Introduction
This AI Use Plan is developed in accordance with District Policy EHBD and Regulation EHBD-R. All AI use for district work must remain within the boundaries established by these governing documents. Any use of AI outside of these parameters will be considered a policy violation and may subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
AI Coordinator: Chief of Student Services (awheat@ssdmo.org)
District-Approved AI Services
Staff may ONLY use the following AI tools through their SSD credentials. Personal AI accounts are NOT approved for any educational or district-related use.
- Google Gemini: Accessed through your SSD Google Workspace account. Offers enterprise-level AI support with enhanced privacy protections for lesson planning, curriculum development, and administrative tasks.
- Microsoft Office 365 Copilot: Integrated into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Use for document creation, data analysis, and email drafting.
- Notebook LM: Accessed through SSD Google login. An AI-powered research and note-taking tool perfect for organizing research and planning projects.
- Other Embedded AI: AI features built into existing SSD services (e.g., Goalbook, Therapylog) are also approved when used as the tool is designed.
Acceptable AI Uses
Educational and Instructional Uses
- Lesson Planning: Create unit and lesson plans aligned to learning objectives.
- Curriculum Development: Generate activity ideas and cross-curricular connections.
- Differentiation: Develop strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Assessment Creation: Design quizzes, tests, rubrics, and feedback templates.
- Essential Questions: Craft meaningful, inquiry-based learning prompts.
IEP and Special Education Support
- Goal Development: Draft SMART goals using disability-specific templates.
- Accommodation Planning: Research and generate appropriate accommodations.
- Progress Monitoring: Create data collection forms and tracking systems.
- Documentation: Develop templates for progress notes and therapy documentation.
- Transition Planning: Generate ideas for post-secondary readiness.
Administrative and Professional Tasks
- Communication: Draft professional emails and correspondence.
- Meeting Planning: Create agendas and organizational materials.
- Data Analysis: Analyze trends and summarize information.
- Report Writing: Organize content and structure documents.
- Professional Development: Research best practices and educational strategies.
Strict Prohibitions
Staff are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from the following AI uses:
- Policy and Legal Violations: Any AI use that violates district policies, contractual obligations, or applicable laws.
- Academic Integrity: Using AI to violate assignment instructions, representing AI-generated content as original work without acknowledgment, or facilitating student academic dishonesty.
- Unapproved Tools: Using any AI tools not on the approved list or accessing AI through personal accounts for district work.
- Harmful Content: Creating or disseminating false information, generating altered media without consent, or creating obscene/harmful content.
- Discrimination and Bias: Using AI for decision-making that impacts legally protected rights or in ways that perpetuate bias.
- Legal and Formal Proceedings: Using AI to prepare written content for investigations, student matters, or other legal documentation without professional legal review.
- Operational Disruption: Any use that disrupts district operations, instruction, safety, or violates copyright laws.
Data Security and Privacy
Mandatory Security Practices
- SSD Credentials Only: Always log in through your district-provided account.
- No Personal Accounts: Never use personal AI accounts for district work.
- Confidential Data Protection: Exercise professional judgment to safeguard sensitive student and staff information.
- Content Review: Always review and validate AI-generated content before use.
- Appropriate Attribution: Clearly identify when AI has been used to create or assist with content.
Data Handling Guidelines
Assume all prompts and inputs may be stored by AI systems. Use generic examples and hypothetical scenarios when seeking AI assistance, especially when not using enterprise-grade tools.
Requesting New AI Tools or Uses
To request approval for new AI tools, submit the following information to the AI Coordinator:
- Tool Identification and intended use
- Educational Purpose / Productivity benefit
- Privacy Documentation (Data privacy policy and terms of use)
- Policy Alignment (Demonstrate compliance with district policies)
Training, Compliance, and Support
All staff must complete AI training on safe/appropriate use, policy compliance, and data privacy. The district will provide ongoing support, regular updates on best practices, and professional development opportunities.
Violations of this AI Use Plan may result in disciplinary actions, including loss of AI access, progressive discipline, or termination of employment. Report any concerns or suspected misuse to the AI Coordinator.