So, Plagarism... Yeah, It's Wrong.

If I was ever convicted of serious plagiarism, I would certainly accept the failing grade that I would likely receive and not argue over whether or not it was deserved, because I have been clearly told--and tons of times-- that plagiarism will result in serious consequences.  I would make every effort to apologize to my teacher and even thank her for her intolerance of cheating.  If I ever was convicted of a less serious case of plagiarism (i.e. improper citation, incorrect paraphrasing, etc.) I would certainly be upset, but nevertheless, I would take the same measures with the addition of a request for help in the areas of documentation that I tended to struggle with.


My parents would absolutely agree with my teacher's actions in giving me a failing grade.  They have made it clear to me over the years that they hold me to a high standard of integrity, and they always tell me, "We would rather you do your own work and fail than using someone else's and make an 'A'."  They would in no way go against my teacher's guidelines and possibly even have consequences for me at home.


I am not entitled to any grade that I do not earn--regardless of whether or not I pay tuition to come to school here.  In fact, no one is.  Money should have no bearing whatsoever in a student's passing or failing average, because that would be unfair to students in other schools that do not require tuition payments.


Having been told all my life not to plagiarize, I know it is wrong and have seen the consequences in the lives of other students.  But this article appalled me to see that parents are standing up for their kids who have obviously broken the contract signed at the beginning of the year.  And they claim that their kids didn't know that they were plagiarizing by copying things off of the internet! As if sophomores in high school don't know what plagiarism is.  Honestly, I'm just shocked.


This article has just reinforced in my mind that plagiarism is wrong and should not go unpunished.


http://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/14/us/school-cheating-scandal-tests-a-town-s-values.html