Why is IUSD using AI in schools?
As AI continues to shape our world, it’s essential that students learn to use it responsibly, purposefully, and in developmentally appropriate ways. By using AI tools, teachers can save time on routine tasks and spend more time connecting with students to support each child’s growth and learning.
How does IUSD use AI?
As AI continues to shape our world, it’s essential that students learn to use it responsibly, purposefully, and in developmentally appropriate ways, ensuring our students are future-ready. We’re utilizing AI tools to save time on routine tasks, enabling educators to spend more time connecting with students, supporting each child’s growth and learning. We’re also implementing safeguards while working collaboratively with staff and families.
Teachers guide student interactions with AI beginning in grades 4–12, with high school students gaining greater independence while still working within a safeguarded environment. In some cases, younger students may, under teacher supervision, use or interact with age-appropriate AI tools. To learn more about AI in your child’s school, please look for communications from your principal and contact your teacher(s).
How is student information protected?
IUSD takes student data privacy seriously. We only use AI tools that are specifically designed for educational purposes and governed by strict data privacy policies.
- We comply with , , and all state and federal laws protecting student data.
- We have strict vendor agreements for any AI platform used by IUSD to ensure strong security measures.
- Student data is never used to train AI models or for commercial purposes.
- Data anonymized whenever possible to protect student identities.
- Staff and students receive clear guidance: never enter personally identifiable information into AI tools.
Teachers may also use additional AI tools in the classroom, but only if there is an active data privacy agreement with the vendor to safeguard student information. For more details, visit the AI Platforms section of this website.
Visit our AI Platforms for more information. Additionally, a comprehensive list of vendors with whom IUSD has such vendor agreements is available at iusd.org/software.
How does IUSD support academic honesty when students use AI?
IUSD emphasizes that AI is a tool to support learning, not to replace a student’s own work. Students are taught to use AI responsibly by:
- Asking their teacher for permission before using AI.
- Using AI to generate ideas, practice skills, or clarify concepts, not to copy answers.
- Checking AI’s responses for accuracy and fairness.
- Citing sources and clearly explaining how AI was used in an assignment.
- Reflecting on whether they can now complete the task independently without AI.
To learn more, including information sheets available for download, visit our AI Academic Honesty webpage.
How do teachers reinforce responsible AI use?
Teachers guide students in using AI to build understanding rather than simply provide answers. Students are reminded that:
- AI cannot replace their thinking. It is one of many tools, like a calculator or a dictionary.
- Assignments must reflect their own learning. Copying directly from AI is treated the same as plagiarism.
- AI is most valuable when students use it to deepen skills—such as brainstorming, practicing, or improving drafts.
What’s expected of students when using AI?
Students are expected to:
Be transparent about how and when they use AI.
- Never submit AI-generated work as their own.
- Always show their own understanding of the material.
- Use AI responsibly and ethically, just as they would use any other academic resource.
What is AI Literacy?
AI Literacy is the knowledge and skills that enable students and staff to understand, evaluate, and use AI tools safely, ethically, and responsibly. In other words, it helps learners make sense of how AI works, question the information it produces, and use it in ways that support learning and integrity.
Why is AI Literacy important?
As AI becomes more common in our daily lives, it’s critical that students and staff know how to navigate this technology. AI Literacy helps ensure that students can harness the benefits of AI while avoiding risks such as bias, misinformation, and misuse. It also prepares them to participate responsibly in an increasingly digital world.
How does IUSD teach AI Literacy?
IUSD focuses on three main areas:
Digital Literacy with AI – Understanding what AI tools are, how they work, and how to use them effectively (e.g., prompt engineering, recognizing that AI is a machine, not a human, and reducing unnecessary energy consumption).
Media Literacy with AI – Learning to critically evaluate AI-generated information, including spotting bias, misinformation, and disinformation.
Digital Citizenship with AI – Using AI responsibly, with emphasis on academic honesty, data privacy, and ethical behavior.
When will students start learning about AI Literacy?
Students in grades 4-12 participate in lessons that introduce AI Literacy concepts. While lessons are tailored to meet the developmental needs of each grade level, the learning objectives remain consistent. These lessons will also help spark conversations between teachers and students about the safe and responsible use of AI.
How will AI Literacy evolve over time?
Because AI is rapidly changing, the skills students need will also evolve. IUSD has formed an AI Literacy Workgroup made up of elementary, middle, and high school teachers and administrators. This team will continue to refine lessons, develop a scope and sequence for AI Literacy, and design integrated classroom activities to keep pace with emerging technology.
How can parents support AI Literacy at home?
Parents can support their child by:
- Asking how they are using AI in school and at home.
- Encouraging them to use AI responsibly, with teacher permission.
- Reminding them that AI is a tool to support learning, not a replacement for their own thinking.
- Exploring family resources on iusd.org/AI.
- Reach out to their child’s principal or teacher with questions.