The 鶹Ƶ (IUSD) is committed to helping students become ready for the ever-evolving digital landscape of our world today. One important aspect of this is helping students learn to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly, purposefully and in developmentally appropriate ways.
As a District, 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 put people first, using AI as a supportive tool while keeping humans at the heart of teaching and learning. This approach enables us to deliver engaging, personalized instruction that empowers students to discover their voices, pursue their passions, and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
At the helm of this work is IUSD’s Director of Learning Design, Differentiation and AI Integration, Shaney Valencia. IUSD Insights sat down with her to help families learn more about the work our District is doing to support AI Literacy and data privacy for our students and staff.
Can you tell us about your role and your team?
As the Director of Learning Design, Differentiation and AI Integration, my role centers on driving innovative and inclusive instructional practices that ensure every learner feels seen, supported, and challenged. A major part of this work involves leading the intentional and impactful integration of AI into teaching and learning, which is an evolving area that requires strong collaboration across the District. I partner closely with teachers, curricular teams, and the EdTech department to explore research-based practices, build shared understanding and develop the systems and supports that help AI meaningfully enhance instruction, differentiation and student engagement.
Beyond AI integration, I’m grateful to work with a dedicated team that leads District efforts in Climate and Culture, including support for our LGBTQ+ and African American/Black communities and oversees Gifted and Talented Learning programs. Together, our goal is to strengthen belonging, elevate student voice and create learning environments where all students can thrive.
What AI platforms does our District currently use and how do these tools support teaching and learning?
IUSD has invested in several AI-powered tools designed to support teachers, enhance differentiation and deepen student engagement this year. These include Snorkl, MagicSchool, and, for certain staff groups, Gemini Pro. While all teachers have access to these tools, only high school students currently have access to a base version of Gemini. Families and staff can learn more on the IUSD AI Platforms page on our website.
Each platform serves a distinct purpose, but they all share one common goal: helping teachers do what they do best: teach, connect and support students. MagicSchool and Snorkl ensure teachers remain firmly in control, with visibility into student activity, access controls and full customization. Gemini continues to evolve rapidly and integrates directly into Google Workspace, giving teachers powerful tools within the systems they already use.
These platforms can support instruction in meaningful ways by generating differentiated materials based on teacher-defined criteria, providing instant feedback on student work and analyzing real-time understanding so teachers can group or support students more effectively. In classrooms across the district, we’re already seeing AI tools act as helpful instructional “assistants,” freeing teachers to spend more time in the most important place: connecting with students.
How are AI tools used differently at the elementary, middle and high school levels?
AI tools are used differently at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and this is very intentional. IUSD’s AI Steering Committee, comprised of District administrators, principals, teachers and members of our College and Career Readiness team, has carefully evaluated developmental needs, safety considerations and instructional value to ensure students experience AI in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.
- In our elementary schools, students in PK–3rd grade do not use AI chatbot tools such as MagicSchool Student Rooms or Gemini. This supports developmentally appropriate instruction. However, teachers at all elementary levels can use these tools behind the scenes to support planning, differentiation and assessment. A tool like Snorkl may be used with younger students only to capture student thinking and share insights with the teacher, not for student-AI conversation.
- In grades 4–8, students may begin interacting with AI chatbot tools, but only in tightly controlled environments where teachers have full visibility into the conversation. These tools are always opened and managed by the teacher, not students. Middle-grade students do not have access to Gemini. In these classrooms, AI is used to support idea generation, targeted feedback, language development and other teacher-guided learning activities.
- At the high school level, students have access to a base version of Gemini designed specifically for learners, with stricter safeguards and content filters in place. High school students often use AI more independently, such as for coaching, brainstorming, or support with difficult concepts, while teachers continue to model responsible, ethical and academically appropriate use.
Across all levels, our aim is the same: to introduce AI in ways that enhance learning, maintain student safety and build skills progressively as students grow.
What training and professional development has the district provided to teachers and staff in regards to AI?
IUSD blazed the trail with our first AI professional learning offering held in May of 2023. IUSD’s EdTech and Literacy Teams collaborated to host this learning, in which over 100 teachers and principals attended. From that point, multiple summer workshops and site professional learning options were deployed across IUSD, including:
- In March of 2025, every teacher and principal received training in critical AI Literacy content, creating a foundational understanding across our institution of how AI works, media literacy skills and digital citizenship skills necessary for navigating this disruptive force. During this same professional learning day, teachers participated in a wide variety of breakout sessions that highlighted AI integration and exploration.
- At the beginning of this school year, all teachers engaged in training that showcased Gemini Pro and resources for students and teachers to encourage Academic Honesty and AI Literacy for students.
- IUSD’s EdTech Team continues to host ongoing training sessions available to all staff on Gemini, MagicSchool and Snorkl.
With a technology that is evolving so rapidly, it is critical that the professional learning and training opportunities remain accessible to all staff.
How does AI now fit into Digital Citizenship and overall academic integrity that is reinforced at schools across the District?
At IUSD, integrating AI responsibly is embedded in our broader commitment to digital citizenship and academic integrity. From an academic integrity standpoint, AI does not change our expectations of honesty; it simply amplifies their importance. Our Academic Honesty page reminds students to ask themselves key questions before, during and after using AI, such as: “Did I ask my teacher? Is this tool the best one for the job? Did I cite sources? Could I do this alone next time?”
On the digital citizenship side, we frame AI Literacy as three interconnected domains: digital literacy (what the tool is), media literacy (how to evaluate AI-generated content) and digital citizenship (how to engage responsibly with AI). Through student lessons and teacher professional learning, we help learners understand not only how to use AI, but why we use it and what we should ask ourselves while using it. This includes topics like data privacy, algorithmic bias and appropriate use. Student modules covering this information were shared with students in grades 4-12 at the beginning of the school year. More information about this content can be found on IUSD’s AI Literacy page. Additionally, these topics are now incorporated within the existing Digital Citizenship lessons and resources that are shared with school sites through IUSD’s EdTech Team.
What steps does the District take to keep student information safe when using AI?
Keeping student information safe is one of IUSD’s highest priorities. Before any AI tool is approved for use in our schools, it goes through a careful review to make sure it meets strict privacy and security standards. We only work with companies that agree to protect student data and follow important laws such as and , which were created to keep children’s information private.
We also take steps to make sure student data is never used to train outside AI models or shared for commercial purposes. Students and staff are taught never to put personal information, like full names or specific details, into any public AI tool or tool without a data privacy agreement in place.
Our goal is simple: to give students access to innovative learning tools while making sure their information stays safe. Families can feel confident that 鶹Ƶ committed to protecting student privacy every step of the way.
How can parents and families learn more about AI practices at their school and across the District?
Earlier this year, Superintendent Parham shared a message with IUSD families outlining how the District is integrating AI to enhance teaching and learning while ensuring that all students have access to high-quality, safe and age-appropriate tools. Many of our schools have begun implementing several district-approved AI platforms, including Google Gemini, Magic School and Snorkl, to support instruction, creativity and student engagement. As with any new initiative, schools across IUSD are in varying stages of training and implementation and the specific ways these tools are used may look different from classroom to classroom. For example, depending on the grade level and learning task, teachers may be using AI to support the learning without students interacting with the tool directly. In other cases, students may be using an approved AI platform to support their learning in guided ways.
Families who would like to learn more about IUSD’s approach to AI and the platforms available to students can visit iusd.org/AI for additional resources, guidelines and updates. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to contact their child’s teacher(s) directly with any questions or feedback about how AI tools are being used in their classroom.