School Offers Cheaters Second Chances

Parents outraged over a Fairfax County high school policy

Getting caught cheating may no longer mean a definite 0 score in some Alexandria, Va., classrooms.

The principal at West Potomac High School is now allowing teachers to decide whether a dishonest student should be allowed to simply retake a test.

The new school cheating policy is stirring up controversy with many parents. 

On the NBC Washington Facebook page, Sue wrote:

“Learning that consequences are sometimes permanent is a good lesson,” Sue wrote on NBC Washington's Facebook page.

“At the very least, the child should fail the test and drop a letter grade,” wrote another viewer.

"I think they should be allowed to retake the test. My guess would be that if they were cheating they would fail the test anyway,” commented another.

Principal Cliff Hardison said he made the policy change because he believes cheating should be considered a disciplinary problem and not an academic issue. 

Separate school departments will be considering whether to implement the policy.

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