Lesson 14: Responsible AI - Building an AI Use Policy for Your School
Responsible AI Use Policy
School / District Name:
Policy Drafted By (Group Members):
Date: ______________ Class Period: ______________
1 Purpose Statement
Why does your school need this policy? What values does it uphold? What does it aim to achieve?
Tip: A strong purpose statement explains the "why" behind the policy. It should acknowledge that AI is a powerful tool while establishing that responsible use is essential. Reference values like learning, integrity, equity, and innovation.
Draft your purpose statement:
2 Key Definitions
Clear definitions prevent confusion and loopholes. Define the following terms as they will be used in your policy:
Tip: Be precise. The difference between "AI-assisted work" and "AI-generated work" can determine whether a student is following the rules or violating them.
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Generative AI:
AI-Assisted Work:
(Work where a student used AI as a tool during the process but the thinking and creation are substantially the student's own)
AI-Generated Work:
(Work that was primarily created by AI with minimal human input or modification)
Other terms your policy needs to define:
3 Acceptable Uses of AI
Under what conditions may students and staff use AI tools? Check the uses you want to permit and add any others.
Tip: Be specific about conditions. "Students may use AI for brainstorming" is less clear than "Students may use AI to generate topic ideas or initial questions but must develop all arguments and analysis independently."
For Students:
Using AI to brainstorm ideas or generate topic suggestions (with disclosure)
Using AI to check grammar and spelling (similar to spell-check)
Using AI as a study aid or tutor for concepts already taught in class
Using AI to translate content for language access (ELL students)
Using AI to debug code when the student wrote the original code
Using AI-powered accessibility tools (text-to-speech, organization aids) as documented accommodations
Using AI to summarize sources when the assignment allows it and sources are cited
Other:
Other:
For Teachers and Staff:
Using AI to generate quiz or test questions (with review and editing)
Using AI to assist with providing feedback on student work (with teacher review)
Using AI to create lesson plan outlines or activity ideas
Using AI to differentiate materials for different learning levels
Other:
Important Condition for All Acceptable Uses:
4 Prohibited Uses of AI
What AI uses are never acceptable? Where are the bright lines that should not be crossed?
Tip: Prohibited uses should be clear and enforceable. Think about the worst-case scenarios from your research and discussion. Also consider whether teacher use has any prohibitions.
For Students - The following uses of AI are prohibited:
Submitting AI-generated work as one's own without disclosure
Using AI during tests or examinations unless specifically authorized
Using AI to complete assignments when the teacher has specified no AI use
Inputting other students' personal information, images, or work into AI tools
Using AI to generate content that is harmful, harassing, deceptive, or discriminatory
Using AI to impersonate another person or create deepfake content
Other:
Other:
For Teachers and Staff - Prohibited uses:
Default Rule (when an assignment does not specify AI guidance):
5 Citation and Attribution Requirements
How must AI use be disclosed? What format should citations take? Transparency is the foundation of academic integrity.
Tip: The APA style guide now includes citation formats for AI-generated content. Consider what information a citation should include: the AI tool used, the date, a summary of the prompt, and what the AI contributed.
When must AI use be disclosed?
Always, regardless of how AI was used
Only when AI contributed to the final product (not brainstorming)
Only when AI-generated content appears in the final submission
Other:
What information must a citation include?
Name of the AI tool used (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini)
Date of use
Summary or exact text of the prompt given
Description of how the AI output was used in the final work
Other:
Suggested citation format for your school:
Example citation:
6 Privacy and Data Protection
What AI tools are approved for school use? What student data may or may not be shared with AI systems?
Tip: Remember that when you type something into an AI tool, that data may be stored, used for training, or shared with third parties. Students under 13 have additional protections under COPPA. Consider what data should never be entered into AI tools.
Approved AI tools (that the school has vetted for privacy compliance):
Data that must NEVER be entered into AI tools:
Student names, ID numbers, or other personally identifiable information
Grades, test scores, or academic records
Photos or videos of students without consent
Health, disability, or accommodation information
Home addresses, phone numbers, or family information
Other:
Consent requirements:
(What consent is required before students use AI tools? Parental consent for under-13? Opt-out provisions?)
Data retention and deletion:
7 Equity and Access
How will the school ensure that AI policies don't create or widen inequalities?
Tip: If your policy permits AI use, students without internet at home or without personal devices are at a disadvantage. If your policy prohibits AI, students with disabilities who rely on AI tools may be harmed. A good equity section addresses both directions.
Access provisions:
The school will provide access to approved AI tools during school hours for all students
Assignments requiring AI use will include in-school time so students without home access are not disadvantaged
The school library/media center will offer AI tool access before and after school
AI literacy training will be provided to all students, not just those in tech classes
Other:
Disability and accommodation provisions:
English Language Learner provisions:
How will the school prevent AI policies from disproportionately harming any student group?
8 Consequences for Policy Violations
What happens when the policy is violated? Consequences should be graduated, fair, and educational.
Tip: Consider that many students may not fully understand the policy at first. First-time violations might warrant education rather than punishment. Also consider: Who determines whether a violation occurred? What is the appeals process?
Graduated consequences:
First violation:
Second violation:
Third or subsequent violations:
Severe violations (e.g., AI-generated work submitted as one's own on high-stakes assessments):
Due process protections:
(How does a student contest an allegation? What evidence is required? Who makes the final decision?)
Role of AI detection tools in enforcement:
(Will AI detection tools be used? If so, with what limitations and safeguards?)
9 Review and Update Schedule
AI technology changes rapidly. Your policy needs a mechanism for staying current.
Tip: A policy written in September may not address tools released in January. Build in a regular review cycle and a process for emergency updates when major new AI capabilities emerge.
How often will this policy be reviewed?
Every semester (twice per year)
Every school year (annually)
As needed when significant new AI tools emerge
Other:
Who will be involved in policy reviews and updates?
Students (through a student advisory committee or survey)
Teachers and staff
Parents and guardians
Administrators
Technology staff / IT department
Other:
How will the school community be notified of policy changes?
Policy Acknowledgment
By signing below, we acknowledge that we have read, understand, and agree to follow this Responsible AI Use Policy.
Student Signature
Student Signature
Student Signature
Student Signature
Parent/Guardian Signature
Administrator Signature
Date: ______________
Policy Effective Date: ______________ Next Review Date: ______________