AI Policy
AI Policy
Middle School ELA Class AI Policy: "The Writing Brain"
Core Philosophy: In this classroom, writing is how you practice thinking. Just like lifting weights builds your muscles, writing your own words builds your brain. AI is a tool, not a replacement for your imagination, voice, and effort.
When AI is GREEN (Allowed and Encouraged)
You may use AI tools (like ChatGPT or classroom-approved assistants) only when your teacher gives explicit permission for specific tasks:
Brainstorming: Generating a list of potential essay topics, themes, or story starters if you feel stuck.
Clarifying Concepts: Asking AI to explain a difficult literary term or grammar rule in a simpler way.
Editing Assistance: Checking your completed draft for spelling mistakes or asking for alternative vocabulary suggestions (like a high-tech thesaurus). You must still make the final choice to accept or reject the change.
When AI is RED (Strictly Prohibited)
You may not use AI tools for the following tasks unless told otherwise:
Drafting Text: Having AI write sentences, paragraphs, or whole essays for you.
Summarizing Reading: Using AI to summarize a book or poem instead of reading the text yourself.
Impersonating Your Voice: Submitting any work generated by AI as your own original thoughts.
The Rules of Transparency (If GREEN)
If your teacher allows AI for a specific brainstorming or editing step, you must follow the 3-Step Disclosure Rule:
Acknowledge: Write a brief note at the top of your assignment stating which AI tool you used.
Explain: Briefly describe how you used it (e.g., "I used ChatGPT to help me pick between three essay topics").
Own the Work: Ensure every word in the final submission is typed, checked, and understood by you.
The Risks and Rules to Remember
AI makes mistakes: AI programs "hallucinate" (invent false facts), misquote texts, and carry hidden biases. Always verify information using your class text or primary sources.
Protect your privacy: Never type your full name, home address, passwords, or personal secrets into an AI chat tool.
Consequences for Misuse
Using AI to bypass the thinking and writing process is treated the same as traditional plagiarism or cheating:
First Instance: A conversation with the teacher, a grade of zero with an opportunity to rewrite the assignment completely by hand/in-class to demonstrate authentic learning.
Repeated Misuse: Parent contact and referral to school administration per academic integrity guidelines.