Speaking on such matters as exam irregularities is tough for many parents or guardians. However, keeping mum despite knowing the harsh realities does not help our children and the society as a whole. A recent adverse case of cheating is that of Piper High School. Cheating is something that has been getting rampant in our society and should not be taken lightly. From the Piper incident, we get to learn a lot about people’s take on exam dishonesty. A lot needs to be done to eliminate plagiarism in our schools. Turning a blind eye on the same may win us popularity with our children, but will easily be the death of their education ethics. After a thorough look into Piper High School it was evident that the situation was severe because of poor policies without clear outlines, parent’s influence and their lack of concern which led to degradation of the school and shame among its stakeholders and hence the mistake of the whole society.
Firstly, the school has poor policies without a clear outline. For instance, on the incident at the school, we realize that the effects of cheating are far much adverse. Policies put in place to help them did not work as they failed more. Failing became easier since one gets a zero for copying from other sources. There is no doubt that curbing cheating is very hard especially when one does not get the support from others; these are the students’ parents and fellow colleagues. Pelton had support from the principal and district superintendent still did not make it easier for her. The scandal makes everyone take sides and the teachers against local school board: shame and degradation. However, they should all realize that it was a collective responsibility.

Secondly, Parents had a weak influence on their children and lack of concern on the matter. A recent study shows the prevalence of irregularities in exams where more than 4000 United States students in secondary copy their assignment from other sources. Parents are major to blame for this because they do not do their best to ensure their children get into trouble due to their actions. I think all the students should learn to be their bosses and be careful of the consequences of their actions. Despite all these, the parents are right to say that the conditions put in place by the teachers are unfavorable. For instance, one of the parent’s states that it was difficult to write some sentences in different ways i.e. “the oak tree lives to 200 to 500 years old”. Saying that you gave the learners enough warning does not help as such rules cannot usually solve some things such as plagiarism.

Due to the failure of the society, there was degradation of the school and shame brought upon them. The reputation of the school got ruined because the community did not seem to notice the costs of what they are doing. In protecting your child, one should also be watching out on what would happen as a result of the school as a whole. In the article, the writers say, “Meanwhile, the school has a smudged reputation.” We get to know more on this when Kansas University writes to the school board warning that the institution’s honor code gets followed.

In conclusion, cheating is a major concern in our schools and need to be dealt with accordingly. Involving the parents in decision making can help curb the problem. The eradication of poor policies put in place by the teachers and board without involving the other school stakeholders will also help a great deal. All in all, dishonesty in schools calls for support from all related stakeholders to help do away with it.