posted on February 5, 2001 02:48:08 PM new
I just had a really crummy day, and I'm looking for a friendly ear. DH is not here so I came to you guys-you always give such good advice.
As I've mentioned before, I teach an EMT class to high school seniors. To me, this is an adult class, I treat the students like adults, and expect mature behaviour.
I was devastated this morning to learn that 3 of my kids got the office aide to make copies of a major exam for them so they could find out what was on the test (even though I always give them a review that tells them EXACTLY what they will be tested on).
I confronted them in front of the principal, they admitted what they had done (after they found out I had witnesses), and I had them removed from class.
I did this for 2 reasons. 1) They need to learn now that they are responsible for their actions and must expect to pay the consequences. 2) An ambulance, where someone's life depends upon the EMT knowing what he's doing, is no place for someone who cheated their way through class.
I did what i thought was right, and I've been crying about it every since. Disappointment in the kids, concern over a program that I built and made successful myself. I'll be gone in two days, it will be someone else's problem. But I felt that it was my responsibility to handle this.
Did I do the right thing? Or am I a mean old #*!@ who should have given them 'one more chance'?
posted on February 5, 2001 02:53:10 PM new
I think what you did was right. You need to know what you are doing when someone's life depends on it. If those kids want to finish the course, they should just take it over again. Who knows what else they may have cheated on?
posted on February 5, 2001 02:53:49 PM new
Absolutely right, bearmom! You can't certify someone who would rather cheat than learn the material. I taught neonatal resuscitation, and if the students couldn't do it, they didn't pass.
posted on February 5, 2001 02:55:39 PM new
Bearmom,
I'm sorry. You did do the right thing. High school seniors should take responsibility for their actions and they knew it was wrong. Don't beat yourself up over it.
You sound like a good teacher and a really caring person.
I can't say I never cheated on a test when I was in high school, though. Then in college there was actually a place where you could legitimately get copies of old exams from some of the courses to study for the current exams.
Getting a copy of the actual test, though, is very different. I think you're 100% right.
posted on February 5, 2001 03:00:22 PM new
Bearmom
For what it is worth, I think you did the right thing. Like you said, working on an ambulance is a big responsibility. Lives could potentially be at stake. I know, that I would not want to have to worry if the EMT responding to a call for me, cheated their they are becoming adults, and that as an adult you will be responsible for your actions and that your parents will not be there to bail you out. One would at least hope that their parents would not constantly bail them out of trouble as adults. You may not be their favorite person right now. But, hopefully later on in their lives they will be grateful to you for what you did today.
posted on February 5, 2001 03:44:18 PM new
You sound like a wondeful teacher. Don't second guess yourself, you knew you were right to disciplin them when you did it.
As for parents coming to gripe about it? Ask them if they would want an EMT who skated by and cheated to be the one at the scene of a loved ones accident or major medical emergency. Let them chew on that for awhile.
If my kids were ever caught cheating or stealing I'd appreciate being informed so that I could be the biggest part of it never happening again. So maybe you shouldnt worry so much that the parents will be angry with you.
[ edited by kitsch1 on Feb 5, 2001 03:46 PM ]
posted on February 5, 2001 03:46:55 PM new
bearmom...thank you for making such a difficult choice. I'm sure it was not easy (and will be even tougher tomorrow with the parents!)
I used to work with Paramedics and it's very important that they not only know the information, but that they also have the character to be able to work with the sick and injured. I can't tell you how many stories I've read about patients getting their wallets and personal effects stolen by the Paramedics who they were trusting to take care of them. While this may seem like a youthful indescretion, the kids need to understand that the entire package is what is important and that includes morals as well as ability.
Stand your ground. I can't imagine that at least one set of parents won't support you in this. I'm sure some of the angst comes from your disappointment in them.
posted on February 5, 2001 04:01:47 PM new
You did exactly the right thing! I only wish other teachers would do the same in cases of cheating, regardless of subject matter of course.
posted on February 5, 2001 04:33:24 PM new
If the parents give you a hard time ask them how they would feel if they were having surgery and found out their doctor cheated in medical school to get through?
They may not have gained anything because you told them what it would cover but the INTENT to cheat was there even if they got no benefit.
It is your last day. If the parents give you a hard time tell them it is not your job and in any case it is probably too late to try to teach them (the parents) ethics. They do have college courses in ethics if they would like to discover a new horizen.
[ edited by gravid on Feb 5, 2001 04:34 PM ]
posted on February 5, 2001 05:35:17 PM new
njzard, that is pretty much what I told them-that no matter who started the whole thing, participating in it through intent or by not telling me demonstrated a lack of morals-that I wouldn't let anyone I couldn't trust on an ambulance with a patient.
DH just made his nightly call, and between him and you guys, I feel better. I'll remember what you all said tomorrow, and it will give me strength to deal with the parents-who taught their kids everything they know!
posted on February 5, 2001 09:49:59 PM new
Bearmom: I really think you did the right thing. I hope your principal will support you when the parents start screaming.
I really hope the office aide involved in this gets punished. Is this an adult or a student?
posted on February 6, 2001 04:48:46 AM new
Student-my students claim it was her idea. Somehow, I doubt that. It was one of the 'popular' kids that started this, and I imagine when Jacquie was asked by her to do this, she never dreamed of saying no. That doesn't excuse her of course. I don't know if the principal did anything to her or not, he's pretty spineless. Which has something to do with the general atmosphere of laxness in our school right now.
posted on February 6, 2001 11:13:52 AM newbearmom
I wish I could reach into your monitor and give you a hug! It takes a strong person to do what you did. Every one of those students and their parents should thank you. Don't expect it today, but one day, from far away, I think you'll hear the echo of those students, now adults, appreciating what you did for them. I'm sure this is a difficult day for you ~ take pride in knowing that you very much did the right thing!
This Mommy thanks you from the bottom of her heart!
posted on February 6, 2001 02:06:45 PM new
Update: I didn't hear from a single parent today. I got the impression that the principal told them he would 'straighten this out' when I left. Little does he know I've already reported the kids to the state health department who officially dropped them from the class-he can't change that like he changes grades.
The nicest thing is the teachers who came up to shake my hand or give me a hug and tell me how much they appreciated what I had done. This is not the first time the kids have done this in a class, but those teachers didn't have the health department and state law to hold over the principal's head, so the kids got away with it.
A crummy way to end a 15 year career at this school, but maybe the fact that I'm leaving is why God chose me to do it-I had nothing to lose...
Thanks again, everyone, for being so supportive-I'd give you all a hug if I could-I'm so grateful you're here to talk to!
posted on February 6, 2001 03:32:23 PM new
bearmom,
The parents of these kids should be thanking you. It took guts and heart to do what you did. It's exactly the kind of example you should set. Best of luck to you. I only wish there were more teachers like you around.
You did do the right thing. High school seniors should take responsibility for their actions and they knew it was wrong. Don't beat yourself up over it.
and applaud you 
