From January 16, 2015

By the time you read this, most students will only have 1 exam left and the fall semester will be behind us.  There are always some minor issues when you test this many students. Undoubtedly, someone will do something that they should not do; someone will cheat (or at least attempt it). It seems counterintuitive, but research shows that "smart" kids are much more likely to attempt cheating than ones that struggle. They feel a pressure to maintain a high level of performance and when faced with a high stakes assessment, some will doubt their abilities. The same can probably be said of adults.  If you teach long enough, you've heard of teachers that did something that you probably thought was unethical. Rumors fly around a school with people like that. I personally feel bad for students or adults that are compelled to cheat. In a sense, cheating is an admission that you did not do all that you could have done in preparation for the exam. 

In the next few days, each of you will look at exam grades and either feel proud or worried. Chances are, you'll feel both emotions. Remember both feelings and take them into the second semester with you.  Work hard to build confidence in yourself and in your students throughout the second semester. After all, research also shows that confident test takers do better.

In a final note, thank you for your help and support throughout exams. This is probably be best example of teamwork you can find.  So far, everyone has done a fantastic job!