Many students are granted the accommodation of extended time for tests and assessments for their classes. Usually the student takes the first part of the test with their normal class, and then schedules a time with their teachers to take the rest. Ms. Rose explained the fact that it’s not just passed out; it requires a lot of time, testing, and reviewing by the student report team at school to see if a student should be granted the accommodation. The concept of extra time has stirred up questions of academic honesty and fairness among Hewitt students. 

Credit: Shutterstock.com
Credit: Shutterstock.com

Students must schedule their extra time with their teachers in order to complete the test in one day, and in one sitting if possible. Although, busy schedules don’t always allow for that, so those students often end up taking tests in two different sittings. Naturally, they might hear other students discussing answers or check something in their notes quickly in between sittings, which raises the question of academic honesty. As Ms. Rose stated, “Teachers have the ability and opportunity to change questions for extra time students so that academic dishonesty is not questioned.” There have been instances where students converse with each other after the test and have gone back and correct what they previously wrote.

Danielle S. ‘18 expressed, “I understand that some students need extra time for assessments but I think it’s frustrating when students take advantage of the extra time that they are given. I have seen moments where students take advantage of the extra time they are given by cheating and I don’t think it’s fair to the students who take it all at one time”. There have been instances like this in the past, so it is important that teachers either give portions of the test at a time or find a time for them to take it all at once.

Ms. Rose stressed that if you see something happening that shouldn’t be, it is important to stand up. “If people are using it in a way that does not show integrity, then that’s where the challenge lies.

“It can be frustrating to other students and teachers when the integrity is lacking. This raises a greater question about academic honesty. Academic integrity is a top priority at Hewitt, so although it can be difficult to enforce, being that there are ways to cheat, it is important to know what’s right and be an honorable student.

Taylor S. ‘18 said, “It’s obviously unfair for students to use extra time as a means of cheating. Nevertheless, not all students who have extra time cheat, and it all comes down to academic integrity. As a student with extra time, I understand the frustration from students who don’t have it and I know I feel the same way as them about cheating. The students with extra time and regular time are both obliged to be honest. We just need to find a way to eradicate cheating overall”.

Academic honesty must be looked at as a whole, so it is important that we figure out ways to continue being an institution that values and stands up to that.

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