The Developing Policy and Protocols for the Use of Generative AI in K-12 Classrooms, published by the Oregon Department of Education, outline a comprehensive strategy for incorporating generative AI into the classroom. It emphasises the importance of aligning the use of AI with educational goals, ethical standards and equity considerations.

The guideline is innovatively structured to facilitate easy navigation and application by education stakeholders: Each focus area is designed to address specific aspects of AI integration, ranging from ethical considerations and student privacy to technological infrastructure and teacher training. For each focus area, the guidelines provide a set of guiding questions. These guiding questions are accompanied by concrete tasks, actionable steps that school districts and education leaders can take to develop and implement effective policies and protocols for the use of AI.

• The guide emphasise the importance of understanding federal and state policies that affect the use of AI in education, particularly with respect to student privacy.
• It provides a planning and reflection tool for administrators to develop clear, meaningful, and equitable policies around AI technologies in the classroom.
• The guidelines suggest considering the equity implications of AI, engaging the school and district community, and evaluating AI products and services for ethical use.
• It is recommended that clear guidelines are established for the use of AI, including protecting student privacy and ensuring that AI tools are aligned with educational goals.
• It advocates the creation of a professional development plan to increase AI literacy among educators, students, and families.
• The guide encourages the implementation and monitoring of AI policies to assess their effectiveness and adjust policies as needed.

The structured approach of these guidelines, with its emphasis on focus areas, guiding questions and concrete tasks, provides a pragmatic yet thoughtful framework for navigating the complexities of AI in education. In addition to providing a roadmap for policy development, the guidelines encourage broader reflection on the implications of AI adoption and highlight the potential to bridge educational divides if implemented thoughtfully.

Read on to find out more: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/teachingcontent/Documents/ODE_Developing_Policy_and_Protocols_for_the_use_of_Generative_AI_in_K-12_Classrooms_2023.pd