Cherry Creek Elevation

Parent and Student Handbook

2019-2020

Table of Contents Welcome and Introduction Principal’s Note Introduction/Mission Statement School Expectations Personalized Learning Plans Academic Integrity

Attendance and Discipline Attendance Transportation and Parking Bus Schedule Parking information Academic Policies Pledge of Allegiance Notification of Non Discrimination Learning Levels Learning Level 1 Learning Level 2 Learning Level 3 Vision Vision Statement: School Calendar Cancelations and Delays Important Dates Weekly Schedule School Schedule Snow Days and Storm/Emergency Schedule Website Television & Radio Stations

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In The Event Of School Closure Academic Policies

Welcome! As principal of Cherry Creek Elevation, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our learning community. I am honored to serve our diverse student population and know you will find our mission woven into every facet of our school culture:

To Embrace, To Empower, To Excel At Cherry Creek Elevation, we embrace the whole child and we work to help students embrace their education. We take a holistic approach to student programming and support that takes into consideration the student’s strengths as well as the areas they may need added support. Students partner with us to design a customized plan to help them grow as learners and citizens. Empowering students to take charge of their learning is more than just a possibility. It is our expectation. Online and blended learning through Cherry Creek Elevation offers a solution for students who need to balance their traditional school course loads, athletic or activities participation, job or internship, learning needs, as well as many other personalized learning considerations. Our school strives to empower students so they may succeed. We all have a different pathway for learning. The end goal for each of us is different. Cherry Creek Elevation helps a student define what success looks like, both in high school and after. When the needs of the whole child are supported and students are empowered, they will excel. The staff at Cherry Creek Elevation hope to ignite the passion in each student so they can reach their goals. In this handbook, you will find some tools you need to take the first steps. If you have questions, please contact us. Sincerely,

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Kristy Hart Principal Mission Statement: To Embrace. To Empower. To Excel

To Embrace: I can be my authentic self. To Empower: I am a confident and resilient learner. To Excel: I will thrive as a result of personal and academic growth.

Vision Statement: School Colors | Mascot Carolina Blue, Grey, Navy, and White Code of Conduct: We are a caring community that strives for academic excellence while celebrating our diversity, personal integrity, and mutual respect. We promote a safe and positive learning environment where we take responsibility for our growth. We trust that we can challenge ourselves to reach our highest goals. • Attend class • Be on time • Come prepared to learn • Value academics • Show respect • Be accountable Make Learning The Top Priority: Each student is expected to give his or her personal best effort each day. Helping students to maximize their academic achievement and individual development will be the top priorities of the Cherry Creek Elevation staff. Students are responsible for coming to school with an attitude that places learning and making the most of their talents and abilities as their top priorities. Respect People:

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As a community of learners, staff and students, every student is entitled to learn in a safe environment, and every teacher is entitled to teach in a safe environment. Everyone at Cherry Creek Elevation is expected to treat others with dignity and respect. Respect The Facility: To maintain our beautiful environment that is both online and in person, each student should adopt an attitude of care and respect for the Cherry Creek Elevation. Attendance: Students show attendance by submitting one assignment per week in Canvas. This includes but is not limited to one assignment, participation in a discussion group, an assessment or quiz.

Due dates for assignments: Course units begin on Tuesday morning and end at midnight on Monday. Students will receive a 20% reduction in grade for late work.

Click Days: These days are defined as online learning days. Students complete online lessons and projects. Brick Days: These days are defined as weekly attendance at the Cherry Creek Elevation located in the Cherry Creek Schools Fremont Building. Weekly Schedule:

Tuesday: Click day: Students begin their course unit of study. Wednesday: Brick Day: Students attend Advisory and teacher support sessions based on the student’s learning level. Thursday: Morning - Writing lab, half-day study session for social studies and science courses. Afternoon - open study hall. Friday: half-day study sessions Monday: Morning - Math lab. Last day of the weekly course unit.

Personalized Learning Plans: Each student with develop a personalized learning plan tailored to their learning needs with an Elevation learning team. The learning team consists of the counselor, teachers, parent or guardian, and the student. This plan will help each student meet graduation requirements and prepare them for college and future success. Learning Levels: Cherry Creek Elevation has three learning level expectations to ensure that all students are getting the flexibility and support they need to meet the personal learning plans.

