FAKE ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Why do education scandals keep happening? There is no excuse for educational leaders to fake academic success. But in an effort to understand why certain school leaders resort to falsifying data, we need to examine what creates and sustains environments where educators feel induced to cheat, so that we can be preventative rather than reactionary.
A number of forces create environments where cheating seems a viable option to some. First, the anxiety around school report cards and being labeled as a deficient or underperforming. Second, the inception of initiatives such as “No Child Left Behind” and “Race to the Top,” teacher and administrative evaluations and financial based compensation systems. Third, school administrators and teachers of failing schools face job insecurity and are more likely to be observed and evaluated by the stake holders.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
1. The intense focus on data and scores drives teachers away from the profession.
2. Every student impacted by grade inflation or reports will feel the impact after graduation.
CONCLUSION
Educators and school leaders should look at the deeper meanings of teaching and learning rather than relying disproportionately on numbers. This kind of reflection will enable school leaders to shift the focus of children’s education beyond metrics and data. Moreover, the stake holders must keep a close watch on educational leaders and these kind of activities to safeguard the future of their kids.
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