AI Guidance for Educators and Staff

Responsible Use

As role models, it is imperative that our staff exemplify ethical use of GenAI tools. This includes maintaining transparency by appropriately citing or disclosing the use of GenAI, and ensuring the content generated has been critically evaluated for bias, hallucinations, and quality, and is suitable for educational purposes. Additionally, staff may enter confidential data only into GenAI tools that have approved data privacy agreements with the District, including but not limited to student record information, confidential employee information, and any identifying information. As a further precaution, staff are advised to turn off chat history and data training in the settings of any GenAI tool used in their professional practice.

Tool Approval and Use

Staff members are required to use only GenAI tools that have been vetted and approved by CPS, as reflected in the EdTech Catalog. A tool’s approval within the EdTech Catalog reflects that it meets the District’s standards for privacy, security, and confidentiality in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. However, it does not reflect that the tool meets the District’s academic standards for verification, bias, fairness, or output quality. Educators and staff should refer to the badges associated with each tool to understand when a tool may not meet these standards. This policy ensures that the tools align with our educational goals and adhere to our rigorous data privacy and security standards.

Monitoring Safe Use

Staff using GenAI tools with students are responsible for ensuring that students engage with these tools responsibly, maintaining an awareness of age limitations, permissions, and well-being, and clearly communicating expectations to students and families. School staff should report instances of misuse to their principal or designee, and be prepared to develop alternate activities that do not require the use of GenAI for students who lose the privilege of GenAI access or whose families do not consent.

Meaningful Use: Instructional Opportunities

As with any new student-facing technology, the introduction of GenAI tools invites educators to consider how GenAI can further the underlying goals of their activities and assignments instead of impeding them. The Instructional Practice AI Operating Committee was created in light of this, the steadily increasing demand for Generative AI skills in the workforce, and our commitment to preparing students for a rapidly changing world.

For guidance and concrete ideas on incorporating GenAI tools in your instructional practices, visit the Instructional GenAI Playbook.