The Virginia Association of School Superintendents in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education, worked with ALP to create this amazing opportunity to help 66 Virginia school systems build everything they need to support Generative AI for their school systems. In addition to the four in-person training sessions provided to each regional group, this site provides options to continue to share resources and make connections.
Guiding Principles
The basis for all of our work is establishing a solid set of guiding principles. These principles provide a foundational framework that informs the creation of other goals, policies, rules, and procedures. These principles reflect the core values and mission of the school community, ensuring that all decisions and regulations align with a consistent vision for student learning, safety, and development. By grounding every policy in these principles, the school fosters a cohesive environment where expectations are clear, and both staff and students understand the rationale behind the rules.
Acceptable Use Policies
The integration of AI in K-12 education necessitates a reconsideration of acceptable use policies to ensure responsible and ethical use of technology. AI tools can significantly enhance learning, but they also raise new challenges related to privacy, data security, and the decisions about the application of automated systems. Updated policies must address issues such as data privacy, academic integrity, and ensuring equitable access. By revising acceptable use policies, schools can create guidelines that balance innovation with student safety and the integrity of the educational process.
Teacher Guides for Student AI Use and AI Citation
Creating AI guidance for teachers to provide to students is critical as the role of generative AI expands in classrooms. Establishing clear protocols for both teachers and students ensures consistency in how AI is integrated into teaching and assessment. This guidance should address how teachers label assignments for AI use, create avenues for students to request AI tool use, and define expectations for how AI contributions are cited. This not only clarifies AI’s role but also promotes transparency and communication, enabling educators to monitor AI’s impact on learning outcomes while maintaining academic integrity and guiding students proactively.
AI Vendor Letter
It is essential to have clear communication about your existing vendor’s AI integrations, specifically regarding student and staff safety, data privacy, and security. Vendor letters provide a path to gathering this information for existing resources and preventing surprise AI integrations that could cause significant issues. This transparency allows administrators to make informed decisions and communicate proactively. Periodic check-ins should be established for all products.
AI Evaluation Rubric
Because of additional complexities regarding data privacy and AI’s fluid and non-traditional capabilities, AI requires additional focus during the software purchasing process. Vendors should submit comprehensive information detailing the role AI plays in their tool, how the AI is developed, how data is collected and used, and what measures are in place to protect users. These aspects should align with your core AI principles and technology purchasing guidance.
District Stories
District stories knit together the policies, guidelines, and frameworks divisions have created. These narratives provide context and breathe life into what can often feel like abstract or disconnected initiatives. They showcase the “why” behind the work, demonstrating how these structures translate into tangible actions and positive impacts on students, teachers, and the wider community. A compelling district story ultimately paints a picture of the division’s unique journey toward achieving its strategic goals.
Contribute Resources
Part of the power of bringing together so many great Virginia educators is enabling you to share your work with one another. Please use the button below to share how you’re shaping the future of AI in your district.
We’d love to see policies, frameworks, professional development . . . anything you think would help your fellow districts is welcome.
Facilitators
How ALP Can Help Your District
Learn how districts like Ottawa Catholic and Mesa Public Schools are leveraging ALP’s expertise to unlock AI’s full potential while tackling pressing challenges of the digital age.
ALP sits at the intersection of education, innovation and leadership and can provide customized systems-oriented professional learning services for your district.
