Students can now ask a chatbot to write a full essay on Almost Home in seconds, and search results are filled with summaries and study guides. Teachers are right to worry about authenticity, especially for novel units where the text is short and widely discussed online. Simply banning all technology rarely works and can push the issue underground. A clearer approach combines a transparent policy, thoughtful assignment design, and careful grading.

Start by deciding what you actually want to allow. Some teachers permit AI for brainstorming or checking grammar but not for generating drafts, while others prohibit it entirely for certain assignments. Whatever you choose, put it in writing and explain the reasoning in language students understand. Ambiguity leads to unintentional violations and difficult conversations later.

Give concrete examples of acceptable and unacceptable use. Asking a tool to explain a confusing word is different from asking it to write a paragraph about Sugar's growth, and students should hear that distinction spelled out. Invite questions and discuss gray areas openly. Students are more likely to follow a policy they helped clarify.

Design Assignments That Are Harder to Outsource

Assignments that rely on class-specific details are naturally more resistant to generic AI output. Require references to discussions held in class, to annotated pages students marked while reading, or to a particular passage you assign. Add process steps such as outlines, drafts, and short in-class writing so that you see how the essay develops. Work that evolves over time is harder to fake than a single final submission.

• Require specific quotations from assigned pages with page references
• Collect planning notes, outlines, and drafts along with the final essay
• Include a short in-class writing sample for comparison with submitted work
• Ask students to reflect on their process and decisions in a brief note
• State clearly which uses of AI and online tools are allowed

Look for Patterns, Not Proof

AI detection software is unreliable and can produce false accusations, so treat it with great caution. Instead, notice signs such as sudden changes in voice, generic claims with no connection to the class, or quotations that do not appear in the book. A conversation with the student about their process often reveals more than any software score. Approach it with curiosity rather than accusation.

When you suspect a problem, ask the student to explain their argument aloud or to write a short paragraph on the same topic in front of you. Students who wrote their own essays can usually discuss them with ease. If something seems off, follow school procedures and document what you observed. Fair processes protect both honest students and academic integrity.

Use Technology on the Teacher's Side Wisely

While students may misuse AI, teachers can use it responsibly to improve grading and feedback. Rubric-based AI feedback tools help provide timely comments on drafts, which encourages students to engage in revision instead of seeking shortcuts. Being open about how you use technology models the kind of transparency you expect from students. It also demonstrates that AI is a tool with appropriate and inappropriate uses.

Pay attention to the quality of the feedback you give, since students who receive useful guidance are less tempted to cheat. Many shortcuts arise from feeling lost or overwhelmed. Clear rubrics, timely comments, and manageable assignments reduce that pressure. A supportive classroom environment is one of the strongest deterrents.

Keep the Conversation Going

Technology changes quickly, so revisit your policy regularly and update it as needed. Ask students what they are seeing and using, and listen without judgment. Their perspective can help you anticipate new challenges and adjust your approach. Collaboration with colleagues and administrators ensures consistency across classrooms.

Ultimately, the goal is to help students develop their own voices and analytical skills, which no summary can replace. Almost Home is a story about authenticity, honesty, and finding support, and conversations about integrity fit naturally with it. A clear policy, thoughtful assignments, and constructive feedback give students every reason to do the work themselves. Teachers who take this balanced approach find that most students rise to meet the expectations.