School AI Use Policy Template

Free to adapt. Replace all bracketed fields with your school or district's information.

[SCHOOL / DISTRICT NAME]

Artificial Intelligence Use Policy

Effective Date: [DATE]

Policy Owner: [TITLE — e.g., Academic Dean / Superintendent]

Review Date: [DATE — recommend annual review]

1. Purpose

[SCHOOL NAME] is committed to preparing students for a world in which artificial intelligence is a standard part of professional and academic life. This policy establishes clear expectations for how AI tools may and may not be used by students and staff — not to discourage the technology, but to ensure its use supports genuine learning rather than replacing it.

This policy applies to all students, teachers, and staff of [SCHOOL NAME] across all grade levels and subject areas.

2. Definitions

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Software systems that generate text, images, code, or other content in response to user prompts. For purposes of this policy, this includes but is not limited to: ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, and similar generative tools.

Generative AI: AI tools that produce original-seeming content (text, images, audio, code) based on patterns in training data. The output reflects statistical patterns, not genuine understanding or authorship.

AI-Assisted Work: Any work in which AI tools contributed to the process or product in any form, including brainstorming, drafting, editing, or generating examples.

Purpose-Built Educational AI: AI platforms designed specifically for K-12 students, with age-appropriate content guardrails, parental/teacher oversight, COPPA compliance, and academic integrity features built in — distinct from general-purpose consumer AI tools.

3. Approved AI Uses

The following uses are generally permitted unless otherwise specified by the classroom teacher for a specific assignment:

For students:

• Using AI to brainstorm ideas, outlines, or counterarguments when the final work is the student's own
• Using AI to check understanding of a concept after attempting it independently
• Using AI to get feedback on a draft the student has already written
• Using AI as a research starting point (not a final source), with all claims verified
• Using school-approved AI tools for specific teacher-directed activities

For teachers and staff:

• Using AI for lesson planning, rubric drafting, differentiation, and administrative tasks
• Using AI to generate examples or explanations, reviewed and edited before use with students
• Using school-approved AI tools for teacher-directed classroom activities

4. Prohibited Uses

The following uses are prohibited for all students:

• Submitting AI-generated text, code, or other content as the student's own original work without disclosure
• Using AI to complete any assignment designated "No AI" by the classroom teacher
• Using AI detection evasion techniques (paraphrasing tools, manual transcription of AI output, etc.) to disguise AI-assisted work
• Sharing another student's work with an AI tool without that student's knowledge
• Using personal AI accounts on school devices when a school-approved tool has been designated for the activity

5. Per-Assignment AI Policy Levels

Individual teachers may set AI use levels for each assignment. When a level is assigned, it supersedes this general policy. Students are responsible for following the level specified.

Level 0 — No AI: AI tools may not be used in any form. This assignment assesses unaided student skill.

Level 1 — Brainstorm Only: AI may be used to generate ideas, outlines, or examples. All writing, argument, and final content must be the student's own.

Level 2 — Draft + Revision: AI may produce a first draft. The student must substantially revise it and must be able to explain every claim and choice in the final product.

Level 3 — Disclosed Use: AI may be used throughout the process. Students must document how AI was used and submit that documentation with the work.

When no level is specified, assume Level 1 unless the teacher states otherwise. When uncertain, ask before submitting — not after.

6. Academic Integrity

AI-assisted work submitted without disclosure, or in violation of the assignment's designated level, is considered academic dishonesty under [SCHOOL NAME]'s Academic Integrity Policy and will be handled accordingly.

Note on AI detection tools: [SCHOOL NAME] may use AI detection tools as one input in academic integrity investigations. However, detection tool results are not treated as definitive evidence — they may produce false positives and false negatives. Process documentation, teacher observation, and student explanation are weighted alongside any detection result.

7. Disclosure Standard

Students are always encouraged to disclose AI use proactively. Disclosure before submission will never result in a worse outcome than guessing wrong and being found in violation. If a student is uncertain whether their use is permitted, they should ask the teacher before submitting.

8. AI Tool Approval

Only AI tools reviewed and approved through [SCHOOL/DISTRICT NAME]'s Technology Department may be recommended or required for student use. Teachers who wish to use a new AI tool with students must complete the [TOOL REVIEW FORM / PROCESS] before introduction.

Approved tools as of [DATE]: [LIST APPROVED TOOLS HERE]

9. Data Privacy

Any AI tool used with students at [SCHOOL NAME] must comply with:

• COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) for students under 13
• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) for all student records
• [STATE-SPECIFIC STUDENT DATA PRIVACY LAW, e.g., SOPIPA, NY Ed Law 2-d, etc.]

Students and staff should not enter personally identifiable student information into any AI tool that has not been reviewed and approved under this policy.

10. Consequences

Violations of this policy are subject to consequences under [SCHOOL NAME]'s Academic Integrity and Student Code of Conduct policies. Consequences may include:

• Assignment grade of zero
• Required resubmission
• Parent/guardian notification
• Academic integrity documentation in student record
• For repeated violations: [ADDITIONAL CONSEQUENCES PER SCHOOL POLICY]

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by [ROLE / COMMITTEE] and updated to reflect changes in AI technology, applicable law, and best practices. The current version will be maintained at [URL / LOCATION].

Policy adapted from the A Teacher's Guide to AI in the Classroom series. For school-specific implementation support, visit HeyOtto for Schools.