Highland School District has adopted new guidelines to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms, aiming to maintain academic integrity while adapting to evolving educational technologies. The Board of Education approved the AI policy framework during its meeting on September 28, in alignment with guidance issued by the Illinois State Board of Education in July.
The district intends for teachers to determine how and when students may utilize AI tools for assignments. Emphasizing the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, the guidelines encourage students to engage in independent work rather than relying solely on technology.
Chris Becker, assistant superintendent, noted that the district invested about a year in creating its AI approach through a committee that included both educators and administrators. “We’ve had to get ahead of this to make sure we’re educating students so when they write papers or conduct research, they understand the importance of using their own work,” Becker said.
This initiative arose prior to the state’s guidance as educators noticed an increased use of AI among students for writing assignments and research. The Illinois State Board of Education released its recommendations in response to Public Act 104-0399, which tasked the agency with developing guidelines for AI usage in K-12 education.
The state guidance offers flexibility to school districts, allowing them to craft policies that best suit their instructional practices, student privacy, and responsible technology use. In Highland, this flexibility extends to how individual assignments incorporate AI.
At Highland High School, a five-level framework outlines expectations for AI use on assignments, ranging from Level 1, which prohibits AI assistance, to Level 5, which permits full integration of AI. This system empowers teachers to tailor their approach based on the learning objectives of each task. For instance, a student might draft an outline independently before using AI for final revisions, while other projects, like business planning, may allow AI for research purposes.
The district has reported increased AI engagement among students in grades six through 12, particularly at the high school level. While older students receive Chromebooks for school and home use, younger students in grades K-5 have limited exposure to AI during classroom activities.
Becker acknowledged that although monitoring technology use in class is easier, ensuring students complete their work independently at home poses challenges. “What we want is them to do their own work,” he stated, highlighting the goal of balancing authentic learning with the assistance of technology.
Guidelines regarding AI use apply to assignments completed in both classroom and home settings. Information about these expectations is communicated to parents through classroom syllabi and school communications, and further details are available on the district’s website.
Highland School District is also implementing AI tools for teachers, including resources like MagicSchool to assist in lesson planning and instructional materials. Staff have undergone training to effectively integrate these tools into their teaching practices.
In addition to educational strategies, the district prioritizes student privacy, instructing staff to avoid entering sensitive student information into AI programs. The district’s technology team actively works to safeguard school systems against cybersecurity threats.
Highland’s policies also address AI-generated content within the framework of its anti-bullying policy. This recent update tackles issues related to false images and harmful digital content and states that such incidents will be managed through existing disciplinary procedures.
Becker emphasized that the district’s overall approach is designed to prepare students for a future increasingly influenced by AI, while ensuring they develop essential skills necessary for academic and personal growth. “If we have that piece and then we can build up to a component where they’re utilizing online tools and resources to help improve what they’ve already created, I think that’s where we see some of the magic happen,” he said.
As Highland School District continues to implement these guidelines, it aims to strike a balance between harnessing AI’s potential and fostering students’ ability to learn independently.
