Cheating, Plagiarism & Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Cheating

Cheating occurs when a student attempts to deceive the teacher regarding their accomplishments on a record, report, paper, computer assignment, examination, or other course requirements. Examples include:

• Using unauthorized notes or study aids on a test or assignment or copying or paraphrasing another student’s answers on a test or assignment without the instructor’s permission

• Giving or receiving assistance from another student on a test or assignment without the instructor’s permission

• Altering graded work after it has been returned and then submitting the work for re-grading without the teacher's permission. Submitting two copies of the same or similar papers to two teachers without prior approval

• Fabricating data in support of laboratory or fieldwork

Cheating is categorized as a major offense in our progressive discipline policy.  Therefore, the consequences include:

• First Offense:  students will receive a ½ day ISS and a zero for the assignment

• Second Offense:  students will receive a full day ISS and a zero for the assignment

• Third Offence: students will receive a zero for the assignment and may be expelled

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a kind of cheating. Plagiarism involves taking someone else’s ideas, words, statements, or other works as one’s own without proper acknowledgment. Examples include:

• Word-for-word plagiarism: copying exactly from someone else’s text

• Section-by-section plagiarism: lifting phrases from someone else’s text

• Select-term plagiarism: lifting a special term from someone else’s text

• Borrowing facts, statistics, and other illustrative material unless the information is common knowledge

Citation errors are not necessarily plagiarism. The administration/instructor will determine whether citation errors rise to the level of plagiarism.  At the beginning of each year, English classes for 9th-12th grade students will include training on both the definition of plagiarism and our plagiarism discipline policies.  Consequences for plagiarism include:

• First Offense: students can redo the assignment for up to 50% credit and will receive additional training on the definition of plagiarism

• Second Offense: students will receive a ½ day ISS and a zero for the assignment

• Third Offence: students will receive a zero for the assignment and may be expelled

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer programs or tools that can perform tasks that usually require human thinking. This includes tasks such as answering questions, generating written or visual content, solving problems, translating languages, or analyzing data.

In school, AI tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, or image generators can be used to support learning, but they must be used responsibly, just like calculators or the internet.

Acceptable Uses of AI: 

• Brainstorming: Use AI to spark ideas, explore topics, or gather inspiration — not to replace your own thinking

• Feedback: AI can offer suggestions on grammar, style, or content — it’s a tool to help you revise, not rewrite

• Tutoring: AI can explain concepts, quiz you, and help review — just remember, it’s not a substitute for your teacher

• Research Help: AI can summarize info or suggest sources — but always double-check and read for yourself

Prohibited Uses of AI: 

• Don’t let AI do your assignments — that includes essays, answers, code, or creative work

• Don’t use AI to rewrite your rough drafts or solve math problems for you

• Don’t use AI in ways that dodge skill-building (like writing or problem-solving)

• Don’t rely on AI as your only source — think critically and use other supports

• Never use AI to impersonate others or generate fake content (emails, images, posts, etc.)

• Protect Privacy: Don’t share personal info with AI tools

*Remember to always cite any and all AI usage, even Grammarly! 

The administration/instructor will determine whether artificial intelligence was used in a prohibited way.  Consequences for inappropriate use include: 

• First Offense: students can redo the assignment for up to 50% credit and will receive additional training on the proper use of AI

• Second Offense: students will receive a ½ day ISS and a zero for the assignment

• Third Offense: students will receive a zero for the assignment and may be expelled

References

Definitions: Cheating, Plagiarism. (n.d.).  Retrieved on December 4th, 2019 from: http://ur.umich.edu/9394/Apr18_94/18.htm

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (v3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/