Is Everyone Cheating? Why Schools Need An AI Strategy Now
- Parents Unite
- May 14
- 3 min read
A recent article in The New York Magazine by James Walsh, Everyone is cheating their way through college: ChatGPT has unraveled the entire academic project, should be a wake-up call for every parent and educator.
“After spending the better part of the past two years grading AI-generated papers, Troy Jollimore, a poet, philosopher, and Cal State Chico ethics professor, has concerns. ‘Massive numbers of students are going to emerge from university with degrees, and into the workforce, who are essentially illiterate,’ he said. ‘Both in the literal sense and in the sense of being historically illiterate and having no knowledge of their own culture, much less anyone else’s.’ That future may arrive sooner than expected when you consider what a short window college really is. Already, roughly half of all undergrads have never experienced college without easy access to generative AI. ‘We’re talking about an entire generation of learning perhaps significantly undermined here,’ said Green, the Santa Clara tech ethicist. ‘It’s short-circuiting the learning process, and it’s happening fast.’”
We asked ChatGPT, “How are high school kids using AI?”
The response:
High school students are using AI in all kinds of ways—some helpful, some questionable. Here's a breakdown:
✅ Positive and Productive Uses of AI
These are ways students are using AI to support learning, not replace it:
Homework Help & Tutoring
Using tools like ChatGPT or Khanmigo to explain tough concepts (math problems, essay structure, science explanations).
Getting instant feedback on writing or grammar.
Study Tools
Generating flashcards (e.g., with Quizlet + AI).
Summarizing notes or chapters.
Creating practice tests or questions for review.
Organization & Time Management
Using AI tools to build study schedules or manage assignments.
Setting reminders or task lists using smart assistants.
Creative Projects
Generating ideas for essays or stories.
Creating images or videos with AI for presentations.Enhancing art or music projects with generative AI tools.
❌ Questionable or Dishonest Uses
These are where students cross into cheating or misuse:
Essay Writing or Homework Completion
Copy-pasting AI-generated essays or answers without understanding or modifying them.
Turning in assignments written entirely by ChatGPT or similar tools.
Test or Quiz Cheating
Using AI on phones or smart devices to get answers during assessments.
Typing in test questions to get quick solutions.
Plagiarism via AI
Submitting AI-written content without citing sources or claiming it as original work.
🔍 What Schools Are Doing About It
Some schools are blocking AI tools on devices or networks.Others are teaching students how to use AI ethically—as a study tool, not a shortcut.
Teachers are also learning how to spot AI-generated work and design assignments that are harder to game (e.g., oral exams, in-class writing).
Final Thought
AI isn't "good" or "bad"—it's a tool. High schoolers who learn how to use it ethically and smartly will probably have a big advantage in the future. If you’re a student or just curious, I can walk you through how to use it to actually learn better—not just coast.
Want a list of AI tools students are using right now?
Do independent schools have a sense of urgency in understanding the role of AI?
Boards and heads of school displayed unprecedented urgency to remake their schools post-George Floyd. They jumped into action immediately to respond with equity audits, focus groups, beefed-up DEI departments, and full-on self-flagellation. Coerced by social justice activists, NAIS, and accreditors, schools transformed themselves and embedded DEI into every facet of the school. It wasn’t clear what threat they were responding to, except to assuage their white guilt.
Now that there is an actual threat to learning, is anyone leading AI initiatives? There seems to be a lack of urgency around understanding how AI might compromise students' intellectual development and integrity and what to do about it. Not to mention the threat to critical thinking and the bias with ChatGPT.
Where to start?
As a response to “cheating,” many schools now have AI policies. But do they also have:
An AI advisor/director (akin to a DEI director) to understand what is happening in the industry and the implications for independent schools?
An active task force/committee to determine the optimal role of AI and technology at school?
A curricular audit to understand the universe of valuable AI tools and where they might be useful?
An AI plan? Akin to a DEI plan.
Vetted AI professional development opportunities for faculty and staff?
Trusted thought leaders and partners from whom to learn?
How will your school meet this moment and prepare students for college, where they increasingly depend on AI to succeed, and where knowledge expansion is threatened? Schools have stacked their boards with experts in finance, education, DEI, and more; it's time to bring in some tech experts.
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