Academic Integrity Policy
Columbia Virtual Academy Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Introduction:

CVA is dedicated to fostering a community of academic excellence and integrity. In this partnership between students, parents, and educators, it is vital to uphold ethical standards, especially in the context of increasing technology use, including artificial intelligence (AI). This policy outlines our expectations for academic honesty, responsible AI usage, and the roles of all participants in maintaining the integrity of our academic environment.

1. Academic Integrity Principles
Students are expected to:
• Complete Their Own Work: All assignments, tests, and projects must be the student's original work.
• Use AI Responsibly: AI tools can assist in learning, but students must ensure that their work reflects their own understanding and effort.
• Cite Sources: When using information, ideas, or AI-generated content, students must provide citations.

2. Roles and Responsibilities
Students:
• Adhere to Academic Integrity: Understand and follow the principles of academic honesty, including responsible AI usage.
• Seek Clarification: Ask teachers when unsure about what constitutes academic dishonesty or appropriate AI use.
• Submit Original Work: Ensure all submitted work is genuinely theirs, with credit given for any external assistance or AI usage.

Parents:
• Support Ethical Learning: Encourage students to complete their own work and understand the importance of academic integrity.
• Guide AI Usage: Help students use AI tools as learning aids rather than shortcuts.
• Monitor Progress: Ensure that students are engaging with their work authentically and adhering to the integrity policy.

3. Responsible Use of AI
AI tools, such as writing assistants, calculators, and research bots, are increasingly available to students. While these can enhance learning, misuse can undermine academic integrity. Students should:
• Use AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch: AI should support learning, not replace the student’s effort and critical thinking.
• Avoid AI-Generated Work: Submitting AI-generated work as their own without significant personal input is considered academic dishonesty.
• Cite AI Sources: Just like any other resource, AI-generated content must be properly cited.

4. Forms of Academic Dishonesty
• Plagiarism: Using someone else's work or AI-generated content without proper citation.
• Cheating: Using unauthorized materials, devices, or AI tools during assessments.
• Fabrication: Falsifying information, data, or citations, including those generated by AI.

5. Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
Violations of academic integrity compromise the learning environment and will be taken seriously. Consequences may include:
• First Offense: A warning and re-submission of the assignment – using a notation of “Incomplete” until re-submission occurs. Parents will be informed.
• Second Offense: A meeting with parents and CVA Administration to determine grade and assignment expectations

6. Academic Integrity Pledge
At the start of the school year, students and parents will sign an Academic Integrity Pledge, affirming their commitment to this policy and the responsible use of AI tools.

7. Reporting and Resolution
Concerns about academic dishonesty or misuse of AI should be reported to the associated course teacher and school administration when necessary. Reports will be investigated confidentially and addressed promptly, with a focus on education and prevention.

See the Academic Integrity Pledge attached to this article. 

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