What is AI in Education?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. In education, AI tools can help with everything from creating lesson plans to providing personalized learning experiences.
🤖 What AI Means
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence - technology that can understand, learn from, and respond to information in ways that seem intelligent. Think of it as a very sophisticated assistant that can process vast amounts of information quickly.
🎯 Why It Matters for Schools
AI is already in classrooms through tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and adaptive learning platforms. Without proper policies, districts risk data privacy issues, academic dishonesty, and inequitable access to technology.
🛡️ Key Concerns
- Student data privacy and security
- Academic integrity and plagiarism
- Equal access for all students
- Age-appropriate use of AI tools
- Teacher training and support
How to Use This Policy Hub
Follow these 5 simple steps to create effective AI policies for your district:
Assess Your Current Situation
Start by understanding where your district stands. Do you have any AI policies? Are teachers already using AI tools?
Use our readiness checklist →Identify Your Role and Needs
Different stakeholders need different resources. Are you a superintendent, teacher, IT director, or parent?
Browse by role →Generate or Select Policies
Use our AI Generator for instant, customized policies or browse our prompt library for specific needs.
Try AI Generator →Customize and Review
Every district is unique. Download templates and modify them to fit your specific context and community values.
Get templates →Implement and Communicate
Roll out your policies with proper training and clear communication to all stakeholders.
Parent resources →Ready to Create Your First Policy?
Our AI Generator can create a complete, customized policy for your district in under a minute.
Start Generating →Essential AI Terms for Educators
Understanding these key terms will help you navigate AI discussions and policy creation:
Policy Primer: Understanding AI Policies
New to AI policy? This section explains key concepts that will help you understand and create effective governance.
📜 What is an AI Policy?
An AI policy is a formal document that establishes rules, guidelines, and expectations for how students, staff, and administrators can use artificial intelligence tools in your district.
It typically covers: acceptable uses, prohibited activities, privacy protections, academic integrity expectations, and consequences for violations.
🔄 Policy vs. AUP vs. Governance
AI Policy: Specific rules for AI tool usage (like your device policy)
AUP (Acceptable Use Policy): Broader rules for all technology use. Your AI policy may be part of your AUP or stand alone.
Governance: The ongoing process of decision-making, monitoring, and updating policies. Includes who makes decisions and how.
⏰ Creating Future-Proof Policies
AI changes fast. Future-proof policies focus on principles over tools:
- Write "AI writing assistants" instead of "ChatGPT"
- Focus on learning outcomes, not specific features
- Include a review schedule (e.g., "Review annually")
- Build in flexibility for teachers to pilot new tools
⚖️ Key Compliance Requirements
Your AI policy must comply with:
- FERPA: Federal law protecting student education records
- COPPA: Protects children under 13 online
- State laws: Some states have specific AI in education laws (CA, TX, IL)
- Vendor agreements: Ensure AI tools meet district data privacy standards
✅ What Makes a Good AI Policy?
Effective AI policies are:
- Clear: Written in plain language, not legal jargon
- Balanced: Enables innovation while maintaining safety
- Specific: Provides concrete examples of acceptable/unacceptable use
- Local: Reflects your community's values and concerns
- Living: Updated regularly as technology evolves
👥 Who Needs to Be Involved?
AI policy creation requires input from:
- Teachers: Classroom reality check
- IT/Security: Technical feasibility and data protection
- Legal counsel: Compliance review
- Students: User perspective (often overlooked!)
- Parents: Community values and concerns
- Administrators: Alignment with educational goals
💡 Remember: AI-generated policies are a starting point, not a final product. The discussion, reflection, and community input during policy creation is just as valuable as the final document. Use AI to facilitate the process, not replace thoughtful decision-making.
About This Hub
The AI Education Policy Hub is an independent, non-prescriptive resource designed to help K-12 districts navigate AI implementation with confidence.
We provide practical guidance, ready-to-use templates, and AI-powered tools—without prescribing specific approaches. Every district is different, and we believe local decision-makers are best positioned to determine what works for their communities.
Partnership: This hub was developed by AI Policy Hub in collaboration with Learning.com. While we feature Learning.com resources where relevant, all guidance is vendor-neutral and designed to support any district's AI journey.