Policy-Code-IJND

AI Use in Education

Section I: Instructional Program

Policy Title: AI Use in Education
Policy Code: IJND

Purpose

This policy establishes clear regulations for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies within Tucson Unified School District (TUSD). It outlines the scope, usage guidelines, and safeguards to ensure responsible AI integration in all areas of education, administration, and operations, while protecting privacy, ensuring ethical use, and supporting equitable learning environments.

Definitions

1.         Artificial Intelligence (AI): A branch of computer science focused on creating systems capable of performing tasks typically requiring human intelligence, including decision-making, pattern recognition, and language understanding.
2.         Reactive AI: Performs simple, rule-based tasks with no memory or learning (e.g., automated reminders).
3.         Predictive AI: Uses historical data to make forecasts or recommendations (e.g., identifying students at risk based on attendance patterns).
4.         Generative AI: Creates new content—such as text, images, or code—based on patterns in data (e.g., automated essay feedback or curriculum planning suggestions).
5.         Compliant AI Systems: AI tools that meet federal, state, and district regulations regarding privacy, ethics, accessibility, and data protection.

Scope

This policy applies to all TUSD students, teachers, staff, administrators, and third parties who develop, interact with, or implement AI technologies within the district’s educational, operational, and administrative systems. The policy covers all generative AI applications, including generative platforms, tutoring systems, automation software, data analytics tools, and conversational agents.

General Guidelines for AI Use

1.         Educational Purpose: AI technologies must support TUSD’s mission by enhancing learning, improving teaching practices, and supporting operational efficiency.
2.         Human Oversight: AI shall not replace human educators, administrators, or staff. AI must augment human judgment, with all decisions involving AI subject to human review and approval.
3.         Ethical Use: All AI systems must align with the district’s values of fairness, equity, and inclusivity. AI systems must be regularly evaluated for potential biases or discriminatory outcomes.
4.         Regulatory Compliance: AI systems must comply with all applicable laws, including FERPA, COPPA, IDEA, CIPA, and Section 504.
5.         Data Privacy and Security: The district shall not use AI systems that use personally identifiable information (PII) or other sensitive data outside of the District. All AI platforms must undergo a privacy and security assessment before adoption.
6.         AI Tool Vetting and Approval: All AI tools must be thoroughly reviewed by the district to ensure compliance with the district’s standards for data security and privacy, alignment with instructional goals, TUSD curriculum and Arizona Department of Education standards, and appropriateness for intended grade level or levels before being approved for classroom use.

Regulations for Student Use

1.         Restricted AI Access: Students may not use generative open or public AI platforms on district devices. These platforms will be blocked on all TUSD-provided devices.
2.         Approved AI Tools: Students over 13 years old attending high school may only use district-vetted and approved AI tools that comply with privacy regulations, have been deemed appropriate for their grade level and subject area, allow for district and teacher monitoring, and have an educational purpose designed to support classroom learning and standards.
3.         Academic Integrity and Acceptable Use: Students must adhere to specific guidelines or instruction provided by their school, school administration, teacher or teachers regarding the use of generative AI tools. The TUSD AI Guidelines provide further guidance on the acceptable use of AI. If no guidance regarding the use of generative AI is provided, students should not use AI tools. Students are prohibited from using AI tools in a manner that violates the district’s Student Code of Conduct, including using AI to plagiarize, cheat, or fabricate work. Violations will be addressed in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
4.         Digital Citizenship: The district will provide guidance to students on responsible AI use, as part of the digital citizenship curriculum. Digital citizenship education shall include AI literacy and data privacy awareness. AI literacy is defined as the knowledge and skills that enable humans to critically understand, evaluate, and use AI systems and tools to safely and ethically participate.
5.         Parents and Guardians: Rights and responsibilities for parents and guardians are addressed in the Student Code of Conduct, the TUSD AI Guidelines, and in the Use of Technology Resources in Instruction.

Regulations for Instructional and Administrative Staff

1.         Classroom Use: Teachers may use AI to enhance instruction but must review and approve all AI-generated materials before classroom use. AI must not replace teachers in curriculum delivery or student evaluation. Teachers may only use district approved AI tools with students.
2.         Privacy Compliance: Staff must ensure no PII, student records, or sensitive information is shared with generative AI systems. All data use must comply with FERPA and district privacy policies.
3.         Professional Development: TUSD will provide professional development and training on AI usage, literacy, and ethics. Staff are highly encouraged to complete training on AI tools before integrating them into their instructional or administrative work.
4.         Classroom Guidelines: Teachers are responsible for clearly outlining AI usage guidelines appropriate to the grade level in their classroom policies and ensuring only district approved AI tools are used. Teachers are responsible for supervising student use of AI in line with district-approved policy and guidelines.

AI Use for District Administrative Purposes

1.         Efficiency and Support: AI may be used to streamline administrative tasks, such as data analysis, resource allocation, and communication, provided it does not replace human oversight or decision-making.
2.         Bias Monitoring: Staff who use AI for district administrative purposes are responsible for ensuring AI outputs are fair, objective, and aligned with district policies.
3.         Data Security and Compliance: All AI tools used for administration use must meet stringent data privacy requirements and comply with district and state regulations. No PII, sensitive or confidential information shall be processed by AI systems. Administrative AI tools must protect sensitive data and meet district, state, and federal data security standards.
4.         Policy Compliance: TUSD employees must ensure compliance with the policies and TUSD AI Guidelines regarding the use of AI. Employees who misuse AI tools may be subject to discipline.

Evaluation and Monitoring

1.         Approval and Purchasing of AI Tools: The TUSD Software Approval Process or Technology Purchase Process applies to the evaluation and selection of AI tools.
2.         Ongoing Monitoring: The district will continuously monitor the use of AI systems to ensure compliance with this policy. New AI tools and updates to existing systems will be vetted before deployment in TUSD.
3.         Auditing: Regular audits will be conducted to assess AI tool performance, effectiveness, and potential biases. The district reserves the right to discontinue use of AI systems that do not meet TUSD’s standards of equity, privacy, and safety.