This article does not suprise me any more. But may I assure you that this tragedy plays itself out in the US every day. The disease is called social promotion and its causes are many including teacher burnout, misplaced sympathy, racism, apathy, unionism, ad nauseum.
I am a college teacher and I can share a story - I'll make it quick.
Scenario: grad student in education. He is taking my online course in Advanced English composition because his advisor thinks he needs more practice in writing. Essentially he is a remedial English student who has gotten to grad school through social promotion! He sends me a research paper at the end of the course which has been lifted word for word from the internet. Now this grad student is American born, not an immigrant.
I confront him electronically as it were---and he informs me that I must be wrong - he has always gotten good grades and no teacher ever told him he had to cite sources when copying from someone else. I gave him an option but I should have instantly failed him: either do another paper or get an F.
He did a mediocre paper and passed with a D because I was pressured. If anyone wants details freepmail me.
I have heard from an acquaintance who is a faculty member at a major state university that this is pervasive. Multiple websites serving up made to order term papers, and numerous "students" using them.
Many professors, especially adjunct and other untenured faculty, look the other way because if they bust the student they risk an unsatisfactory eval at the end of the course; and if this happens too often the prof's job may be in jeopardy.
Such is "higher education" in America today.
Don't tell me - let me guess. This student is a member of a minority group.
I have a friend who was a high school English teacher for years. Social promotions had bothered her for years - she used to say that it was only her Advanced Placement students who made her think she was accomplishing anything. Then the school district decided they needed "diversity" in the Advanced Placement classes.
After a year of that, she retired.
Take heart. My nine year old and eleven year old just told me that if outside information is used, the source must be given. :) They also said it is wrong to present someone else's work as their own.