1. How do you feel about the new security policies that Long Island County will be implementing this fall?
2. Do you think that these security measures are necessary? If so, why?
3. Can you think of any other ways in which this county and/or other counties can prevent students from hiring stand-in test-takers?
Any other thoughts and/or comments?
Here is the Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-27/college-entrance-exam-security-tightened-after-scandal
This article is very interesting in that is places no fault on school and teachers. I am sure if the teachers heard of the rumor, then more teachers knew about the scandal. It is not surprising that teachers take a role in boosting achievement in order to receive benefits from increased test scores (As we have seen with the case in Georgia).
ReplyDeleteI think I am more surprised that this student and the students involved in the scandal did not receive harsher punishment. The demographics of the school and location of the school could possibly have something to do with it, however the article nor the case goes into grave details. I mean who else would have $1500 to pay someone to take their college entrance exams? In any case, the last time I check impersonating someone was a felony. I believe they call it "identity theft" regardless of the consenting person agreed for their identity to be used.
Even more important is what implications does this have for standardized test. I am sure this is not just one case. There are many people that partake in these scandals. What does that say about admission in higher education institutions? Are they necessarily needed as a requirement if students clearly do not need to take the test to gain entrance. I would love to see how this has broader implications and impact on college admissions on a national scale.
I agree with simplynene that the demographics of the cheaters is why they did not receive harsher punishment. This is no surprise since white collar crimes are committed by the upper, white middle class and they get off. They can hire good lawyers and these students' parents probably have high profile positions, which provides them with connections to ensure that their children do not receive harsh punishment.
ReplyDeleteIn regard to having students to provide a photo to ensure that they are who they say they are, I think this should have been in practice before now. If I recall correctly, I had to show some form of ID to take the ACT. I thought it was a photo ID, but maybe it wasn't. I think it should work, but somehow people always find a way around policies and practices.