Lincoln-Way Updates Student Handbook, Bans “Smart Glasses” to Combat AI Cheating

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026

Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Board of Education approved updates to the 2026-2027 student handbook, notably adding “smart glasses” to the list of prohibited devices during exams to prevent students from using artificial intelligence to cheat.

Lincoln-Way Handbook Key Points:

• The updated handbook explicitly forbids the use of “smart glasses” during examinations.

• The district is taking proactive steps to address the rising popularity of wearable AI technology, particularly during standardized testing.

• Administrators plan to revisit the handbook’s AI language if the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) issues additional guidance this summer.

The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education on Thursday, April 16, 2026, unanimously approved the second reading of updates to the 2026-2027 student handbook, implementing new language to combat the use of artificial intelligence for academic dishonesty.

While the majority of the handbook changes involved minor formatting updates and the transition to a more accessible drop-down menu format online, the most notable addition addresses the rapid advancement of wearable technology.

Under the handbook’s section on “Cheating/Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism/Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” the district explicitly added “smart glasses” to the list of electronic communication devices that must be turned off and put away during examinations, alongside cell phones and smartwatches.

Vice President Catherine Johnson, representing the District 210 Advisory Committee, commended the administration for proactively addressing the issue.

“I did read the AI comments and I did like that you added the AI meta glasses, which is becoming quite popular to wear in school, even during the ACT,” Johnson said. “It was reiterated today, probably like, you know, we had to know exactly what they look like. So they’re becoming increasingly popular. So that is part of the clause, and I think that’s a good call.”

According to the approved handbook draft in the agenda packet, Lincoln-Way explicitly prohibits using AI to take tests, complete assignments, or write papers without teacher permission, categorizing such actions as cheating or plagiarism. The policy also notes that schoolwork may be evaluated using AI content detectors.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Tingley noted that while the district is comfortable with the current language, further modifications could occur before the school year begins.

“We will wait for any adjustments from ISBE [Illinois State Board of Education] in terms of additional AI language,” Dr. Tingley stated. “If that comes to us in June or July, we’ll bring it back to the board… I think their target date was June.”

The motion to approve the handbook changes passed unanimously in a 6-0 vote, with Secretary Deadra W. Stokes absent. Board member Joseph M. Kosteck served as Secretary Pro-Tem for the meeting.