What should an reflections chair do if it is discovered that a child has plagiarized an entry?
Unfortunately, plagiarism is not uncommon. Plagiarized entries should be disqualified and returned to the student. If a plagiarized entry has already received an award, the arts chair needs to determine if the award (including award money, pins, certificates, etc.) should be returned. The arts chair and local unit will need to work with the student and the student’s family to help the student understand the seriousness of copying someone else’s work and claiming it as their own. School counselors or teachers might also be able to provide assistance in helping the student deal with the discovery and the consequences.