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Level 1 Expectations

Tuesday Click Day/ Brick Day

Wednesday Mandatory Brick Day

Thursday Click Day/ Brick Day

Friday Click Day/ Brick Day

Monday Click Day/ Brick Day

Work Week Begins

Mandatory

Attendance at Virtual Targeted

Sessions

Optional Attendance at

Drop-In Virtual Help Sessions

Begin Work on

class assignments

based on personalized

weekly schedule and pacing

guide.

Face to Face Help Session

9-11:30 12-2:30

Mandatory Face- to Face Attendance at

Brick Day 9 am- 2:00 pm.

Work on class assignments

based on personalized

weekly schedule and pacing

guide

*Every quarter, levels will be

evaluated based on performance.

Optional Attendance at

Drop-In Virtual Help Sessions

*Mandatory

attendance at help sessions if you are earning a D or F in that

course. Work on class assignments

based on personalized

weekly schedule and pacing guide

Face to Face Writing Lab

from 9-11:30 am

Face to Face Help Session

Optional Attendance at

Drop-In Virtual Help Sessions

*Mandatory

attendance at help sessions if you are earning a D or F in that

course. Work on class assignments

based on personalized

weekly schedule and pacing guide

Face to Face Help Session

9-11:30

Optional Attendance at

Drop-In Virtual Help Sessions

Complete unfinished

work for the week according

to weekly schedule and pacing guide.

Face to Face

Math Lab from 9-11:30 am

Face to Face Help Session

12-2:30

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12-2:30

Within the first week of courses starting, we will hold orientation required for all new students that ensure they can log in to all systems, email, submit assignments, and use the proper tools. New students must complete system orientation. Orientation for students starting on time is on August 12, 2019, and regular course work begins on August 13, 2019.

● Weekly schedule submission due to assigned mentor by Tuesday at 8 am if you are behind in your classes.

● The student may be required (or choose) to attend additional in-person tutoring based on performance or need.

Level 2 Expectations

Students who qualify as Level 2 students come every other Wednesday and the required Brick Days listed in the Canvas Calendar.

● Freshman may earn Level 2 status after two successful consecutive quarters at Elevation.

● Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may earn Level 2 status after completing one successful quarter at Elevation.

Level 3 Expectations Student who qualify as Level 3 students will only attend required Brick day or Wednesday events as listed in the Canvas Calendar. All other Wednesday events will be optional.

● Freshman may earn Level 3 status 4th quarter after completing a successful 3rd quarter at Level 2.

● Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may earn Level 3 status after completing one successful quarter at Level 2.

Students who do not meet the expectations at a Level 2 or Level 3 learning level will have an individual learning plan evaluation that may include a Learning Level change. Important Dates: August

● Aug 12: Student Technology Orientation through Advisement (Virtual) ● Aug 13: Q1 courses begins ● Aug 14: Back to School Open House Planning 2:30-4 (All Staff)

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● Aug 28: Back to School Open House 12-2 pm ● Aug 28: Virtual Parent Orientation 5:30

September

● Sept 9-13: Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences October

● Oct 4: Q1 Regular Work Due ● Oct 10: Q1 Finals Due ● Oct 11: Finals Make-up day and Q1 Grades due ● Oct 14-18: Fall Break ● Oct 21: Q2 Begins ● Oct 30: College and Career Readiness Day

November

● Nov 1: Enrollment deadline for .5 credit ● Nov 6: Virtual Parent Orientation 5:30 ● Nov 11: Enrollment deadline for .25 credit ● Nov 27-29: No School. Thanksgiving Break

December

● Dec 11: Semester 1 Student Awards 8-9:30 am ● Dec 16: Q2 Regular Work Due ● Dec 19: Q2 Finals Due ● Dec 20: Finals Make-up day and Q2 Grades due ● Dec 23-31: No School. Winter Break

January

● Jan 1-3: No School. Winter Break ● Jan 7: Quarter 3 begins ● Jan 15: Mini PD 2:30-4 ● Jan 20: No School. MLK Holiday ● Jan 22: Virtual Parent Orientation 5:30

