Media Center

Addison Trail ENGLISH DEPARTMENT POLICY ON CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

“Whether you summarize, paraphrase or quote, you must credit your sources.  Plagiarism—the use of another person’s words without acknowledging the source is a serious offense, one you must always avoid" (Warriner’s High School Handbook 443).

In a case where a student gives source information, but does not cite quoted sources properly, the paper must be rewritten with correct sources noted.  Students may be asked to reproduce their sources to check the validity of a source.

For plagiarism—where there is a pattern of material taken without documentation from other sources—the paper will receive a zero until a new paper is written on a different topic.  This paper will receive a grade no higher than a “D” or the lowest passing grade.

In the case of stealing or taking another student’s research paper from a disk or hard copy, the paper will receive an automatic zero with no opportunity to re-do it.  In some courses, not notably English 11, failure to complete an acceptable research paper would result in an “F” for the course.  This penalty could also apply to the case of a student who willingly gives her/his paper to another student.

In cases of cheating on a test or homework that is taken from another student, the grade for that assignment will be an automatic zero for the student who cheated and for the student who gave homework or test answers away.

In addition, for plagiarism and cheating, both parents and counselors will be informed of the problem.  Where appropriate, school organizations that review student performance, honesty, and character, such as the National Honor Society, will be notified.

Media Center