Implementation Recommendations

Identify individuals to carry out tasks and develop a timeline associated with AI implementation and associated professional development. Consider curriculum directors, IT directors, education technology specialists, and other LEA and site leaders.

Identify and invite stakeholders to help conceptualize GenAI within the context of LEA priorities and initiatives. Together, think through the shared values of the community to develop organizational stances on AI integration. Include all stakeholder groups in the development of guiding principles including district leaders, school staff, parents, students, community partners, tribal leaders, etc. 

Topics to be explored:

• Alignment of AI to LEA mission and vision

• Stance on plagiarism, cheating, and the use of AI detectors

• Equity, inclusion, and access for all learners

• Safe, responsible, and ethical usage by staff and students

• Applicable federal laws that protect student data

• Review existing policy. Many of the current technology related policies cover the concerns that district leaders have about the implementation of GenAI. ASBA members should start with policy IJNDB. Trust Model Policy members should start with policy 3-403.

• Update or create new policy to mitigate risks posed by new technology. Bring policy recommended changes to association attorneys and present to the school board for changes.

Instead of creating separate rules specific to AI use, start by reviewing guidelines already in place. Depending on their currency and strength, it may take only minor revisions to account for GenAI use.

• Student Code of Conduct

• Acceptable Use Policy for Technology Use

• Academic Integrity Statement

• Discipline Procedures

Keep guidelines flexible to accommodate changes as you progress through implementation, learn more, or refine your practices.

• Early adopters who explore and experiment with new technologies pave the way for innovation in education.

• Encourage and support early adopters to share their experiences and insights with peers to foster a collaborative learning culture within the district and scale best practices.

• Leverage the experiences of early adopters to identify potential challenges associated with AI implementation so that issues can be addressed early on. For example, they can serve as "white hats" specifically tasked with attempting to break, abuse, and identify vulnerabilities and security issues in any GenAI platform being considered for broader adoption.

• Look for the success gems of early adopters, then celebrate and share widely! Early wins can create a buzz of success that can help reduce anxiety for those who are more resistant.

• Determine which AI tools to allow access for teacher and staff use.

• Determine which AI tools to allow access for student use.

• Clearly communicate approved tools and expectations for use, including how to protect student data when using them.

• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities that expose instructional and non-instructional staff to GenAI tools and applications, alongside responsible use and ethical considerations.

• Share how the district mission and vision align with the implementation of AI with staff, students, and families.

• Work with stakeholders to help them rethink plagiarism/cheating in light of GenAI integration.

• Introduce common language and transparency protocols for teachers to establish and teach GenAI use. One forward-thinking example is the AI Usage Guide from Brophy College Preparatory, which designates the use of AI for tasks like research, brainstorming, and minor revisions as the default permission.

• Continue to involve families - ask for ongoing input, provide learning opportunities, and communicate regular updates.

• Involve multiple stakeholders in the development of an AI literacy plan that includes curriculum and professional development.

• Make clear how AI literacy and integration support students to develop skills included in Arizona's Academic Standards.

• Engage non-classroom staff (e.g., HR, finance, transportation, facilities) in conversations about how AI may support their department's operations.

• Continuously monitor emerging technologies and adjust policies, practices, and procedures as necessary. Stay vigilant for transformative changes to teaching and learning methodologies and congruence with system values.

• Provide ongoing professional development for GenAI implementation inside and outside of the classroom that integrates the technology with pedagogy, content, and ethical use.

• Create and monitor a plan to develop AI literacy in age-appropriate and safe ways.

• Continue to seek feedback from parents and guardians about GenAI implementation.

• Provide training to parents and guardians that help strengthen their AI literacy.

• Continuously delve into ethics and bias conversations among leadership teams.

• Engage teachers and staff in continuous learning, enabling them to apply AI ethics to their implementation and teaching.

• Develop an evaluation process to determine whether AI implementation is meeting your LEA-specific goals.

• Develop measurements to gauge how well the plan addresses AI literacy goals.

• Continuously review outcomes of implemented strategies, solicit feedback from stakeholders, and analyze data to identify areas for improvement.