

 

Field Trips

February 11: Leadership/Winterfest with our feeder elementary schools 

Birthdays
February 10: Hannah Huntington
February 11: David Waters
February 12: Jeff Lloyd
February 14: Barry Keith

Useful Information

Bell Schedules http://bit.ly/MustangBells 

• This includes links to the Friday calendars and the year-end calendar

Seeking volunteers? ACPS is attempting to expand volunteer outreach and help teachers find volunteers. Here’s a form that takes a minute to complete.

Morning Announcement Stream: http://streaming.k12albemarle.org/ACPS/links.htm

Announcement Request

Athletic team schedules, rosters, etc.

Teacher Manual

Want something included on the Monticello Outlook Calendar, the Monticello website, in the PowerSchool Daily Bulletin, schoolwide Schoology accounts, or the student newsletter (viewed by parents, students and staff)? Please use this link https://goo.gl/forms/bIjfJLKokWPcEHx33 

Worth Your Time

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How teachers get cold calling right

 

7:40-8:40	Zero Period
8:55-10:55	1st Period After Announcements: ACPS Climate Survey
11:00-1:00	2nd Period   Lunch Class 1st: 11:00-11:35 11:40-1:00 2nd: 12:25-1:00 11:00-12:20
1:05-2:25	3rd Period
2:30-3:50	4th Period