The Hazelwood School District recognizes the potential benefits of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and for the operation of schools. The district embraces this type of resource and, with a measured approach, will leverage AI as a productive tool in the classroom and workplace while maintaining student safety and privacy. For this policy, AI is any technology that can produce content including, but not limited to text, images, audio, and/or simulated data. It can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, solving problems, and making decisions. In the educational context, it can support personalized learning, accelerate learning, automate administrative tasks, and provide interactive and engaging learning experiences. Teachers can use AI for a broad range of educational reasons. The district will provide education on AI’s role in enhancing instruction and productivity. However, it is also recognized that potential risks are associated with using AI, academic dishonesty, or misguided use.
Learner agency is at the heart of educating the district’s students. Teachers and staff should integrate technological tools that benefit the educational process. Integrating artificial intelligence tools in K-12 education can:
Enhance the quality of learning materials and resources available to educators and students.
Provide individualized instructional support and help students attain personalized learning goals.
Foster creativity and critical thinking skills.
Provide research assistance, helping students to quickly and efficiently search for relevant information for school assignments.
Encourage students to explore AI's potential while developing a deeper understanding of its ethical and responsible use.
Improve efficiency in the operation of schools.
Translate texts or documents into different languages, which can be helpful for students learning a new language and for students studying texts written in a different language.
Aid students with disabilities to access and understand written materials.
Teachers should guide students on the appropriate use of AI in assignments utilizing the levels listed below. When a teacher suspects a student has used AI in a manner that contradicts the district’s academic honesty policy, the student and any documentation should be referred to the school administrator.
Students must rely on their knowledge and skills
No use of AI is acceptable
Teacher permission has been given
Students may use AI for tasks such as feedback, editing, or tutoring
No generative AI is allowed
Students must state their use of AI
Teacher permission has been given
Students may use AI to complete teacher-specific elements
Students are responsible for evaluating all generative AI content
Students must state their use of AI
Teacher permission has been given
Students may use AI to support their work
AI can be used to ‘co-pilot’ student creativity
Students are responsible for evaluating all generative AI content
Students must state their use of AI
The safety of student data is of the utmost importance. The school district shall adhere to federal and state regulations, which include:
FERPA (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. Schools must obtain written permission
from the parent or eligible student before disclosing personally identifiable information from the student’s educational records, except in certain circumstances.
COPPA (The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act): COPPA is a federal law that imposes specific requirements on operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 years of age and on operators of other websites or online services that have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information online from a child under 13 years of age.
The district will implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices to protect student data collected by AI systems from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure by FERPA and COPPA. When contracting with third-party vendors providing AI systems or services, the district shall ensure that the vendor complies with all applicable FERPA and COPPA regulations and maintains appropriate safeguards to protect student data privacy and security.
For all of the benefits of AI, it is also recognized that there are potential risks associated with using AI, including academic dishonesty or misguided use. Inappropriate uses of AI can include:
Using AI to collect, store, or analyze student data without explicit consent and clear educational purpose. Student privacy rights (e.g., FERPA, COPPA) must be maintained. • Implementing AI systems that perpetuate bias or discrimination.
AI should not replace essential human elements of teaching and mentoring. While AI can augment teaching, it must not substitute for the personalized and empathetic interaction between teachers and students.
Encouraging unsupervised use of AI tools by students.
Allowing AI to learn passwords, confidential or proprietary or sensitive district data.
The Superintendent or designee shall notify students and parents/guardians about authorized uses of district technology tools, user obligations, responsibilities, consequences for unauthorized use, and/or unlawful activities by district regulations and the district’s Acceptable Use Policy.
Before a student is authorized to use the district’s technological resources, the student and his/her guardian will sign the Acceptable Use Policy, specifying user obligations and responsibilities.
Emerging technologies such as AI require the application of ethical standards that align with the district’s mission and values. Technologies cannot be used to cause harm or discriminate against any student or group of students. Users of AI must exercise caution regarding potential bias in generated content.
Using AI for high-stakes decisions, such as determining a student’s academic progression, grading, or disciplinary actions, without human oversight, is inappropriate. AI should support, not replace, the professional judgment of educators.
Students must learn to engage with AI technologies responsibly, ethically, and effectively to enhance their learning experiences while safeguarding their privacy and well-being. The use of AI tools without the express consent of the teacher undermines the learning and problem-solving skills that are essential to academic success. Students are encouraged to develop their knowledge, skills, and understanding of course material rather than relying solely on AI tools and they should ask their teachers when they have questions and/or need assistance.
Responsible student use of AI includes:
AI tools used solely for educational purposes as directed by teachers or school authorities. Using AI for non-educational activities or submitting AI work as original student work within the school context is not permitted.
The use of AI technologies in an ethical manner, respecting copyright laws, privacy norms, and intellectual property rights of others.
Students cautiously interact with AI tools and do not share sensitive or personally identifiable information (PII) or data about themselves, another student, a staff member, or any other person. Students must understand the risks and implications of data sharing.
When communicating through AI tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants, adhering to the same standards of respect and decency is expected in human interactions.
Not using AI to access, create, or disseminate harmful or inappropriate content that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based on their race/ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or political beliefs or interact with AI in a manner that supports any of the above.
The responsible use of AI by students in the K-12 educational setting is essential for fostering a safe, ethical, and productive learning environment. By adhering to policy and regulation, students will be better equipped to leverage AI technologies for their educational advancement while respecting the norms and values of the school community.
This policy will be reviewed annually to adapt to evolving technologies and educational needs, ensuring that AI remains a positive and powerful tool for learning and development in the Hazelwood School District.
Notice to Parents/Guardians
The district will update parents/guardians at least annually with a summary of AI use in the district, including any significant changes to the AI use plan.
The district will train all employees and students on the requirements of this policy, other district policies regarding data management and privacy, acceptable uses of AI, and AI prohibitions.
Individuals who have a concern about the safety or effectiveness of approved AI products should report the concern to the building principal, who will work with district administration to investigate the matter and take steps to resolve the concern.
Individuals who suspect AI misuse or are aware of AI use that is potentially harmful or otherwise violates the law or district policies or procedures must report the matter to the building principal. The principal will notify the district administration of the allegations and work together to investigate the alleged misuse or harm. Failure to report known misuse could result in student suspension or employee termination.