Queens High School Alters Summer Reading Policy Amid Concerns Over AI Usage
In a bid to combat cheating with tools like ChatGPT, an elite Queens high school has introduced a new policy that limits the use of electronic devices for summer reading assignments. Townsend Harris High School has opted to have students complete these assignments in class rather than at home, a significant shift from their previous approach.
This change means that students will need to read assigned books during the summer and then write essays in class when they return in early September. Traditionally, these essays had been completed at home, allowing for outside research and tools to aid in writing.
“We’ve seen too much reliance on artificial intelligence lately,” remarked English teacher Brian Sweeney. “By doing this in class, we think it will help students express their authentic thoughts better.” This policy’s implementation is seen as a rite of passage as students get back into the rhythm of school life.
However, some critics worry that this policy might unfairly standardize performance, putting pressure on students who may not write as quickly. A student voiced her frustration, saying, “It’s not fair that we have to deal with the consequences of others misusing AI.” Another student highlighted the challenges this would present for those who struggle to write quickly, expressing a preference for home assignments for better time management.
Yasmeen Ismail, a junior and co-editor of a student-run publication, described the policy change as a rational step but insisted that schools need a long-term strategy for addressing AI issues. She argued, “In the long run, we shouldn’t just limit its misuse.” Fellow co-editor Ryan Chen defended the new rule, saying it encourages deeper engagement with the texts.
The decision to enforce such policies comes at a time when AI tools are increasingly used in classrooms nationwide, leading to confusion among both students and educators. A recent survey indicated that 97% of high school students rely on AI tools like ChatGPT for their studies.
A junior from Hunter College High School expressed that navigating school as a non-AI user felt like a disadvantage. While her school has no blanket ban on AI, policies differ greatly among teachers, leading to varying enforcement and clarity of rules.
In New Jersey, another junior mentioned students at her school faced scrutiny over minor details in their essays that could hint at AI usage. This lack of clear guidelines understandably adds to the stress surrounding the issue.
“High school should teach you to write and think critically,” another student pointed out, advocating for better training for teachers to guide students on the responsible use of AI. Townsend’s approach stands in contrast to broader shifts in educational policy, where the NYC Department of Education has shown mixed signals on AI regulation.
Finally, education experts suggest that instead of restricting AI, schools should focus on integrating it effectively. Punya Mishra from Arizona State University emphasized that handwritten essays can be useful, but blanket bans might hinder the opportunity to teach critical thinking skills associated with AI use. Conversely, Francis Kuwell from a tutoring service praised the initiative, marking it as a necessary step toward cultivating independent thinkers in the AI era.
