603.16 - Artificial Intelligence in the Education Environment

The district believes that to adequately prepare modern learners for the future, advances in technology should first be explored within the education environment. At 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 on 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 limitations 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 from 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 Rights 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.

Adopted: 8/24
Related Policy: 603.16-R
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 279.8; 16 CFR 312; 34 CFT Pt 99; 47 CFR 54.520
IASB Reference: 605.08

603.16-R - Artificial Intelligence in the Education Environment Regulation

SELECTION 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:

  1. Protection of Students: Any (AI) tools used in the district must comply with the requirements to safeguard students from accessing material that is obscene, child pornography, and harmful to minors.
  2. Privacy: Personally identifiable information of students will not be shared without necessary written consents. Further, any (AI) tools utilized must meet the requirements of the school official exemption listed in FERPA, described in Policy 703.1, and comply with the terms of service of the (AI) tools.
  3. 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?
  4. 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.
  5. 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 f(AI)l 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 and staff 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.

Adopted: 8/24
Related Policy: 403.28; 603.16; 703.1
IASB Reference: 605.08-R(1)