Cheating scandals are not new. They happen at some of our

nation’s top universities and colleges and most prestigious prep academies. But

what is disturbing about the latest episode in New York City is that teachers

and principals were behind it.

The scandal erupted after a 17-month investigation found that

52 teachers and principals in 32 New York City schools had given students

test answers in advance or helped them change incorrect answers after

the fact. That is particularly unsettling because it

suggests some educators are more focused on improving test scores

to save their own hides than making sure kids

learn what they need to know to graduate.

In response to the New York City cheating

scandal, some educators are blaming increasing pressure from society

and parents to raise test scores. But that doesn’t excuse cheating. Yes,

test scores are important, but they are meaningless if they don’t

accurately reflect what the student knows.

As Washington state continues to implement its tough new

student-testing system, hopefully parents, teachers, students and legislators will

focus on learning _ not just raising test scores. We should focus on

acquiring knowledge and skill. When students become job applicants, good

grades may get them in the door, but knowing how to do a job and having

the ability to continue learning will keep them working and advancing

toward a better life.

Our grandmothers used to say, “Cheaters never prosper; they

only hurt themselves.” But in this case, they also can hurt our entire nation if

millions of school children are sent out into the “real world” without the

skills they need to survive and prosper.

Perhaps by getting caught in a major cheating scandal, the

teachers and administrators in the New York City school system will have

taught their students a valuable lesson after all.

Don Brunell is president of the Association of Washington

Business, Washington state’s chamber of commerce. Visit AWB on the Web

at www.awb.org.