Definition of Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:
- Cheating: Using unauthorized resources, copying another student’s work, or receiving unauthorized help during tests or assignments.
- Plagiarism: Presenting someone else’s work, ideas, or words as one’s own without proper citation.
- Fabrication: Providing false information or altering academic records or assignments.
- Collusion: Working with others on assignments that are meant to be completed individually.
Prevention and Education:
- Education: Teachers will educate students about academic integrity and the importance of doing their own work. Lessons will be age-appropriate and integrated into the curriculum.
- Clear Guidelines: Teachers will provide clear instructions for assignments, tests, and projects, including what resources can be used and how to properly cite sources.
Procedures for Addressing Academic Dishonesty:
- Initial Investigation:
- If a teacher suspects academic dishonesty, they will gather evidence and discuss the concern with the student in a private, respectful manner.
- The teacher will inform the student’s parent or guardian about the issue and involve them in the discussion.
- Response to Dishonesty:
- TK-2 Grade Level: For younger students, the focus will be on teaching and reinforcing the importance of honesty. Repeated incidents may involve a parent conference and further disciplinary actions.
- 3-5 Grade Level: Students will receive a consequence appropriate to the nature of the dishonesty, such as redo assignments, loss of credit for the assignment, or a written reflection on the importance of academic integrity.
- 6-8 Grade Level: Consequences may include a zero on the assignment or test, additional work to be completed, and a conference with the student, parent, and teacher. Repeated incidents may lead to more severe consequences, such as disciplinary action or a meeting with the school principal.
- Appeals:
- Students or parents who disagree with the consequences have the right to appeal. An appeal should be made in writing to the school principal within five school days of the decision.
- The principal will review the case, meet with all parties involved, and make a final decision.
- Confidentiality:
- All discussions and actions related to academic dishonesty will be handled with confidentiality and respect for all parties involved.
- Support and Resources:
- The school will provide resources and support to help students understand academic integrity and improve their study skills.
Classroom Policy for Using AI Programs
Why This Policy Matters:
This policy helps us use AI programs like ChatGPT in smart, responsible ways. AI can be a great tool to help us learn when used correctly and with your teacher’s permission. But if it’s not used right, it can actually take away from what you’re supposed to be learning.
Our Guidelines:
Ask Your Teacher First:
Always get your teacher’s permission before using any AI tool for an assignment or class activity. Talk to your teacher about how you want to use it first.
Responsible Use:
AI should be used to help you learn and be creative, not to do all the work for you. Use AI as a tool to improve your learning, but don’t rely on it to do your assignments.
Keep It Original:
All work should be your own. If you use AI to help with your work, you need to make sure the final product is still your own original work. If you do use something from AI, make sure to say so.
Be Honest:
Always follow the rules for academic honesty. Cheating, even with AI, has consequences.
Keep Things Safe:
Don’t share personal information when using AI tools. Make sure you’re using them safely and respectfully.
AI Is Here to Help, Not Do the Work
AI tools are just that—tools. They should support your thinking and learning, not replace it. You’re still expected to understand the work you submit.
Be Ready to Explain:
Any work that uses AI can be reviewed by your teacher in a one-on-one discussion. Be prepared to talk about your assignment and explain it in your own words. If you can’t, it might be assumed that AI did the work for you, and you could face consequences.