February

● Feb 3-7: Spring Parent Teacher Conferences ● Feb 17: No School. Presidents’ Day

March

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● Mar 9: Q3 Regular Work Due ● Mar 12: Q3 Finals Due ● Mar 13: Finals Make-up day and Q3 Grades due ● Mar 16-20: No School. Spring Break ● Mar 23: Q4 begins

April

● Apr 3: Enrollment deadline for .5 credit ● Apr 8: Mini PD 2:30-4 ● Apr 8: Virtual Parent Orientation 5:30 ● Apr 27: Enrollment deadline for .25 credit

May

● May 8: Last day for graduating seniors to submit work ● May 11: Senior Check Out ● May 13: Underclassmen Semester 2 Student Awards ● May 18: Q4 Regular work due ● May 18: Graduation Rehearsal, Senior BBQ, Senior Awards ● May 19: Elevation Spring Graduation- 6 pm ● May 21: Q4 Finals Due ● May 22: Finals Make-up day and Q4 Grades due

Transportation: Cherry Creek Schools provides transportation to Cherry Creek Elevation from every home high school on a morning and afternoon schedule.

Elevation Bus Schedule from Home Schools

Home High School

Depart Home School

Arrive at CCE

Depart CCE

Arrive at Home School

Depart Home School

Arrive CCE

Depart CCE

Arrive Home School

CCHS

8:15 8:55 11:40 12:05 11:50 12:10 2:45 3:20

CTHS 8:10 8:55 11:40 12:10 11:45 12:10 2:45 3:25

EHS 8:10 8:55 11:40 12:10 11:45 12:10 2:45 3:25

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END 8:45 8:55 11:40 11:55 12:00 12:10 2:45 3:12

GVH 8:15 8:55 11:40 12:05 11:50 12:10 2:45 3:20

OHS 8:15 8:55 11:40 12:20 11:45 12:10 2:45 3:15

Designated Parking for Staff, Students, and Visitors:

Denotes Staff Parking Lot

Denotes Student Parking Lots (Parking Agreement required for all students parking in Elevation lots)

Denotes Cherry Creek Elevation Visitor Parking ** All Students and Visitors need to enter through the main entrance (labeled Professional

Learning). Please do not enter through Options or Transitions. ** Students must wear Cherry Creek Elevation ID when on campus. ** Visitors are required to check-in with security/reception and show ID when entering the

building

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Pledge of Allegiance - State of Colorado law, in House Bill 03-1368 and enacted as section 1, 22-1-106 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, requires the daily recitation by teachers and students of the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States. Notification of Non Discrimination: Cherry Creek School District No. 5 (“District”) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. Cherry Creek Elevation does not discriminate in enrollment or access to any of its available programs. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in District activities and programs. The District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinator, Ms. Stephanie Davies, District Compliance Officer, Educational Services Center, 4700 S. Yosemite St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111, telephone (720) 554-4471, or directly to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region VIII, Federal Office Building North, 1244 Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. School Schedule Snow Days and Storm/Emergency Schedule Should inclement weather or emergency situations result in the closing of district schools or in an adjustment to school start or dismissal times, the information will be posted on the district website, and conveyed to a number of radio and TV stations for broadcasting. In the case of a school closure or delayed start day, Cherry Creek Elevation students will use the day as click day or an at home, online learning day. Website Any weather-related schedule changes will be posted to a link on the district’s website at

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http://www.cherrycreekschools.org. You may want to bookmark this address for easy access. Television & Radio Stations Whenever normal schedules have to be adjusted due to weather or emergency conditions, information will be given as early as possible to the television and radio stations. In The Event Of School Closure • All activities scheduled in district facilities are canceled. • The next school day will resume as the next scheduled Brick or Click day. Academic Policies Weighted Grades and Transcripts The Cherry Creek School District offers students and parents the opportunity for an official transcript that reflects a weighted grade point average. Weighted grades are given in those courses designated as Advanced Placement. The difference between weighted and unweighted grades in terms of grade point value is as follows:

