Student handbooks at school contained very basic information about student discipline, goals, values, and relations. And by reading it, students would be able to know what is expected, prepare for future decisions, and to be more familiar with their own educational environment. We are going to compare KAS high school handbook with another international school in Kaohsiung, MAK (Morrison Academy Kaohsiung), and a well-known school from the states, Byram Hills High School. By comparing them, we would see what each school values more.
Schools, are to encourage students to strive for their best. It is very important, especially for high schoolers, that they are clear of the best things to do. To ensure students make appropriate decisions, school’s lists out their expectations or missions for students to follow. Kaohsiung American School challenges students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers, effective communicators, active learners, and community contributors. (page 10) While Morrison Academy’s vision for maturing students are to be spiritual discerners, effective communicators, critical and creative thinker, lifelong learner, and moral/ethical citizens. (page 9) On the other hand, Byram Hills’ standards for excellence are that a graduate “will know the value of, and be able to set goals for himself/herself. Will have the initiative to do more than what is required. Will know how to accept and handle challenges both as an individual and as a group participant. Will understand the importance of responsibility for self and others and of being dependable. And will recognize the dignity of all races and creeds, reflect these virtues in study and action.” (page 5) Along from the school’s’ goals for students, we can tell their culture or religion difference. All schools have similar expectations for their students, are that they can people of high characters. To display positive moral behaviors, to accept and respect both themselves and others. And to have the sense of who they are and what the believe. However, Morrison Academy is a Christian school, therefore, they also value the words in Bible. In addition, in their handbooks, there will be sentences like, “appreciate who God is and His provision for reconciliation through Jesus Christ”, or “ make ethical decisions from a Christian perspective”. They are expected to apply the knowledge of Bible into their daily life.
According to the school’s expectations we’ve compared above. It is true all three schools value’s students honesty and integrity. For further understanding, what exactly is having integrity? It means doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. It means doing your own work even if your friend offers you help on a summative or a take-home exam. It means writing your own paper and cite all sources you’ve used. It also could mean, reporting someone you suspect has cheated on an exam or other assignments. Having integrity means believing in the principles and standards of our community and making sure your behavior is consistent with those principles and standards. The reason I want to talk more about, specifically this term, is because our society is all based on our ability to trust each other. Developing good behaviors now will help students as they enter adulthood. After I’ve read through all three high school’s handbook, I believe Kaohsiung American School gives the most detailed explanation about plagiarism and cheating. In the handbooks of other two high schools, they only explain the definition of academic dishonesty and list out the consequences. But didn’t go further into the steps of how to avoid such things from happening. “Academic honesty is an essential component of the KAS culture.” (page 32) According to KAS handbook, here are few things that help students avoid being unclear about their information sources: transparency, appropriateness, the formal submission. The forms of academic dishonesty can be plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, duplication of works, and collusion. (page 33) One of the things I found interesting when flipping through the rules of plagiarism in Morrison Academy’s handbook is that they have a whole page of “Bible Instruction”. Where it stood as essential as academic honesty. “Bible instruction is an integral part of the curriculum at Morrison Academy.” (page 15) Maybe that’s why their handbook didn’t show a lot of instructions on academic honesty since Bible pointed all that out already. For the consequences, all three schools emphasize the same idea. Byram Hill’s said, “Students who commit violations will receive, at the minimum, a penalty of a failing grade on the suspect assignment/test.” Moreover, Morrison Academy shows a chart of “Discipline for Cheating and/or Plagiarism”, showing the consequences for different levels of offense. (page 14) Well KAS, basically, just explains straightforward students will get zeros on assignments or courses depends on the situation. Setting up a good profile for yourself is very important, it will determine how others view you, judge you. School is the place that allows you to make mistakes, before entering the real world. The topics mentioned above are the aspects I thought were essential to become what the society would desire one to be.
Go check out these student handbooks: