The Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) has adopted a new board policy to guide the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. The policy is intended to “support the safe, effective, and appropriate use of AI for both students and staff,” according to the document.
“Three years ago, we were talking about the potential of generative artificial intelligence,” said John Walker, associate superintendent, in his introduction of the policy for a board vote. “We are well past the potential impacts – artificial intelligence is shaping every part of our program.”
The policy outlines “dos” and “don’ts” of how AI is to be used. For example, student use of AI should be “to personalize and enhance the learning experience for each student and to support digital citizenship and literacy.”
Staff should use AI “as a tool to augment and support, rather than replace, staff in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.”
Currently, the district allows only limited AI access within the classroom.
For example, algebra teachers are using AI to supplement their instruction. But Walker said it is all but inevitable that AI use will expand. He said the focus this semester is on adding a large language model within the district network. A likely choice may be Google Gemini, which the district already uses, and which was designed for education.
Privacy and safety will be major factors as the district chooses a large language AI partner.
“We don’t have privacy agreements with any of the major programs now,” said Walker.
Trustee Nancy Kendzierski pointed out that artificial intelligence programs do not just give information – they collect data back from users. Putting privacy agreements in place is critical.
“We cannot and do not leak out our student information,” she said. “It’s against the law.”
One key reason for bringing AI to the classroom is equity, Walker said. Currently, some students have their own AI accounts, while others have no access. The students without access miss out on important benefits and often are at a disadvantage.
The policy seeks to insure that “AI … be implemented in a manner that ensures equitable access and opportunity for all students, regardless of background or ability, and for all schools across the district.”
Despite recommending adoption of the policy, Walker said that district staff had significant concerns about AI use.
“No AI will be able to replace that important student/teacher interaction,” he said. “We do not want generalized artificial intelligence for students to offload that productive struggle.”
