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Â鶹´«Ã½ seeks to be forward-thinking about AI; our mission statement stresses the importance of life-long learning. Since ChatGPT launched in November 2022, perhaps no other subject has required such rapid learning across all ages than artificial intelligence. 

At the same time, we wish to be deliberate and thoughtful about how AI might be utilized responsibly, ethically and strategically throughout our school system, including beyond the classroom in various administrative departments. Currently, with support and resources available from the district, our teachers and staff can utilize Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, and the AI features built into the online graphic design tool, Canva. While our students also work in Microsoft and Canva, the AI tools offered by these services are not yet available to them. 

Our goal with AI is to make informed decisions for the future and move forward with positivity about the possibilities while recognizing the necessary guardrails required should we support our students’ structured use of AI as an educational tool. 

Less than a year after ChatGPT launched, in August 2023, Â鶹´«Ã½ formed an AI Committee of teachers, administrators, and staff to explore and discuss the potential impact of AI on the district’s teaching, learning, and general operations. Members of our technology and innovation team are uniquely positioned to help us chart a path for AI’s use in the district, including in the classroom. Several of them were or are teachers in addition to their expertise in technology, ensuring the department is well-versed in student learning needs, the dynamics of a classroom setting, and the logistics of academic assignments.  

In February 2024, members of the department began attending conferences that included sessions on AI, and several team members also had the opportunity to present at a session. This past summer, the committee built on its work to draft an “AI Handbook” to aid our teachers and staff in understanding AI best practices and how AI might be used in the classroom. The handbook was shared with employees in late November and reflects the district’s belief in maintaining a human-centered approach to education – one that continues to emphasize the importance of student creativity, critical thinking, and integrity, while also considering AI’s potential as a tool to enhance learning. 

This school year, stakeholders across the district have been further engaged in the AI conversation. Over the summer, choice professional development sessions on AI tools were offered. In October, administrative leadership received a formal update, and principals were briefed in November. This month, members of the administrative leadership team, teachers and staff will receive further training on Copilot. In February, our technology and innovation team will host additional professional development sessions for teachers, building on last year’s AI-focused district-wide professional development day, which centered on teachers using AI for productivity and lesson planning purposes. Finally, this summer, we plan to expand these efforts with further training sessions. 

The district does not plan to open district-sanctioned AI tools to students during the 2024-25 school year. This will allow us more time to plan for possibly making certain AI tools available to students at our middle and high school levels in 2025-26, accompanied by clear expectations and guidelines. We believe AI can complement teaching but should not replace it, and can enhance students’ ability to think and reason, but should not diminish it, all underpinned by an equitable and inclusive learning environment.  

As Â鶹´«Ã½ continues to investigate and plan for how AI could be utilized effectively, ethically and responsibly in district classrooms, the community will be kept informed about our progress. As with all initiatives, feedback is welcomed at information@cbsd.org.