Ethics (Becca)
Leafville High School Generative AI Use Policy
**Note AI was used to help us generate and better word this policy**
I. Introduction
Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this policy is to provide clear and ethical guidelines for the use of generative AI technologies at Leafville High School. These tools offer opportunities to enhance learning, support creative exploration, and prepare students for future careers. However, their use also raises concerns about academic integrity, privacy, and equity. This policy aims to maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing potential harms, in alignment with our mission to provide students with a forward-thinking education that respects individual rights and promotes responsible innovation.
Scope
This policy applies to all students, teachers, administrative staff, and contracted personnel at Leafville High School. It governs the use of generative AI tools in all school-related activities, including classroom instruction, homework, research projects, and communications using school-provided devices or platforms.
II. Definitions
Generative AI
Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence technologies that can produce text, images, code, audio, or other content in response to user prompts. Examples include ChatGPT, DALL·E, and similar tools.
Key Terms
Academic Integrity: Upholding honesty and originality in all academic work.
Bias: Systematic and unfair favoritism or prejudice that may be present in AI-generated content due to biased training data.
FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
AI Checker: Software used to detect content potentially generated by AI; accuracy is limited and should not be used as sole evidence of misconduct.
III. Ethical Principles
Integrity and Honesty
Students must clearly communicate when and how generative AI has been used in their work. AI should assist learning, not replace it. Submitting AI-generated content as one’s own original work is a violation of academic integrity.
Equity and Accessibility
AI tools must be accessible to all students, regardless of socioeconomic background. The school will provide fair access to selected AI tools through shared devices and scheduled lab time where possible.
Privacy and Security
No student data (names, IDs, writing samples, etc.) may be submitted to AI tools without consent. Tools used in the classroom must obey FERPA and district-approved data policies.
IV. Guidelines for Use
Educational Use Cases
Approved educational uses of generative AI include:
Brainstorming ideas for writing or projects
Practicing foreign language skills
Tutoring or explanations of complex topics
Creative exploration in art, music, or writing
Prohibited Uses
The following uses are not permitted:
Using AI to generate entire assignments without teacher approval
Using AI to cheat on tests or quizzes
Submitting AI-generated work without proper disclosure
Entering private student data into public AI tools
Collaboration and Sharing
Students and teachers may share AI-generated content for educational purposes. Any public sharing (e.g., publishing online) must be approved by a teacher and follow school rules about digital citizenship.
V. Responsibilities
Students
Use AI responsibly and ethically
Acknowledge the use of AI in submitted work
Refrain from using AI tools to deceive or misrepresent work
Teachers and Staff
Guide students in ethical AI use
Establish clear classroom rules regarding AI
Review student work with awareness of AI assistance possibilities
Administration
Provide access to approved AI tools and training
Ensure AI tools meet privacy and safety standards
Support enforcement of this policy and update it as needed
VI. Monitoring and Compliance
Monitoring Use
Teachers may use AI checkers as one tool to assess work, but should also rely on professional judgment. The school will not rely solely on AI-detection software due to inaccuracy concerns.
Handling Violations
Suspected misuse of AI will be addressed through the school’s existing academic integrity process. First-time or unintentional misuse may lead to re-education. Repeat or intentional violations may result in disciplinary action.
VII. Support and Resourcs
Training and Education
Given Leafville’s limited resources, the school will:
Host annual teacher workshops on educational AI tools
Provide a student handbook section on ethical AI use
Offer peer-led “tech literacy” sessions during advisory periods
Technical Support
Students and teachers can get help through:
The school’s tech administrator
Designated “AI Tool Help Hours” in the computer lab
Printed guides available in classrooms and the library
VIII. Review and Update
Policy Review Schedule
This policy will be reviewed annually each August by a committee of teachers, administrators, and one student and parent representative.
Feedback Mechanism
Community feedback can be submitted via:
An online suggestion box on the school’s website
Scheduled town hall discussions each semester
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings