4012.1(a) - Employee Use of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is a system of machine learning that is capable of performing complex and original tasks such as problem-solving, learning, reasoning, understanding natural language, and recognizing patterns in data.AI systems use algorithms, data, and computational power to simulate cognitive functions and make autonomous decisions, enabling them to perform a wide range of tasks and improve their performance over time through learning and adaptation.

The SUPERINTENDENT recognizes that the use of AI can, when used appropriately, enhance student learning by improving the efficiency of education, providing new and creative ways to support learning, and encourage independent research, curiosity, critical thinking, and problem? solving.

The SUPERINTENDENT authorizes staff members to utilize and permit students to utilize ethical and legal use of AI as a supplemental tool to support and expand on classroom instruction, facilitate personalized learning opportunities, and increase educational and learning opportunities, in accordance with the terms of this Policy.

The SUPERINTENDENT has developed the following guidelines and protocols for the use of AI:

1. Before allowing students to use a specific AI platform in the classroom and before using an Al tool as a resource, employees should ensure that the AI system has been vetted and approved by the SBCSS.
2. When applicable, SBCSS should attain parental consent before offering certain open AI services to students.
3. Evaluation of an AI tool may include whether it:
   1. is an open or closed environment for purposes of data collection;
   2. has a privacy setting where data resharing can be limited or blocked;
   3. meets current student data privacy standards;
   4. can be offered in an equitable manner;
   5. any inherit bias can be minimized or eliminated; and
   6. has safeguards in place to confirm that accurate and factually correct information can be provided.
4. Any use of Al in the classroom or on class assignments must align with the teachers' instructions and use expectations. Teacher's will clarify whether students are prohibited from using AI in an assignment. Teachers will guide and monitor student use of Al, ensuring that it aligns with the SBCSS's guidelines and policies, including the SBCSS's Policy 4012.1 "SBCSS Employee Network, Device, and Software Services Acceptable Use Policy"
5. Use of an Al system must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). (20 USC 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99.)
6. Any student's use of AI on schoolwork must be cited as any other source and may not be submitted as the student's original work. Students may use Al tools to assist with brainstorming, research organization, idea generation, and language refinement when permitted by the teacher.
7. User should not solely rely on Al as a single source of information or validation of their work, as it may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information.

Users are prohibited from:

1. Using any AI system to access, create, or display harmful or inappropriate matter that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit, or that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based on their race/ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or political beliefs or interact with the AI in a manner that supports any of the above.
2. Sharing confidential information, personal identifiable information, or personal health information with the AI system of another student, staff member, or other person. AI information should not be shared with the intent to threaten, intimidate, harass, or ridicule that person. Personally identifiable information includes, but is not limited to, a person's name, address, email address, telephone number, Social Security number, or other personally identifiable information.
   
   Whenever a user is found to have violated SBCSS's SUPERINTENDENT Policy, Administrative Regulation, or the Policy 4012.1 "SBCSS Employee Network, Device, and Software Services Acceptable Use Policy ", the SUPERINTENDENT or designee may cancel or limit a user's privileges with respect to their use of AI, as appropriate. Inappropriate use may also result in disciplinary action and/or legal action in accordance with law and SUPERINTENDENT policy.

The SUPERINTENDENT or designee shall ensure that all SBCSS computers or devices with access to AI have protection measures to protect against access to materials that are obscene, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors. (20 USC 6777; 47 USC 254; 47 CFR54.520.)

Harmful matter includes matter, taken as a whole, which to the average person, applying contemporary statewide standards, appeals to the prurient interests and is matter which depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct and which lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors. (Penal Code 313.)

The SUPERINTENDENT or designee, with input from students and appropriate staff, shall regularly review and update procedures to enhance the safety and security of students using AI and to help ensure that the SBCSS adapts to changing technologies and circumstances.

Policy Reference Disclaimer:

These references are not intended to be part of the policy itself, nor do they indicate the basis or authority for the SUPERINTENDENT to enact this policy. Instead, they are provided as additional resources for those interested in the subject matter of the policy.

4012.1(a) - Employee Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)