SCHOOLS: Tools to Detect AI-Generated Student Work Considered by WJCC
Division explores new software to flag AI-written and plagiarized assignments
The Williamsburg-James City County Public School system (WJCC) is taking a major step toward addressing the rise of artificial intelligence in classrooms by seeking a software solution capable of detecting both plagiarism and AI-generated content in student writing.
James City County is currently reviewing submitted proposals for a plagiarism prevention and AI detection tool for WJCC students in grades 6 through 12. The goal is to help educators ensure students are submitting original work while equipping teachers with formative feedback tools and resources to promote academic integrity.
According to the RFP, the selected software must perform traditional similarity checks against a vast library of academic and internet sources and also flag content likely produced by generative AI tools like ChatGPT or GPT-4. It must offer detailed reports that highlight suspicious sections, explain the rationale for AI detection, and allow teachers to override or confirm results after manual review.
The division's move comes as part of a broader strategy to balance responsible AI integration with student accountability. WJCC already identifies unapproved use of artificial intelligence as a form of scholastic dishonesty in its 2025–26 Student Code of Conduct. However, district officials also recognize the potential of generative AI as a productive classroom tool when used appropriately.
The division’s “Generative AI Guidebook” encourages responsible student use, such as employing AI as a brainstorming partner or editor, provided it is done with teacher permission and proper disclosure. The guide warns that AI should enhance, not replace a student’s original thinking, and emphasizes that any use must be clearly cited.
The RFP reflects this nuanced stance by including both detection and instructional functionality. Beyond flagging questionable content, the tool must also offer features like customizable rubrics, grammar feedback, and spoken comments to support formative writing instruction. It must integrate smoothly into platforms like Canvas, comply with federal data privacy laws (including FERPA and COPPA), and explicitly prohibit reusing student work to train AI models.
Proposals will be evaluated based on vendor qualifications, software functionality, implementation plans, and cost, with a possible total of 100 points. A joint team of WJCC and James City County representatives will review submissions, which may include product demos. If awarded, the contract could span up to 10 years.
The school division’s approach signals a commitment to teaching students how to navigate AI with integrity, while giving educators the tools to uphold academic standards in an increasingly digital learning environment.
A Williamsburg Independent contributor produced this post with AI tools and the following primary sources:
RFP: WJCCPS Plagiarism Prevention and AI Detection Software
WJCC Generative AI Guidebook
WJCC Generative AI FAQ
WJCC 2025-26 Student Code of Conduct