Un-weighted Weighted

Grade Percent Point Value Point Value

A 90-100 4 5

B 80-89 3 4

C 70-79 2 3

D 60-69 1 2

F 59 and below 0 0

Grading Scale Late work Early Final Exam Requests - Early exam requests may be made to an administrator

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Student Checkout- students leaving Elevation must return all equipment and pay any accrued fines. Students must also provide information about where they will continue their educations. Honor Roll Diplomas and Recognition Elevation Diploma - Cherry Creek School District Graduation Requirements — Class of 2020: The following describes the minimum requirements needed for a standard Cherry Creek high school diploma. Courses Credits English ...........................................................................................................................................................4.0 Social Studies (Must include 1 credit of U.S. History and .5 credit of Government).....3.0 Mathematics (Recommended courses are Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2........... 3.0 Science ...........................................................................................................................................................3.0 Physical Education....................................................................................................................................1.5 Health .............................................................................................................................................................0.5 Fine Arts/Technology Education/Business or Vocational Education ............................... 1.5 Required .....................................................................................................................................................16.5 Electives .........................................................................................................................................................5.5 Minimum Total Requirements ...........................................................................................................22.0 Cherry Creek School District Graduation Requirements Beginning with the graduating class of 2021, students must meet or exceed the following graduation requirements to receive a diploma from the Cherry Creek School District. Board Policy IKF

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Elevation Achievement Diploma -Commitment to the core - The purpose of this diploma is to recognize students who demonstrate levels of performance which allow a greater opportunity in post-secondary choices.

Criteria for Achievement Diploma: ● Average (unweighted) G.P.A. of 3.5 ● 24.5 total credit requirement — examples consisting of: ● 4 credits of English (Concurrent Enrollment courses in 11th and 12th grades) ● 4 credits of Mathematics (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2,

Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry) ● 4 credits of Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) ● 4 credits of Social Studies (U.S. History, World History, Government, AP Psychology) ● 2 credits or more of World Language (Completion of level 3 in a World Language is

required for admission to most University programs.) ● 20 Community Service Hours

* Students who successfully complete these diplomas and achievement recognitions will be specifically recognized at graduation. Graduation Requirements: Participation in the Elevation Commencement ceremony will be possible for those students who:

1. Have completed all requirements for graduation 2. Have attended, with a parent or guardian, the graduation meeting held in the spring 3. Have attended the required graduation practice 4. Have attended Elevation for the final semester of the senior year

There is a summer commencement ceremony for those students who complete the graduation requirements during the summer months. Course Loads: Freshmen must enroll in 6 classes; sophomores must enroll in 6 classes; juniors must enroll in a minimum of 6 classes; seniors must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 classes. In addition, each students will be enrolled in an advisory course. All full-time students at Elevation must be enrolled in 6 classes each semester. Commitment to Core Enrollment: In order to prepare students for a successful post-secondary educational and work experience, the Board of Education strongly encourages students to participate in a rigorous academic core curriculum consisting of 4 years of English, 4 years of Mathematics, 4 years of Science, 4 years of Social Studies and at least 2 years of a World Language as required by the Colorado Commission on Higher

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Education for admission to four-year public colleges and universities in Colorado, and a technology class. *Academic core subjects include English, Math, Science, Social Studies and World Languages. All students will be expected to enroll in a minimum of four academic core units per year. Seniors will also be expected to enroll in four academic core units or a minimum of three AP courses. Advanced Placement Program Cherry Creek Elevation offers Advanced Placement courses. These rigorous courses prepare students for college level courses. In most cases, students who successfully pass the AP test receive college credit or advanced standing. For specific college requirements of AP course and exam score acceptance please visit www.collegeboard.com. AP Exam Policy Students who take AP courses are required to take the corresponding AP exam. Requests for exemption to this policy must be reviewed by the AP coordinator. AP exams cost approximately $95.00 per exam and there are late fees associated with each late exam registration. Financial assistance is available. AP Drop Policy Students must stay in an assigned AP class through the first quarter of the school year. At that time students who still need to drop will place a request through Concurrent Enrollment (CE Program): Concurrent enrollment provides high school students the opportunity to take college-credit bearing courses taught at the community college. Students build their college transcript while finishing their high school credits. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program: CTE provides quality educational programs emphasizing core academic content, Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness (PWR) competencies, technical skills, and seamless transition to further education or employment and better prepare students, including special populations to meet challenges of the workforce, economic development, and emerging occupations. The mission of Career and Technical Education (CTE) is to empower students for effective participation in an international economy as world-class workers and citizens. CTE programs are designed to contribute to the broad educational achievement of students, including skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as to their ability to work independently and as part of a team, think creatively and solve problems, and utilize technology. Colorado Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides quality educational

