Academic integrity problems are more common now that AI can write an essay in seconds. The temptation is to react fast and hard. That usually makes things worse.
A calm, consistent process protects the student, protects you, and actually teaches something.
Step 1: Gather before you accuse
Compare the work to the student's earlier writing.
Note specific concerns: sudden style changes, sources that don't exist, content you never taught.
Remember that AI detectors are not reliable enough to be proof on their own.
Step 2: Talk with the student, privately
Ask open questions: "Walk me through how you wrote this." "Explain this paragraph to me." A student who wrote the work can usually talk about it. Keep the conversation about the work, not the student's character.
Step 3: Follow your policy, every time
Use your school's policy and apply it the same way for every student. Consistency is what makes a consequence feel fair.
Step 4: Contact home
Document the conversation and let families know, calmly and factually. A parent communication log helps here.
Step 5: Teach the skill
The best long-term fix is clear expectations about what AI use is allowed. Many teachers now allow AI with disclosure: students say which tool they used and cite the real source behind any fact. That turns a cheating problem into a research skill.
Free tools
Academic Integrity Violation Response: A step-by-step framework.
Academic Integrity Email Templates: For contacting families.
Want it ready to print?
Everything above is free. If you’d rather skip the prep, my TPT store, Teacher Emergency Toolkit, has ready-to-use resources for grades 6–12. Start with Digital Citizenship & AI Literacy or Classroom Management & Behavior, and check the Free Resources section first.