"Don't care what others think of what you do, but care very much about what you think of what you do" - St. Francis DeSales
Dan paced up and down the aisles of his tenth grade English class. It was the last day of their standardized testing. Dan was tired, and he could tell his students were as well. One in particular could barely hold his head up. Dan knew that this behavior would probably result in a low score on the test. This was one of his best students and he cringed at the thought of the repercussions of a poor score on this test.
During their break, Dan consulted with his colleague next door. His advice was not what Dan expected.
"Dan, you know the consequences if students do poorly on this test!"
"I know. I hate to think which class he'll be placed in next year," Dan said.
"No! It's not the kids I'm worried about. It's you!"
"Me?" Dan was confused.
"His failure is a blemish on your record. Do whatever it takes to prevent that, if you know what I mean."
Dan walked back to his room in shock. Was he suggesting what I think he's suggesting? he wondered. Dan sorted the response forms from the test booklets. When he came upon his sleepy student's form, he paused. He scribbled a note and attached it to the front of the form. The best he could do was inform the administration that the student was sleepy. Dan realized then that teachers are tempted to cheat for the same reason students are.
Honor above all!
Prompt: I feel pressure against my integrity in these areas. . .
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