Model Board Policy Manual

ISBA Policy Management Console

This policy sets out guidelines for the permissible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) by staff for work-related purposes and by students for school-related purposes. It is also intended to help inform the District community about issues to be aware of regarding generative AI tools, such as data privacy concerns, their potential to provide inaccurate or inappropriate responses, and the fact it is not possible to own or copyright material created using such tools. 

This policy is not intended to limit use of District approved search engines with limited AI functions.

Any use of generative AI must comply with any relevant District policies. For instance, such tools may not be used in ways that violate the District’s policies prohibiting plagiarism, bullying, or unacceptable uses of electronic devices. 

The Superintendent, or their designee, may create a list of District-approved generative AI tools. Before approving such tools, the  IT department  shall review and understand each tool’s terms of service and privacy policy and ensure the use of the tool is compatible with District policy and laws related to student privacy, data security, and other applicable requirements. The Superintendent or their designee may grant approval on a case-by-case basis of generative AI tools not yet given general approval. The Superintendent may also require a data protection agreement between the District and any software tool covered by this policy.

Use by Staff 

Staff may use District-approved generative AI tools. 

For generative AI tools that require an account, staff shall maintain separate accounts for work and personal uses and shall inform their supervisor of any work-related accounts created. Personal generative AI accounts shall not be used on District equipment or a District-provided internet connection.

Staff shall not use any of the following in prompts for an AI tool or otherwise upload the following to an AI tool unless the Superintendent or their designee provides specific permission to do so:

1. Personally identifiable information;
2. Sensitive or confidential student or personnel records; or 
3. Any copyrighted material. 

Staff shall not use AI tools to determine a student’s grade on any project, including but not limited to any grade which includes a subjective component.  

If an employee uses a generative AI tool for a work-related task, they should disclose that they’ve done so if:

1. The tool’s terms of service require such disclosure.
2.  It would be misleading to the supervisor or to the audience not to disclose this use. This includes misleading them about the work being entirely the work of the employee.
3. The work is being used in a context when sources are generally cited. 

Prior to using any output of a generative AI tool, staff shall check the output for inaccuracies, bias, stereotyping, or any other content that is inappropriate or unsuitable for the intended purpose. Staff shall not use such tools for any purpose where they are not able to verify the accuracy and appropriateness of the output. 

The District may provide professional development on generative AI, including on such topics as ethical use, the abilities and limitations of such tools, how to evaluate their output, monitoring student use, data and confidentiality issues, and possible in-class uses. If staff are uncertain of whether any use of AI is appropriate or within the requirements of District policy, they should ask their supervisor about it. 

Use by Students at the Direction of Staff

The Superintendent shall delegate staff to provide students with instruction on generative AI tools, including on:

1. Issues of ethics and academic honesty related to their use;
2. Media literacy and uses of AI the student may encounter;  
3. Evaluating the output of such tools;
4. How to cite or disclose the use of such tools;
5. The importance of not sharing personal information when using such tools; 
6. Confidentiality and safety considerations; and
7. The abilities and limits of such tools. 

 The District shall obtain parent consent for student use of generative AI tools whenever such permission is required by the tool’s terms of service. Students should not be penalized for refusal to use such tools.

For any such activity or assignment, students will be directed to use only tools that have been approved by the District. 

Staff shall clearly communicate to students how they are and are not permitted to use generative AI tools for class assignments as well as any expectations to cite or disclose their use of such tools. Unauthorized use of AI tools and failure to cite such use when citation is required are violations of Policy 3335 Academic Honesty and may be subject to disciplinary action. 

Staff will not knowingly allow students to use AI tools in ways that violate their terms of service, such as use without parent permission or use of an account shared between many people when prohibited. 

Teachers shall take reasonable steps to prevent use of generative AI tools in ways that undermine learning and assessment or create safety and/or confidentiality concerns. Ways to limit/control the use of such tools may include, but are not limited to:

1. Greater use of in-class assignments;
2. Directing students to describe their research/writing process within the assignment;
3. Directing students to include their personal experiences with the topic or assignment;
4. Requiring page numbers to support claims made in assignments about a book the student was assigned to read;
5. Requiring students to complete and provide outlines and/or early drafts for grading; and 
6. Requiring students to base a paper/project solely on specific materials provided.

If a teacher suspects a student may have used an AI tool in a prohibited way for an assignment, the student may be asked to demonstrate their academic competence in a different way. 

Tools to detect the use of AI may be used as one factor among others to determine whether such use has occurred provided the use of such a tool is authorized by the District. 

Violation of this policy by any student or staff member may be met with disciplinary action.

Staff members who notice new, emerging issues with generative AI tools in the school environment should report these concerns to their supervisor. 

The Superintendent may convene a committee to examine the issue of generative AI tools in school further and provide research or recommendations. 

 

Cross References