AI policies are coming into focus after years of discussion and strategizing among district and state leaders. Here’s how districts are drafting their frameworks.
This month, Alaska joined the dozens of other states that have created state-wide AI guidance, Alaska Public Media reports. The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development presented guidelines on using AI in school districts, including recommendations on cultural responsiveness and security when making AI policies.
“The overarching principle is that AI should serve to augment human capabilities, critical thinking, and creativity, never replacing essential human interaction, judgment or decision making in educational contexts,” the framework reads.
The guidance continues by outlining the state’s seven guiding principles for AI integration: human-centered, fair access, transparency, oversight, security, ethical use and cultural responsiveness.
At the Los Altos School District in California, leaders are turning to a group of high-schoolers to draft the district’s AI policy, according to The Washington Post.
Half a dozen students at Mountain View High School are helping the district draft a statement defining its philosophy on AI in classrooms, the news outlet reports. Rather than relying on third-party consultants, students can bring a unique perspective to development.
Other districts are updating their already-existing AI policies in response to prolonged discussion and experimentation with AI. Florida’s Sarasota County Schools drafted its first AI policy last year, which originally prohibited students from using AI to “avoid doing their own work,” Fox 4 News reports.
“AI platforms should only be used as a supplement when authorized by a teacher,” according to the policy. Now, the school board is reconsidering how AI ought to be used in the classroom.
If approved, students would be able to use AI for brainstorming, support and feedback if allowed by their teacher, the news outlet reports.
The guidelines also apply to district employees. Staff must get permission from their supervisor, according to the district. Permissible use cases include enhancing student learning, streamlining processes and improving resource allocation.
However, teachers will not be allowed to use AI to grade students’ work, according to Fox 4 News.
AI resources
District Administration frequently covers how leaders are using AI to improve instruction and streamline administrative tasks. Henry County Public Schools Superintendent Jim Masters shares his favorite—and free—AI tools that he’s used to improve writing scores among his students.
Watch the full conversation below:
