School Policies for AI in Schools

Guidance for Creating New Policies.                  https://www.teachai.org/toolkit-guidance

Sample Considerations for Existing Policies. https://www.teachai.org/toolkit-addendums

State-by-State Guidance on AI in K12 Education  (AI for Education Newsletter)

School administrators need to be aware of the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. While AI-based tools offer personalized learning, data analytics, and immediate feedback, they also present complex challenges. Because these technologies collect and process large amounts of sensitive data, administrators must prioritize data privacy and security. Moreover, AI can inadvertently perpetuate bias if its algorithms are trained on skewed data sets. Understanding these risks is crucial for administrators seeking to integrate AI responsibly.

One critical issue is the potential for AI to deepen inequities. If only well-resourced schools can afford advanced tools, students from lower-income backgrounds may miss out on these benefits. Another area of concern is the need for teacher training. Without proper professional development, educators may lack the expertise to interpret AI-generated insights or spot algorithmic errors. Additionally, many AI systems use “black box” processes that make it difficult to explain how decisions are reached, raising ethical concerns about transparency.

To address these issues, administrators should create comprehensive policies outlining acceptable AI use, data protection protocols, and procedures for evaluating new tools. Collaboration with technology vendors to ensure compliance with privacy regulations is imperative, as is investing in ongoing professional development for teachers. Administrators must also advocate for equitable funding models that allow all schools to adopt AI resources. Finally, establishing ethical review committees or working with external experts can help maintain fairness and transparency in AI systems. By approaching AI integration thoughtfully, K12 leaders can harness its power to enhance learning while safeguarding student well-being and educational equity.

Above all, maintaining open communication with parents, teachers, and students is essential. Administrators should hold regular forums or surveys to gather feedback, address concerns, and promote responsible AI literacy. Only by cultivating a school-wide culture of awareness and collaboration can the full potential of AI be realized in K12 classrooms. Administrators should regularly evaluate outcomes to ensure that AI solutions truly enhance instruction.

(Chat GPT)

. Why is it important for schools to have written policies on AI usage?

A. So students can use AI tools with no restrictions
B. To ensure consistent, transparent, and ethical practices for all stakeholders
C. Because policy documents always solve every classroom issue
D. To immediately ban all AI technologies on campus

<details> <summary>Answer</summary> **B.** A written AI policy clarifies ethical guidelines, protects students’ privacy, and ensures all stakeholders share the same expectations. </details>

2. Which aspect is typically the first priority when forming an AI policy?

A. Ensuring the school purchases the most expensive AI tools
B. Protecting student data and privacy
C. Maximizing standardized test scores
D. Requiring every course to use AI at least once a week

<details> <summary>Answer</summary> **B.** Student data protection and privacy are paramount; a solid policy should detail how any student data is collected, stored, and used by AI tools. </details>

3. When crafting a policy, why should teacher professional development be addressed?

A. Teachers will not need any training if the AI tools are simple
B. Teachers must be prepared to effectively integrate AI tools and understand potential risks
C. Only administrators benefit from training
D. Students teach themselves how to use AI, making teacher training optional

<details> <summary>Answer</summary> **B.** A policy that includes professional development ensures teachers can safely, ethically, and effectively use AI tools in the classroom. </details>

4. A comprehensive AI policy should address equitable access because:

A. Only students with personal devices deserve access to AI tools
B. Equitable access ensures all students can benefit from AI, regardless of socio-economic background
C. Equitable access is irrelevant for digital tools
D. Equitable access prevents students from having to share or collaborate

<details> <summary>Answer</summary> **B.** Ensuring every student has an opportunity to learn with AI tools is a crucial part of ethical and inclusive education. </details>

5. One recommended privacy safeguard in an AI policy is:

A. Collecting as much personal data as possible to improve the tool’s accuracy
B. Storing student information on unsecured, third-party platforms
C. Requiring parental/guardian consent for data collection and usage
D. Giving students no control over their data

<details> <summary>Answer</summary> **C.** Obtaining explicit consent and keeping parents informed about data handling and privacy measures is a fundamental step in AI policy. </details>

6. According to best practices, how should a school address student misconduct related to AI (e.g., AI-generated plagiarism)?

A. Ignore it, because AI is still new
B. Suspend any student who uses AI for any reason
C. Define clear consequences that align with broader academic honesty policies
D. Prohibit the use of technology for all students

<details> <summary>Answer</summary> **C.** Policies should explicitly define AI-related academic dishonesty and incorporate it into the school’s existing honor code or disciplinary procedures. </details>

7. School policies should encourage teachers to:

A. Use only AI for creating and grading assignments
B. Supervise AI usage, integrate it responsibly, and teach digital citizenship
C. Prevent students from asking questions about AI
D. Rely solely on administrators to evaluate AI’s effectiveness

<details> <summary>Answer</summary> **B.** Effective AI policies empower teachers to supervise usage, integrate AI meaningfully into learning activities, and foster students’ responsible digital citizenship. </details>

8. A well-crafted AI policy often requires transparency about how AI tools function. This means:

A. Telling students and families about data collection, processing, and the purpose of each AI tool
B. Hiding the AI’s methods so students don’t try to game the system
C. Encouraging students to only guess how the AI makes decisions
D. Refusing to disclose any vendor information or licensing details

<details> <summary>Answer</summary> **A.** Transparency includes explaining why certain AI tools are used, how they process data, and what benefits or risks they pose to students. </details>

9. One of the key considerations in writing a policy that involves third-party AI vendors is:

A. Ensuring the school has no legal agreements in place
B. Requiring vendors to store all data internationally
C. Reviewing the vendor’s privacy policy, compliance with regulations, and data security measures
D. Allowing vendors unrestricted access to the school’s network

<details> <summary>Answer</summary> **C.** Before partnering with AI vendors, schools should conduct due diligence on their privacy, security, and regulatory compliance. </details>

10. When finalizing the AI usage policy, the school should:

A. Publish it without teacher input
B. Consult stakeholders (teachers, parents, students, administrators) for feedback
C. Avoid explaining the policy to students
D. Keep the policy confidential for legal reasons

<details> <summary>Answer</summary> **B.** Involving all stakeholders fosters buy-in, ensures the policy is practical, and promotes shared responsibility in AI integration. </details>