Guidance for AI

Purpose

This document aims to ensure the responsible and ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) within Belton Independent School District. Generative AI, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, etc., has the capability to produce content like images or text.  It offers immense potential to enhance student learning, assist teachers in their instruction, and streamline school and district operations. However, it is crucial to recognize potential risks associated with any new technology and to establish guidelines that promote safe, secure, and ethical utilization of generative AI, prioritizing the support of student learning.  

When using AI tools, students and staff must follow District policies and guidelines concerning acceptable technology use and upholding academic integrity.

Guiding Principles

• Academic Excellence: AI supports and enhances learning, but does not replace it.

• Cybersecurity and Privacy: Use AI tools in ways that safeguard student and staff data.

• Ethical Use: Use AI in ways that are fair, unbiased, and respectful to everyone.

• Individual Use: Students and staff share the responsibility to understand the potential risks and benefits of AI and to use it ethically.

• Professional Development: Staff engage in continuous training on the capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI tools. This ensures that AI is leveraged effectively to enhance learning outcomes.

Teacher Guidelines

• Teachers are responsible for providing clear guidelines on the use of AI in their classrooms and for individual assignments.

• To ensure academic integrity, teachers must explain when AI use is acceptable, and how to properly credit AI assistance.

• It is essential for teachers to critically evaluate and verify the accuracy of AI-generated content.

Student Guidelines

• Students are encouraged to speak with their teachers before using AI tools.

• Students must avoid entering any personal information into the tools.

• Students are encouraged to keep a record of the prompt used and the output.

• Students should also fact-check and proofread all AI-generated content.

Employee Guidelines

• Employees are responsible for safeguarding confidential information and must not input sensitive information into AI tools.

• Accuracy is crucial. Employees are responsible for verifying and editing all AI-generated content.

Formal Adoption Process

For Belton ISD to consider the adoption of any AI tool that creates content, the creators of that tool must clearly explain how it works and the data it was trained on. This explanation must be easy for everyone in the school community—students, staff, and parents—to understand. Additionally, the creators must detail how the tool protects student data and complies with relevant privacy laws, such as FERPA.