Using the Epidemic of Academic Dishonesty as an Opportunity for Character Education: A Three-Year Mixed Methods Study (with Mixed Results)

Abstract

Academic dishonesty among high school students has long since transformed into an epidemic that affects nearly every student, compromising not only their intellectual growth but also their moral development. Yet, beyond the occasional hand-wringing in the media, the problem has been largely ignored by teachers, schools, policymakers, and even character educators. To address this notable failure to respond, the authors developed and evaluated a character education program that sought to use the epidemic of academic dishonesty as an opportunity to reduce cheating and promote integrity. The present article describes the core components and central mechanisms of this schoolwide program as well as results from a 3-year mixed methods study of its implementation at 3 high schools in the Northeastern United States. These results and their implications are discussed in detail. The article also outlines suggestions for further program development and research.