Guiding Principles for
Generative AI Exploration in
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Embedded Files
Guiding Principles for
AI Belief Statement for Virginia Beach City Public Schools
AI Belief Statement for Virginia Beach City Public Schools
VBCPS acknowledges that artificial intelligence (AI) may be utilized for academic purposes, if approved by a student’s classroom teacher. Proper acknowledgement of its use is required and demonstrates a commitment to academic integrity. When teachers allow AI for a learning experience or assignment, students must follow teacher expectations. Students should use AI to support their thinking, and they must evaluate its output and think critically about its accuracy, value, and potential pros and cons.
Understanding the expanding role and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) is essential for fostering a safe, productive, and future-ready learning environment. We are committed to maximizing the benefits of AI while maintaining high standards for data privacy and security, promoting fairness, and enhancing student learning in a changing digital world.
Guiding Principles Grounded in
Our Core Values
Our guiding principles for AI use are grounded in the core values of Virginia Beach City Public Schools. By aligning AI with what we value most—putting students first, seeking growth, being open to change, doing great work together, and valuing differences—we ensure AI enhances learning, promotes fairness, and upholds ethical standards.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
AI is the field of computer science that deals with the creation of intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human capacities, such as understanding natural language, recognizing objects, making decisions, and solving problems. The information AI draws from can be broad or specific to a particular subject area.
Guiding Principles for Exploring and Using Generative AI in VBCPS
Put Students First
Put Students First
Foster engaging learning opportunities through AI: AI should be used ethically as a tool to enhance student learning, aligning with the division’s Future-Ready Profile for students. This involves selecting AI tools that contribute to a more interactive and engaging educational experience.
Support digital literacy development: As AI tools become available to high school students, the focus should be on intentionally guiding them to identify the most appropriate tools for learning, developing their digital literacy skills in a way that enhances their education.
Empower student success with AI: AI tools should be leveraged to enhance personalized learning opportunities and facilitate innovation, helping students reach their full potential.
Seek Growth
Seek Growth
Promote effective use of AI tools: Staff are encouraged to explore AI’s potential, to support ongoing learning and adaptation. This approach aligns with fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability to AI advancements in education.
Recognize AI’s limitations: While exploring AI, it is essential to critically assess its outputs, verifying information and avoiding over-reliance on AI-generated content to maintain high standards of critical thinking and analysis.
Engage with Experts: Working with external AI experts, researchers, and industry leaders is crucial for the school division to stay informed of best practices.
Be Open to Change
Be Open to Change
Use AI as a tool for human empowerment: AI should be used to augment human capabilities within the division, aiming for organizational effectiveness and efficiency. AI should be used to supplement, not substitute, the essential role of educators and administrators. While AI can assist with data analysis and insights, human judgment and interaction remain crucial to educational success.
Embrace an open mindset toward AI: Staff and students are encouraged to experiment and collaboratively address the challenges and issues that arise as AI use expands within the school division.
Remain responsive and adaptive as AI evolves: The division recognizes that AI technology and its applications will continue to evolve. Maintaining a responsive approach through regular updates and reviews ensures the school community adapts effectively to ongoing advancements in AI.
Do Great Work Together
Do Great Work Together
Recommend AI tools and resources responsibly: Staff are encouraged to share beneficial AI tools and resources, fostering a collaborative environment for enhancing instructional strategies, organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
Follow established guidelines concerning AI use: AI deployment must adhere to established policies and ethical standards to protect personal information and avoid discriminatory outcomes. This includes regular reviews to ensure AI applications provide a positive impact.
Value Differences
Value Differences
Capture and reflect diverse perspectives with AI: AI use in education should prioritize inclusivity by actively monitoring for bias and focusing on fair representation of diverse viewpoints.
Promote inclusivity and access with AI: The introduction of AI should aim to ensure all student groups have equitable access. AI has the potential to reduce educational gaps by bringing diverse perspectives to light and enabling inclusive learning experiences for all students.
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