BP 5131.9 Academic Honesty

This policy establishes academic honesty as a fundamental component of student education, prohibiting acts like cheating and plagiarism, and outlines disciplinary actions for violations. It also specifically addresses the permitted and prohibited uses of technology, including AI, in academic work.

PROPOSED POLICY

Book PAUSD Policies & Regulations

Section 5000 - Students

Title Academic Honesty

Code 5131.9 BP

Status Active

Adopted January 12, 2010

The Board of Education believes that academic honesty and personal integrity are fundamental components of a student's education and character development. The Board expects that students will not cheat, lie, plagiarize, or commit other acts of academic dishonesty.

(cf. 5131 - Conduct) (cf. 6162.6 - Use of Copyrighted Materials)

Students, parents/guardians, staff, and administrators shall be responsible for creating and maintaining a positive school climate that encourages honesty. Students found to have committed an act of academic dishonesty shall be subject to district and school-site discipline rules.

(cf. 5137 - Positive School Climate) (cf. 5144 - Discipline)

The Superintendent or designee may establish a committee comprised of students, parents/guardians, staff, administrators and members of the public to develop standards of academic honesty, measures of preventing dishonesty, and specific consequences for acts of dishonesty. Any recommendations for discipline shall be incorporated into the school's site level discipline rules.

(cf. 1220 - Citizen Advisory Committee)

Prohibited and Permitted Technology Use Commented [AB1]: Entire section is new CSBA language. Addresses student use of technology As the district's standards for academic achievement are designed to challenge all students to reach (e.g., artificial intelligence) as it relates to their full potential in acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for success in postsecondary academic honesty. education, employment, and responsible citizenship, any use of technology that prevents or inhibits a student from achieving these standards is prohibited. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to, using technology primarily or solely for the completion of coursework as a student's original work and generating answers to mathematical, scientific, or analytical problems.

Permitted uses of technology include, but are not limited to, conducting research, correcting grammar and spelling, and learning from educational applications such as tutoring systems and language learning applications. Commented [AB2]: A student who has been Additionally, consistent with the limitations expressed in this policy and with teacher consent, identified as a student with a disability may students may also use technology to assist with assessments, homework, and/or makeup work or require assistive technology devices and other uses approved by the teacher. services, including the use of AI. Pursuant to EDC 56341.1, a student's IEP team must However, a student with a disability shall be permitted to use technology for any purpose identified consider whether a student with a disability in the student's individualized education program as a tool to support the student's learning. needs assistive technology devices or services, defined in 20 USC 1401 as any item, piece of If an employee suspects that a student has used technology in violation of this policy, the student equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional shall be given the opportunity to demonstrate that the use of technology was in accordance with this capabilities of a student with a disability. policy.

Any information acquired from an employee's use of technology in determining whether a student has committed an act of academic dishonesty shall be shared with the student, and the student's parent/guardian as appropriate.

The Superintendent or designee may provide training to staff regarding the use of technology to improve education, including the detection of plagiarism and sensitivity to potential discrimination from algorithmic bias.

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE 35291-35291.5 Rules