605.8 - Artificial Intelligence in the Educaional Environment
605.8 - Artificial Intelligence in the Educaional EnvironmentThe district believes that to adequately prepare modern learners for their future, advances in technology should first be explored within the education environment. As its most simple, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is automation based on association. AI tools analyze large amounts of information and detect patterns using that information to draw a conclusion. The AI tools then improve the conclusions drawn based upon additional data reviewed, patterns found, and prior conclusions drawn. Generative AI for the education environment has the potential to automate classroom organizational tasks, enhance individualized student learning, teaching, assessment of student learning, and even enhance research and professional development for educators.
However generative AI tools can be vulnerable to inaccuracy in some significant ways. AI tools can; have bias in how the tools detect patterns; detect patterns/draw conclusions based on inaccurate data; and may not be fully accessible to students to differing abilities. It is valuable for students to understand the potential uses and limitation of this imperfect technology in an educational environment where AI tools have been carefully selected and are monitored and reviewed within appropriate guidelines. For this reason, human oversight and decision making must lead the selection, use, and review of AI tools in the education environment.
Only humans can verify the accuracy of AI tools and apply proper context to any information generated from them. AI tools will never be the sole determining factor used to make decisions related to student learning, assessment, academic integrity, and behavior. All decisions must be made by appropriate licensed staff and based upon a holistic analysis of available evidence.
Privacy must be protected when using generative AI tools. AI draws conclusions based on analysis of data. No personally identifiable information about other students or staff will be shared with AI tools, without prior written consent form the parent or guardian of the student, or from the student/staff if applicable. Permission must be granted prior to students using open-source AI tools that may share information outside the tool itself, and with any entities outside the control of the privacy terms and conditions of the AI tool.
Use of AI tools by students and staff will be at all times appropriate to the educational environment and subject to all applicable laws, regulations and policies. This includes but is not limited to the Family Education Right and Privacy Act, Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule; as well as district policies on student conduct, copyright protections, student records, personnel records, bullying and harassment, and staff/student expression.
The Superintendent, working in collaboration with relevant staff, will develop regulations necessary to carry out the intent of this policy.
Legal References: 16 C.F.R. 312
34 C.F.R. pt. 99
47 C.F.R. 54.520
Iowa Code § 279.8
Cross References: 104 Anti-Bullying/Harassment
506.1 Education Records Access
605.5 School Library
Initially Approved 02-14-2024
Last Reviewed
Last Revision
605.8R1 - Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Environment Regulation
605.8R1 - Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Environment RegulationSelection of AI Tools
AI tools will be vetted by relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to the district’s IT staff and, when related to student learning or assessment, by the Curriculum Director. Decisions to use AI tools should be focused on:
- Protection of students: Any AI tools used in the district must comply with the requirement to safeguard students from accessing material that is obscene, child pornography and harmful to minors.
- Privacy: Personally identifiable information of student will not be shared without necessary written consents. Further, any AI tools utilized must meet the requirement of the School Official exemption listed in FERPA, and described in policy 712.
- Accessibility: Is the tool available to students of all abilities? If not, what comparable alternatives will be offered to ensure an equitable learning environment for all students?
- Accuracy: To the extent reasonable, the AI tool should be both reliable and unbiased in its pattern recognition, and data used by the tool should be verified for accuracy.
- Transparent and Interruptible: Student use of AI tools must be able to be monitored by licensed staff to safeguard the appropriateness of the learning experience for the student and monitor for accuracy of the AI tool.
Academic Integrity
Use of AI in research and graded work by students must include proper source citations. Copyright protections must be strictly adhered to. Students who fail to comply with these requirements may face discipline as stated in relevant district policies.
Appropriate Use
Prior to using AI tools, classroom teachers will clearly state how AI tools may be used to engage in and complete educational tasks and assignments. Classroom teachers will establish appropriate parameters for AI tool usage and will monitor student use of AI tools as appropriate.
Prohibited Uses
Students will not use AI tools to access or create information that is discriminatory, constitutes bullying or harassment, shares confidential or personally identifiable information of others, or access/create material that is harmful to minors, obscene, or child pornography. Any violation of this regulation will be treated as a violation of relevant district policies and may be subject to loss of access to the AI tool, and further discipline.