Teacher AI Readiness Self-Assessment

Where do you actually stand with AI in the classroom? This self-assessment takes about 5 minutes. Be honest — the results are just for you.

Mark each statement: ✓ Yes / ~ Somewhat / ✗ Not yet

Part 1: Your Own AI Use

• I have used an AI tool (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar) for at least one work task in the last month
• I have used AI to help with lesson planning, rubric drafting, or student communication
• I have caught an AI tool being wrong about something and know what that looks like
• I can explain, in plain language, what AI actually does (predicts text based on patterns) vs. what it doesn't do (think, know, or understand)
• I feel reasonably comfortable experimenting with AI tools on my own

Your ✓ count: ___/ 5

0–2: Start here — Streamline Your Prep Work with AI walks you through low-stakes first uses with real prompts.

3–4: Solid foundation. Focus next on building the classroom habit.

5: You're ready to go deeper on policy and student instruction.

Part 2: Classroom Policy

• I have a clear, stated AI use policy for my class — not just a reference to the school's general policy
• I specify the AI use level (none / brainstorm / draft+revise / disclosed) per assignment, not just once for the whole year
• My students know what to do when they're unsure about AI use on a specific assignment
• I have told students that disclosing AI use is always safer than guessing wrong
• I am not relying primarily on AI detection tools to enforce my academic integrity expectations

Your ✓ count: ___/ 5

0–2: The Rules of Responsible AI Use has a ready-to-adapt spectrum and sample syllabus language.

3–4: Your policy exists — tighten the per-assignment specificity.

5: Strong policy foundation. Make sure students can actually recite the core rule back to you.

Part 3: Student AI Literacy

• I have taught students at least once to guess before they check — with any source, not just AI
• My students have practiced the full Predict-Ask-Unpack-Spot-Edit framework at least once
• My students can name at least one way AI output can be wrong or misleading
• My students know that AI confidence and AI accuracy are not the same thing
• I feel equipped to answer student questions about how AI actually works

Your ✓ count: ___/ 5

0–2: Teaching AI Literacy to Students has a 20-minute intro activity you can run this week.

3–4: The habit is started — deepen it by applying the framework to a content-area task, not just a standalone activity.

5: Strong. Consider having students teach the framework to each other.

Part 4: Tool Safety

• I can name the AI tools my students are most likely using at home, whether I've recommended them or not
• I know whether any AI tool I use with students was purpose-built for K-12 or adapted from an adult product
• I know what happens if a student types something concerning into the AI tool we use in class
• I have verified (not assumed) that any AI tool I use with students complies with COPPA or FERPA as applicable
• I know what the district's approval process is before introducing a new AI tool with students

Your ✓ count: ___/ 5

0–2: Choosing Safe AI Tools for Your Classroom covers the five questions to ask before using any tool with students.

3–4: You've thought about this — run any unanswered items through the AI Tool Evaluation Checklist.

5: Ahead of the curve. Consider sharing what you know with colleagues.

Part 5: Parent Communication

• I have communicated something specific (not vague) to parents about how AI is used in my classroom
• Parents know what AI is and is not doing in my classroom
• I have a ready answer for a parent who asks "is my child cheating if they use AI for homework?"
• I have given parents at least one concrete suggestion for reinforcing good AI habits at home

Your ✓ count: ___/ 4

0–1: Talking to Parents About AI has ready-to-use templates for newsletters, back-to-school night, and individual emails.

2–3: Most bases covered — add a home-reinforcement suggestion to your next parent communication.

4: Fully covered. You're the teacher parents forward to each other.

Your Overall Score

Add up all your ✓ marks across all five sections.

0–8: Getting started — use the series links above in order; Your First 30 Days is the right starting point.

9–14: Building momentum — you have real experience to build on; focus on the sections with the lowest scores.

15–19: Solid across the board — look for ways to share what you know with colleagues and deepen student practice.

20–24: Leading edge — you're doing this well; consider formalizing your approach for PD or department-level adoption.

Retake this assessment after 30 days — the change in your score is often more useful than the score itself.

Part of HeyOtto's Teacher's Guide to AI in the Classroom resource series.