I. Introduction

• Purpose of the Policy: This policy is needed to ensure the safe, responsible, and necessary use of AI in education at Leafville Ohio High School. AI tools can offer a variety of benefits in education, such as more personalized learning experiences, improved efficiency, and aid in many tasks. However, the use of AI in education also raises concerns about data privacy, bias, and misuse. Therefore, a policy is needed to ensure AI is not abused and used in a positive manner by students, teachers, and administration.
• Scope: Students, teachers, and administration will all be impacted by this policy. This policy will be applied in the context of classroom instruction, homework, research, student assessments, lesson plans, administrative tasks, and grading.

II. Definitions

• Generative AI: Generative AI technologies this policy applies to are: Natural Language Generation- generates written text based on inputted data or instructions, Chatbots- use NLG to simulate conversation with users, Automated scoring and flagging- systems using AI algorithms to assess student work and screen for possible plagiarism, Content creation tools- use AI to generate images, videos, or animation, Personalized Learning Platforms- AI-driven platforms that analyze student data in order to provide a personalized learning experience, Language translation- AI powered translation between different languages
• Key Terms: Bias- refers to systematic and unfair preferences and prejudices present in AI algorithms, Academic integrity- honesty and respect for intellectual property rights in academics, Data privacy- refers to the protection of all sensitive data by AI, Originality- refers to students producing their own work and giving credit to any outside sources used

III. Ethical Principles

• Integrity and Honesty: When utilizing AI as a tool for academic tasks, such as generating prompts or providing insights, it is imperative to thoroughly review and edit the output to ensure accuracy and coherence, while also crediting the AI tool used in accordance with academic guidelines, and seeking permission from teachers before incorporating AI-generated content into school work to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism.
• Equity and Accessibility: this means providing all students with access to AI resources and technologies regardless of their background or circumstances. It also involves actively addressing biases that may be present in AI algorithms or datasets to prevent discrimination or marginalization of certain groups of students.
• Privacy and Security: AI tools must meet FERPA standards for data security and accuracy to prevent unauthorized access or sharing of sensitive information. Educators should choose AI tools carefully, ensuring they comply with FERPA to protect student and educator privacy.

• IV. Guidelines for Use

• Educational Use Cases: Generative AI in education helps reinforce learning by providing extra examples and visuals, encouraging creativity, and adapting to each student’s needs. And most importantly, It makes learning more engaging through interactive activities like games and simulations, plus, it offers personalized feedback to help students improve.
• Prohibited Uses: Prohibited uses of generative AI include situations where it completes assignments on behalf of students, leading to plagiarism. Additionally, any activities that violate ethical guidelines or academic integrity, such as cheating on exams or fabricating research findings, should not be permissible.
• Collaboration and Sharing: Guidelines for sharing AI-generated work stress ethical behavior: respect copyrights, acknowledge sources, avoid plagiarism, and uphold academic integrity. Obtain consent for sharing, educate about AI ethics, and promote learning and creativity. Transparency about AI use ensures responsible practices in education.

V. Responsibilities

• Students: Students are expected to accurately cite the sources of any content generated with the assistance of AI, including text, images, or multimedia. This includes giving credit to the original creators or sources of the AI-generated material in accordance with academic integrity standards and copyright regulations. Students must clearly differentiate between content generated with AI assistance and their own original work to avoid misrepresentation or plagiarism.
• Teachers and Staff: Teachers and staff are entrusted with guiding students in the responsible and effective use of generative AI technologies within educational activities. Their role involves providing clear guidance on how to utilize AI tools ethically, including proper citation practices and distinguishing between AI-generated and original work. They monitor students’ use of AI technologies to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and school policies, offering feedback and support as needed. Emphasizing the promotion of ethical practices, educators model responsible behavior and facilitate discussions on digital citizenship and ethical considerations related to AI use. 
• Administration: Administration plays a crucial role in facilitating the effective and ethical use of AI within the school environment. Their responsibilities include providing necessary support, resources, and training to ensure that teachers and staff are equipped to integrate AI technologies into educational activities responsibly. Administrators should allocate resources for the acquisition and maintenance of AI tools, as well as for professional development opportunities aimed at enhancing educators’ proficiency in AI integration.
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• VI. Monitoring and Compliance

• Monitoring Use: monitoring the use of generative AI is fundamental to ensuring compliance with established policy and ethical guidelines. This entails maintaining detailed logs of AI usage, conducting regular audits, and holding users accountable for ethical conduct. Teachers will supervise students’ AI usage during educational activities, evaluating content authenticity and providing guidance. Technology monitoring tools may be employed, respecting user privacy and regulations like FERPA. Stakeholders will be encouraged to report concerns through designated channels, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency
• Handling Violations: addressing breaches of the AI use policy is crucial for maintaining ethical standards and fostering a safe learning environment. Suspected violations will be meticulously investigated, involving documentation, evidence gathering, and interviews. Once investigations are concluded, affected parties will be promptly notified of alleged violations and the ensuing disciplinary process, ensuring transparency and accountability. Consequences for breaches will be determined based on the severity and intent, potentially including warnings, loss of AI privileges, academic penalties, parental involvement, or even suspension/expulsion in severe cases..

VII. Support and Resources

• Training and Education: Leafville Ohio High School will provide training for students and staff on the ethical use of generative AI and the interpretation of AI-generated content. Training sessions will be tailored to the resources and needs of a rural school.
• Technical Support: Technical support for AI tools can be gained through many ways, Online resources, teacher and peer support, and virtual support sessions can be used. By using a combination of these resources, Leafville Ohio High School can ensure that students have access to the technical support needed to effectively use AI tools in their education

VIII. Review and Update

• Policy Review Schedule: A schedule will be established for regularly reviewing and updating the policy to adapt to new developments in AI technology and education practices. Reviews will occur at least annually, with opportunities for more frequent updates as needed.
• Feedback Mechanism: Students, teachers, and parents can provide feedback on the policy through designated channels, such as surveys, forums, and meetings. Feedback will be considered in policy revisions and improvements.