Cheating has become a common occurrence I see within my classes, as seniors heading into college. I am aware that most seniors are facing a lack of motivation now that we are in the second semester of senior year, but it doesn’t justify feeling the need to cheat on every test, nor should teachers lose sight of what is going on in their class or even not being present on test day knowing students will take advantage of their presence. 

It’s my senior year and I am fed up with my teachers being unaware of how students are taking advantage of their phones and cheating on exams. After the new phone policy was announced that we’re going to have “stricter” electronic policy I feel like it’s somehow been less strict than before. I have always held myself to a standard that no matter what circumstances, having a sub in class, or the teacher doesn’t care to check our phones I will still always use my own knowledge and try my best to complete my exam to the best of my ability. 

I will say I am not one to snitch, however if my other classmates are cheating and my teachers are oblivious to it then it will affect my grade and the curve that I could possibly have, at this rate snitching should be normalized. The selfish behavior that could possibly cause me harm to my grade is not the point of school, if teachers were just to let us all cheat with no repercussions then why are we here learning everyday? 

Many seniors don’t see the point in trying or studying because they are already in college, but the real problem is that we are taught to not cheat and time and time are told that academic integrity is not tolerated, but some of my teachers walk out of the classroom mid class to fill up their coffee. That’s the number one unspoken rule as a teacher because it can’t get any clearer that students will talk and ask about the answers during that time. 

I feel a lot of frustration as this is an important topic that doesn’t only affect me, but many other students in my shoes who take the time to study. I don’t see a point in calling a student out for cheating in class if there are no punishments whether that be on their grade or not. I find it difficult to stay consistent doing my work when at the end of every class I turn to my right or left and see students taking pictures using Chat GPT every test. 

Hey Teachers, here’s an idea you should be checking the phone pockets before every major summative, especially for the fake burner phones. And why are we not paying attention to when students take the test and being aware of these signs of them using their phones. Every department should be communicating with each other on how to fix this issue, finding solutions on what strategies they are using to help their students succeed without cheating. Oh, and maybe grab coffee in between classes.