Student Authentication Procedures

Online course completion and assessment integrity | 2026–2027

Purpose and responsibility

USCA Academy verifies that the enrolled student participates in the course and completes the work used to award credit. The principal oversees authentication and assessment arrangements. Teachers verify authorship; the school office verifies enrolment identity and secures accounts.

1 Verify identity and secure access

Before course access, check identity against enrolment records, using live verification and suitable identification as needed. When photo ID is unavailable, document an alternative using school records and, where appropriate, verified parent/guardian involvement. Record the verifier, date and method; retain an ID image only if necessary.

Issue individual LMS credentials and explain that accounts must not be shared. Use multifactor authentication where supported. Report suspected compromise immediately; staff secure the account, verify identity and document any reset before restoring access.

2 Confirm participation and authorship

Teachers use scheduled live check-ins, drafts, process work and oral explanations to verify authorship and understanding. Keep dated notes and investigate unexplained changes in performance. LMS activity and submission history support verification; a login, IP address or time online alone does not establish identity, learning or misconduct.

Before assessments, explain permitted collaboration, outside assistance, and AI use; required acknowledgements; and prohibited practices. Obtain an integrity declaration for major assessments. Originality or AI-detection reports prompt review; they do not by themselves establish cheating or plagiarism.

3 Supervise major assessments

Use approved in-person or secure online proctoring for final exams and principal-designated assessments. Current Ministry guidance permits private schools to proctor exams online. Verify identity at the start and explain permitted materials, assistance, devices and monitoring. Record the proctor, date, supervision, interruptions and concerns.

Use camera, microphone or screen sharing only as needed for the approved arrangement. Record sessions only where the principal has documented the purpose, privacy notice, required consent or authority, access controls and retention period. Arrange accessible alternatives for disability, privacy or technology barriers while preserving assessment integrity. Document outages and any authorized rescheduling.

4. Resolve concerns fairly

Preserve relevant evidence, notify the principal and allow the student to explain. Use a follow-up conference or supervised demonstration where appropriate. Apply the school’s academic integrity policy, considering individual circumstances, accommodations and reliable evidence. Record reasons, communicate the decision and review route, and resolve authentication concerns before finalizing credit.

5 Keep proportionate records

Keep identity checks, teacher notes, declarations, supervision records and resolved concerns securely for inspection. Restrict access and apply an approved retention and secure-deletion schedule. Routine recordings, ID copies and raw LMS logs are not automatically placed in the OSR; include only appropriate educational records under the OSR guideline.

Principal reviews procedures and approved platforms annually and after Ministry changes.
Principal approval __________________________  Effective date __________  Review date __________

Ministry sources checked October 17, 2026: Growing Success current updates | Private school inspection guidance | OSR guideline