Plagiarized paper update

[Catshrink]

Recap: One of my students blatantly plagiarized a website for a paper, offering no citation. I ran the paper through a website we use for such things and found a 92% duplication of published work. As a new teacher, this is the first time I've had to face this head on.

The latest: I talked to my principal and department chair today, both of whom wanted me to call the parents and arrange a meeting. It's set up for tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. Both of them coached me on how to present the allegation. The principal told me not to offer them a solution on the spot, but to tell them I'd think about the next step. He wants to know the kid's demeanor, etc. One thing I am to make clear to him and his mom is that this is now part of his permanant school record. Regardless of the disposition of this incident, if it happens again there will be dire consequences.

When I called his mom to set up the meeting, I told her her son needed to be there also so I'd need to pull him from his class. That's how I learned that he is serving a 3 day "in school suspension" for fighting last week. Talk about piling on! Bad choices.

I'm not inclined to let it slide. He will receive a zero on the assignment, whether he fails the course is up in the air. This is from my principal and I agree.

I'll keep you posted on the results of tomorrow's meeting.

Thanks for all your support, DUers!!!

[Fovea]

1. Stand your ground...

It is better he grow up to serve freedom fries than to become a shallow, cheating non entity like our beloved leader, or a plagarist like Tony Blair.

[Catshrink]

2. He doesn't have enough ambition

to serve freedom fries or flip burgers. Nothing too strenuous, please -- video games will do nicely.

[liberalnurse]

3. Well, do you think that you could maybe

give him a chance to do it on his own, then drop one letter grade?
I think this could be a learning experience. He obviously has time to study and research with the 3 day suspension.

Maybe there are problems at home where he could not feel confident to do it on his own. I'd ask myself if the fighting at school is a clue to problems at home.... What was the students prior scholastic pattern, and is this a significant change?

It's easy to be punitive and look for a quick fix. Life is a lesson in itself and these are the formitive years. Could you teach the student there is understanding from role models and we do look at the big picture some times.

I think the current plan offers no incentive for the student, you risk credibility and an opportunity to make a difference.

[welshTerrier2]

4. Well said

"permanent school record", dire consequences, suspension ...

these are not the words of hope and motivation ... these are not the words of inspiration ... these are not the words educators use to "light a candle" in the darkness ...

you have every right to impose your sentence ... maybe this kid doesn't give a damn ... but, i hope you find your role more as an educator than a judge ...

you can't save every lost soul but it is a most noble business to try ...

[grasswire]

5. sounds to me like...

...this kid is having trouble that an F won't cure. I sure hope someone takes an interest and helps the family figure out what's wrong and what to do. Motivation and inspiration are the tools of genius teachers.

[bluestateguy]

6. Wait and see if he confesses

I always cut a little bit of slack to the student who owns up to their deed, but if he does not, then of course, throw the book at him.

[Gman]

7. The kid has a great future as a report writer for the right wing

and future GOP politicians.

[lynndew2]

8. Stick by your guns but also listen.

I would agree that a zero is warrented and if so I hope you do it. I wish you luck and I know you will make the correct decision Cat. :)

[Pert_UK]

9. Well.....I'm torn two ways.....

Plagiarism definitely merits punishment, but I'd still retain just the possibility that this kid can redeem himself on this.

If he was just being lazy, arrogant and is unrepentant, nail him to the wall.

On the other hand, if he was desperate to improve his grades and didn't have time to do the work, and also is VERY repentant, then maybe you give leniency a try......Don't let him off altogether, but if he really, REALLY is sorry and wants to do the paper again, then maybe it's worth a chance.

You don't want him to just write-off his whole school life because of this mistake.

IMHO of course.

P.

[Don_G]

10. Do What You Think Is Right

You know the details we haven't seen. Besides, I think you're right about 75% of the time which puts you up on me by a significant percentage.

You're a professional and I'm only an empathic amateur.

[Maddy McCall]

11. Be careful who you talk to about this...

There are federal laws that mandate that your student's privacy be maintained.

[VOX]

12. Sounds like the student has problems far beyond the plagiarism...

Fighting is a classic giveaway. Try to "read" the parents, and see if they are helping or hindering with their son's behavior; nothing you can do about it either way, but it may give you some insight into the root of the problem.

Do *not* let him off the hook for what he's done, but be aware that this is a great opportunity for this kid to make a change for the better, and communicate that to him.

Let him know that his actions have consequences, but that you're *not* the enemy. Insofar as possible, encourage him to open up a bit, and give him some options to work off any sanctions he's facing: extra credit, a make up paper after class, etc. Reach out to him just a bit if he's receptive.

Hang in there, Cat.