February 10, 2022
from Mark Segal, Upper School Director
I find it funny that although I have worked in the education field for more than a quarter of a century, I find parenting my own child challenging at times. Even though I have had hundreds of conversations about homework completion, technology usage, and grades, it somehow is different when the subject of the conversation is my own flesh and blood. Because of my role, I often know more than a “regular” parent does so my wife takes much of the responsibility of holding our son accountable for his actions and behaviors. Don’t get me wrong, I weigh-in, but find greater success not playing the “I know the real story” card.
Since early in his childhood, my wife and I have worked hard to instill the importance of being honest, even when it could lead to a negative consequence, in our son. This is, as we all know, much easier said than done. Even though we are all born with a natural sense of honesty, not telling the truth is a quick and often used defense mechanism. Realizing as we grow up that being dishonest allows us to avoid punishment, we instinctively twist the truth, at times, worried only about the consequence should we actually tell the truth.
In a recent blog post by noted author and academic, Angela Duckworth, she shares that, during the pandemic ripple effects of anxiety and stress may seem like a license to prioritize our wants and needs over our oughts and shoulds.” She goes on to explain that due to these feelings and until the crisis is over, it is okay to “cheat a little on homework and exams.” As you may imagine, as a school administrator I found the need to read, and re-read, this sentence and dive more deeply into this belief.
Unfortunately, there is research that verifies that this is happening. A recent article in the International Journal for Educational Integrity finds that negative emotions may, indeed, increase student occurrences of plagiarism and cheating. The studies show that, the challenges of education can be stressful, anxiety-producing, and sometimes depressing for students” and that these emotions may influence them to participate in academic misconduct.
Our hope at MPA is that when students experience these feelings that they double down on being honest not only with others, but also with themselves. Duckworth explains, “in these challenging times, we cannot underestimate the influence of stress on every aspect of behavior, including honesty.” At MPA we always strive to Dream Big. Do Right. and there is no better way to do this than to hold fast to the idea of being honest, even when it may be easy to take a path of less resistance.
As you know, one of the strong tenets of MPA is the relationships we build with students and families. It is for this reason that we ask you to have conversations with your students, as we do, about their academic honesty. We realize that in today’s world, with most answers literally at our fingertips, some may find it difficult to not let academic dishonesty occur; especially given the stresses we all have been experiencing over the past two years. Read More
Thank You!
What is it about great teachers that makes them stand out?
How many years have you been at MPA?
How many years have you been a student at MPA?
from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Do you have room to spare? Space in your heart for another family member? A desire to expand your family’s perspective of the world? MPA is seeking host families for international students for the 2025-26 school year!
What do you love about MPA?
Please join the Visual Arts Department in congratulating these Upper School artists for having their work acknowledged in the 2022 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards!
from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School