December 2020

ClickDecember 2020
 
Well, I had my first major student/parent issue.  I had assigned a video reflection essay for both period 2 and period 3.  It was quite simple; the students were asked to watch the video of Gustavo Dudamel conducting as well as several other conductors and reflect upon what they saw.  This was clearly intended to be an independent assignment and while reading through the student submissions, it was clear that three students (Isabel, Taylor and Bridget) all had the same exact information, (some verbatim) written in their essays.  I sent an email to all three students telling them that they would all be receiving zeros and that they would be required to resubmit the assignment.  
 
All three students were in disbelief that I would “accuse” them of cheating, and all had their parents call to complain.  I was shocked to have three parents support their children’s plagiarism.  Taylor dropped my class immediately.  Bridget went to band full time and Isabel tried to get switched into band, but Joe Romano would not allow it which I appreciated.  After many conversations and emails with parents, I was truly disappointed that at no point were the students accountable for their actions.  
 
As a new teacher in the building, and it is unclear how long hybrid learning will be taking place, it was imperative that I set a tone with these students.  I want to avoid future instances of plagiarism as much of this work will be completed at home.  While I am the first to admit that this assignment was not of uber importance, it was an opportunity to show me independent, creative thought and you cannot accomplish that when cheating off of one another.  
 
I am very frustrated with this entire scenario.  I really would like to be playing music, not reading reflection assignments and dealing with issues related to plagiarism.