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programs emphasizing core academic content, postsecondary and workforce readiness (PWR) competencies, technical skills, and seamless transition to further education or employment. CTE ensures a thriving Colorado economy by providing relevant and rigorous education that is connected, responsive and real. Contact your counselor for CTE courses offered in the Cherry Creek School District. Full time enrollment vs Part time enrollment: Full time: Students who enroll for full-time programming at Elevation will maintain a full-time course load. . This programming option focuses on promoting growth for students who have demonstrated previous academic success (in online or traditional settings) and provides targeted and personalized support for all students, including those who may have struggled in the past. Students who meet the CCSD graduation requirements will receive a diploma from our school. Part time: Our hybrid model allows students to take up to 2 classes per semester through our school while maintaining a full-time schedule at their neighborhood CCSD school. Enrollment: Enrolling and Withdrawing from Classes Cherry Creek Elevation has rolling enrollment until November 11th. Students enrolling on or before November 11st will have the opportunity to complete courses by the end of the semesters with modified due dates. The following deadlines apply:

● The first 10 days of class students may drop the course without penalty ● Days 11 - 15, students may drop the course with a W/F or W/P ● After day 15, students who drop a course will receive an F

. Credits Earned Outside Cherry Creek School District: Credit from Other Institutions and Home-Based Education Programs (Policy IKF) All students entering from outside the district must meet the district graduation requirements. The principal shall determine whether credit toward graduation requirements shall be granted for courses taken outside the district. Students who are currently enrolled in the district and wish to obtain credit from outside institutions or through “on-line” programs, must have prior approval from the principal. Credits will be accepted from accredited institutions or as evaluated by principals.

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The district shall accept the transcripts from a home-based educational program. In order to determine whether the courses and grades earned are consistent with district requirements and district academic standards, the district shall require submission of the student’s work or other proof of academic performance for each course for which credit toward graduation is sought. All students from home-based programs must demonstrate proficiency in the district-adopted content standards at their appropriate placement level before being placed in that particular grade. The district may test the student to determine placement. Revised: March 20, 2006 Adopted: April 10, 2006 LEGAL REF.: C.R.S. 22-33-104.5 (home-based education law) CROSS REF.: IHCDA, Post-secondary Options/Concurrent Enrollment AE, Accountability/Commitment to Accomplishment IGBH, Home Schooling Transfer Credits:

1. Students who transfer to Cherry Creek Elevation from outside the district will have their transcript evaluated by the Records Office. Although Cherry Creek Elevation will accept all credits coming from another district, the specific category in which these credits are applied is up to the discretion of the Registrar. Honors credit (weighted grades) will only be given if Elevation offers the same honors class within our curriculum.

2. Transfer grades coming from an accredited academic institution will receive point values towards a GPA that correspond to that particular letter grade. Transfer grades coming from non-academic programs will receive credit on a pass/fail basis.

3. As of the fall of 2015, any course, whether taken in CCSD or out of district, will be placed on the transcript without a grade and will not be calculated into the student’s GPA. The comment on the transcript will include “course taken in middle school.” No grade will be recorded on the transcript. The incoming transcript will be stored in the student’s school cumulative records file.

4. Students who bring in transfer credits from a school outside the United States will receive pass/fail credit only.

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5. Students who wish to take coursework for credit outside of the Cherry Creek School District must first meet with their counselor and assistant principal to gain prior approval.

