Academic Honesty Policy

Academic Honesty Policy

Purpose

At IQAS, we believe that academic honesty is essential to fostering an environment of trust, respect, and integrity. This policy aims to ensure that all students engage in the inquiry process as principled learners and critical thinkers who respect the ideas of others. By developing an understanding of what academic honesty entails, students will recognize its importance in their academic and personal growth.

Definition of Academic Honesty

Academic honesty refers to the practice of producing and submitting work that reflects one’s own understanding, effort, and creativity. It includes giving proper credit to others for their ideas, respecting intellectual property, and maintaining integrity in all academic endeavors.

Why Academic Honesty Matters

1. Personal Integrity: Being honest in academic work fosters a sense of personal responsibility and ethical decision-making.

2. Respect for Others: Academic honesty demonstrates respect for the intellectual contributions of others and the collaborative nature of learning.

3. Authentic Learning: By engaging honestly in the inquiry process, students deepen their understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

4. Preparation for the Future: Academic honesty prepares students for future educational, professional, and personal responsibilities that require ethical behavior.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to:

1. Understand Academic Honesty: Learn what constitutes plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct.

2. Credit Sources Appropriately: Acknowledge the ideas, words, and works of others by following proper citation practices.

3. Collaborate Respectfully: Work collaboratively with peers while ensuring individual contributions are clearly distinguished when required.

4. Seek Guidance: Ask teachers or librarians for clarification when unsure about how to use or credit sources appropriately.

5. Take Ownership: Complete assignments, tests, and projects independently unless explicitly allowed to collaborate.

Examples of Academic Dishonesty

1. Plagiarism: Copying or using someone else’s work, ideas, or words without proper citation.

2. Cheating: Using unauthorized materials, resources, or help during tests, assignments, or other assessments.

3. Fabrication: Inventing or falsifying data, sources, or information.

4. Collusion: Allowing another student to copy or submit one’s work as their own.

5. Misrepresentation: Presenting another person’s work, such as purchased or pre-written assignments, as one’s own.

Teaching Academic Honesty Across Grade Levels

Academic honesty is a developmental skill. Students will:

1. Elementary Level: Learn foundational skills such as distinguishing between their own ideas and those of others, understanding the importance of fairness, and practicing simple citation techniques.

2. Middle School Level: Develop research skills, understand proper citation formats, and begin recognizing the ethical implications of academic dishonesty.

3. High School Level: Master advanced research techniques, demonstrate critical thinking and ethical reasoning, and apply comprehensive citation practices in all academic work.

Support for Students

IQAS is committed to helping students understand and practice academic honesty. Resources include:

1. Workshops or lessons on research and citation skills.

2. Access to tools such as plagiarism checkers and citation generators.

3. Guidance from teachers, librarians, and counselors.

Conclusion

By adhering to this policy, students at [School Name] will develop as principled learners and critical thinkers who value integrity and respect the ideas of others. Academic honesty is not only a cornerstone of education but also a vital skill for life.