🧭 Create a Schoolwide AI Policy Framework

 Here’s a clear outline of how a school can enforce differentiated AI policies across classes or assignments without chaos—focusing on consistency in expectations, communication, and accountability while still allowing subject-specific flexibility:

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🧭 1. Create a Schoolwide AI Policy Framework

Instead of one rigid rule, develop a policy framework with these elements:

• Core Principles (e.g., “AI should support—not replace—learning”)

• Acceptable Use Categories:

  • Prohibited: Tasks where AI use undermines learning (e.g., generating entire essays).

  • Permitted with Attribution: Brainstorming, outlining, or revision support.

  • Encouraged: Coding help, data visualization, or simulations.

• Require teacher discretion within this framework to define expectations per assignment.

• Refer to established frameworks, like this one from Michigan Virtual.

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🧾 2. Require Assignment-Level Disclosure

Teachers include an AI Use Policy section on each major assignment:

• What AI use is allowed, encouraged, or prohibited

• Whether AI-generated content must be cited or submitted alongside student work

• Consequences for misuse (aligned with school policy)

This mirrors how citation expectations differ between a lab report and a history essay—students adapt as needed.

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🎓 3. Teach AI Literacy Schoolwide

Students can’t follow nuanced rules they don’t understand. Provide:

• Grade-level appropriate lessons on how AI tools work

• Examples of ethical and unethical use

• Scaffolded practice using AI responsibly across subjects

This helps students see AI as a learning tool—not a cheat code.

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🔍 4. Communicate for Transparency

• Use learning management systems (LMS) and visual reminders to:

  • Post AI expectations clearly in classrooms and online.

  • Post AI expectations on each assignment

  • Track and log AI-related infractions

• Avoid AI detection tools as a means to accuse students of cheating. Instead, grade the process and keep dialogue open.

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🧑‍🏫 5. Train Teachers on Implementation

Offer PD that helps teachers:

• Evaluate how AI interacts with their learning goals

• Write clear AI expectations for different assignments

• Share examples of appropriate use

• Respond to AI misuse fairly and consistently

Encourage collaboration.

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💬 6. Communicate With Parents and Students

Ensure consistent messaging through:

• An AI policy section in the student handbook

• Family info sessions or videos explaining how AI use may differ by subject

• Schoolwide commitment to transparency over punishment

This builds trust and shared responsibility.

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⚖️ 7. Create a Fair Process for Violations

Have a clear, tiered response for misuse:

• First offense: restorative conversation + reteaching

• Repeated misuse: parent contact + formal consequences

• Ensure equity—don’t punish students for misunderstanding unclear expectations

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🧩 Summary: Balance Structure + Flexibility

What’s Consistent	What Varies
Ethical expectations	AI use per subject
Process for disclosure	Assignment-specific rules
Reporting mechanisms	Learning goals
Consequences framework	Use cases by grade level

Differentiated AI policies can work schoolwide if there’s:

• A shared foundation

• Clarity at the classroom level

• Accountability that educates, not just punishes