Student Records: It is extremely important that we are able to communicate with you. If you move or change your telephone number, address, or email address, please update your information on parent portal at my.cherrycreekschools.org Inspection Policy. Elevations complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (the Buckley Amendment). Essentially, the Act permits parents to access most school records that relate to their student. In addition, records may not be released without written consent of the parents except for school-to-school communications. When a student attains the age of 18, however, the rights previously accorded to the parents are transferred to the student. Individuals accessing school records must show proof of identification to obtain a copy of a student’s report card or transcript. Procedure: A written request will be submitted to the Records Office at Cherry Creek Elevation. Questions about transcripts may be arranged through Post Grad. Transcripts: Students may request an unofficial copy of their transcripts in the Post Grad/Records Office. Students must show a photo ID. Please allow up to 48 hours. Transcripts are considered historical documents that cannot be altered without the involvement of the teacher and must reflect the high school coursework attempted by each student. Students who have entered Cherry Creek Elevation from home school or any non-accredited school may receive credit towards graduation, but letter grades will not be awarded. Instead, transcripts will reflect an S or a U grade. Home school students must complete a minimum of one full semester at Elevation during their senior year to receive an Elevation diploma. Cost: There is no charge for the first two official senior transcripts to be sent to colleges/universities and a $5 charge for each additional transcript. There is no charge for transcripts needed for scholarship applications.

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Academic Integrity

Students at Cherry Creek Elevation are expected to act with academic honesty. Any form or degree of academic dishonesty compromises student learning and is a serious violation of trust. Students found to be acting in an academically dishonest manner will receive consequences. Acts that will be considered to be academic dishonesty include but are not limited to the following:

1. Cheating on exams or quizzes. a. Taking or giving answers between students. b. If a student is caught looking at another student’s paper or talking during an

exam (whether or not he or she has an exam/quiz at his/her desk) will be considered to be cheating regardless of the reason for the behavior.

c. Using cheat sheets or having any sort of test aid with information regarding the exam/quiz in their possession at the time of the test.

d. Sharing answers or test questions or discussing the exam/quiz with students in another class who have not taken the test yet.

2. Plagiarism a. You are plagiarizing when you give the impression that you have written or

thought something that you have in fact borrowed or copied from someone else.

b. Every assignment should be the original work of the student who turns it in and appropriate credit should be given to all sources used.

c. You will be working in groups in class. Even though you may work together on assignments, you may not copy directly from another student. All work must be done by you and all answers should be written by you.

d. Assignments where answers are not written in your own words or are found to be the same as another student in the class will be considered to be plagiarized.

e. It is equally dishonest to share your answers as it is to copy them from someone.

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CONSEQUENCES FOR ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: First Offense of the School Year

1. Teacher will make contact with parents. 2. Student may redo assignment for a maximum score of 50%.

- Timeline for makeup assignment at the discretion of the teacher. - Grade will be recorded as a zero until the student re-submits assignment.

Second Offense of the School Year

1. Teacher will make contact with parents. 2. Student will receive a zero for the assignment without the opportunity to make up

the assignment for credit. Third Offense and All Subsequent Offenses of the School Year

1. Teacher will make contact with parents. 2. Student will receive a zero for the assignment without the opportunity to make up

the assignment for credit. 3. Academic Dishonesty referral to administrator.

Understanding Plagiarism Adapted from a University of Phoenix Library Document What is Plagiarism? Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s ideas as your own. If you plagiarize, you are essentially committing literary theft. Plagiarism, whether accidental or intentional is a serious violation of the student code of conduct and carries significant consequences. Knowing what plagiarism is will help you create original individual work without worrying about possible penalties. Read the following examples carefully to understand those elements that constitute plagiarism.

Examples of Plagiarism

● Copying/paraphrasing directly from a source without using a citation or quotation marks.

● Omitting a citation from information obtained from a source. ● Rearranging words from a source without changing the majority of the

content.

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● Copying information directly from the source with only minor changes to the wording.

● Using phrasing or sentences that are too close to the original. ● Changing only one or two words in a sentence without using quotation

marks. ● Copying and pasting information from an Internet source without including a

citation or quotation marks. ● Using images, charts, or graphics from a source without a citation. ● Providing information about the source that is not accurate.

What is not Plagiarism? When information is correctly summarized or paraphrased with an in-text citation and a reference at the end of the essay, it is not plagiarism. Using quotation marks with a direct quotation and a citation including page or paragraph number means the quotation has been correctly attributed to its source and is not plagiarized. If you use the following examples while writing your paper, you will be able to include sources in your work without accidentally plagiarizing. Examples of Correct Practices

● Paraphrasing or summarizing information from another source that is correctly documented. This includes using a correct in-text citation and reference page entry.

