Fix 4 is another subset of fix 1 (don't lump behavior grade with academic grade). By giving a zero on assignments for cheating, it distorts the academic grade and does not accurately show what the student knows and is able to do. Having a clear policy in place to deal with academic dishonesty is key. The biggest part to the policy is how you punish the behavior.
"Effective policies first and foremost recognize that academic dishonesty is very serious inappropriate behavior equivalent to theft, and as such requires primarily behavioral consequences." (O'Connor, 40) The important words in the previous sentence is "requires primarily behavioral consequences." The appropriate academic consequence, O'Connor would argue, is to allow the student to redo the work with honesty and integrity. This will give a true measure of what the student knows and is able to do.
Our first reaction is to give a student a zero and punish behaviorally as well. By giving a zero, you are distorting the grade that reflects what that student knows. This again, could be added into a separate behavior grade.
If I pay for my electrical bill with counterfeit money, I will get in trouble for my behavior, but I will still have to pay my bill. Don't punish the student, give them a zero, and move on. See what they actually know.
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