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Responsible AI use & policy

AI is powerful, but it runs on data and it can be wrong. A little structure keeps your students safe and your classroom fair.

The three non-negotiables

Rule	Why it matters
No identifying student data	Names, grades, IEPs and behavior notes should never go into a tool your district hasn't approved for that purpose.
Verify before you trust	AI can state wrong facts confidently. You are the fact-checker between the model and your students.
Be transparent	Tell students when and how you use AI. It models the honesty you expect from them.

A quick data-safety check

Before you paste anything into an AI tool, ask:

Could this text identify a specific student? → remove or anonymize it.
Is this tool on my district's approved list for this use? → if unsure, ask first.
Would I be comfortable if this appeared publicly? → if not, don't paste it.

A sample student-facing policy

Adapt this to your grade and subject. The goal is clarity, not a legal document.

Using AI in this class

You MAY use AI to:
 • brainstorm ideas and get unstuck
 • check your grammar or get feedback on a draft
 • explain a concept in a different way

You MAY NOT use AI to:
 • write an assignment and submit it as your own
 • do the thinking a task is meant to build

If you use AI, tell me how (one sentence at the end of your work).
When in doubt, ask.

Check your local rules District and regional policies (and laws like FERPA or GDPR where they apply) always take precedence over anything here. When your school's guidance differs, follow the school.

Model it The fastest way to teach responsible AI use is to narrate your own: "I asked AI to draft this, then I checked it and fixed two mistakes." Students remember what you do more than what you post.