● Using quotation marks for words copied directly from a source and including a citation with page or paragraph numbers.

● Copying information from an Internet source and using quotation marks and a citation, including page or paragraph number.

● Using a citation for all information that is not common knowledge, including visual images, charts, and graphs. Common knowledge that most people know does not require a citation because it is known to general readers. Common knowledge should be written in your own words.

What is Common Knowledge? Common knowledge consists of the following elements:

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1. Information that is usually known to general readers 2. Information that is found in many places

Example of Common Knowledge Common knowledge: George Washington was the first president of the United States [This is common knowledge because most people know that George Washington was the first president]. Not common knowledge: George Washington owned a distillery [Because this information is not known to the general public, a citation and reference list entry must be included]. The fact that George Washington owned and operated a distillery is not widely known; therefore, it is not common knowledge and must be cited.

Types of Plagiarism Plagiarism can be accidental or intentional, but the consequences are the same. The student’s responsibility is to check each paper carefully to ensure that all direct quotations and ideas that are not original are correctly cited and referenced. As you will see from the following information, some types of plagiarism can be either accidental or intentional. Examples of Accidental Plagiarism

● Copying a quotation without using quotation marks. ● Eliminating a citation for information that comes from a source. ● Using vague or incorrect citations. ● Paraphrasing information incorrectly. ● Writing material very close to the original—changing only a few words by

using synonyms. ● Copying and pasting a source from the Internet without using quotation

marks or citations.

Examples of Intentional Plagiarism

● Eliminating a citation for information that comes from another source.

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● Using an incorrect citation so that the reader cannot locate the source. ● Using another student’s work as your own. ● Purchasing an essay from an Internet website. ● Using an essay from a free Internet website. ● Copying a quotation without using quotation marks. ● Writing material very close to the original—changing only a few words by

using synonyms.

How to Avoid Accidental Plagiarism Plagiarism, either accidental or intentional, usually begins at the note taking stage of the writing process. If information is plagiarized in your notes, it can easily be transferred into plagiarized material in your final paper. You can eliminate accidental plagiarism by taking careful notes and giving credit for other people’s words and ideas, statistical information, graphics, or drawings. You can eliminate intentional plagiarism by being ethical and honest and allowing enough time for researching and writing an assignment. Use the following rules to eliminate plagiarism while taking notes and writing papers:

Strategy One: When Taking Notes

● Allow time for research. ● Write the information from the source in your own words as you take notes. ● Copy words directly from the source only if you want to quote the passage in

the paper. ● Use quotation marks for anything copied directly from a source. ● Use wording in your notes that is different from the wording in the source. ● Include the name of the source and page or paragraph numbers so that you

won’t need to return to the source later to locate a missing page number, etc. ● Include all pertinent information from the source to use in the reference list

at the end of the paper. ● Check your notes to be sure quotation marks have been used with all direct

quotations. ● Include page numbers of the quotations in your notes. ● Include all information to be used in the reference list. ● Include the page numbers of journal articles in your notes. ● Include the page numbers of an article in an edited book in your notes.

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Strategy Two: When Writing Papers

● Allow time for writing. ● Create an outline to follow before beginning to write the paper. ● Write the paper from your notes rather than from the original source. If you

write the paper from the source, be sure to close the source or create a blank screen as you write.

● Write the information from the source in your own words as paraphrased material.

● Avoid referring to the source as you write or you will certainly use some of the original writer’s words.

● Use quotation marks in your notes to indicate anything that is a direct quotation from a source.

● Include citations as you are writing instead of going back to fill them in when the paper is finished.

● Fill in material from the sources with your own ideas. ● Check the source to be sure direct quotations have been copied accurately. ● Check the source to be sure page or paragraph numbers are correct.

Apollo Group. (2008). Grammar and writing guides: Plagiarism. Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/grammar/plagiarism/typesofplagiarism.asp and https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/grammar/plagiarism/understandingplagiarism.asp

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