Artificial Intelligence Instruction: IJNDA

27J Schools exists as a learning organization where adults and students are empowered as learners to think, do, and problem solve. The evolving development and use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to amplify the way educators work and enhance the way students learn. Generative AI is a form of AI that can create new content, as opposed to traditional AI, which focuses on performing a specific task using systems designed to respond to a particular set of inputs. 

Educator use of AI

Planning for learning is an intentional process that requires educator insights and expertise about grade level instruction and their students. The relationships that exist in the classroom are critical to the success of students. An educator’s ability to read emotional cues, understand cultural differences, and anticipate and respond to students’ needs cannot be fully replaced by the use of AI. Educators must follow 27J policies and procedures regarding permissible AI applications, programs, or tools and the acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI for educators and students.

Generally, educators may use AI to support their work in the following ways:

●        Planning Support - Lesson planning, generating ideas, research to build background for lessons, creating templates, creating rubrics, and grading based on specific criteria.

●        Personalizing Learning - Identifying differentiation strategies and adapting lessons to meet diverse student needs.

●        Data Analysis - Assist with progress monitoring and analyzing student performance to inform instruction, identify trends in data sets, and enhance communication with students and families about student progress.

●        Communication - Support routine communications such as newsletters, meeting agendas, emails, feedback, and outlines for writing.

●        Professional Growth and Development - Provide information on emerging pedagogical strategies, analyze teaching practices, and offer individualized feedback and coaching.

Educators are prohibited from relying solely or primarily on AI to carry out their work duties, unless expressly authorized.

Educators may only use AI applications, programs, or tools that have been approved by 27J. Educators must exercise judgment at all times about the acceptable use of AI to enhance instructional decisions with 27J programming and instructional materials and must carefully evaluate the appropriateness of AI applications, programs, or tools for educational purposes on a case-by-case basis, considering the appropriateness for each educational context, accuracy, reliability, and alignment with 27J Curricular Frameworks.

Educators must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local student privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Colorado Student Data Transparency Act, as well as with 27J policies and procedures regarding internet and technology use (GBEE), staff use of AI (GBEE-R2), and privacy and protection of confidential student information (JRCB).

Educators must provide guidance to students about when and how AI can be utilized to support learning to eliminate any confusion or potential misuse of AI resulting in plagiarism or cheating. Educators who suspect plagiarism or use of AI that violates district policy must first have a conversation with the student believed to have engaged in the misconduct to ensure that the student understands expectations for acceptable use of AI before consulting with administration to determine appropriate steps to investigate any possible violation of policy.

Student use of AI

Student learning experiences empower students by providing opportunities to practice grade level skills and understandings while taking into account specific student learning needs. AI can enhance students in their learning in the following ways:

●        Personalized Learning - Individualized resources and strategies aligned to student learning style, goals, and needs to improve understanding and performance.

●        Comprehensive Learning Support - Generating additional opportunities for practice and offering interactive tutoring, thought partnership, and feedback.

●        Accessibility Support - Enhance access to learning materials for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.

●        Application - Use in research and simulations to develop content specific skills.

●        Career Exploration and Academic Planning - Provide information about career options based on student interests and provide recommendations about academic pathways that align.

Evidence of student learning shows where students are at with their learning and is a tool educators use to make instructional decisions. It is important that each student’s work reflects what the student knows and can do towards their grade level goals. 

Students who use AI to support their thinking and learning must notify their teacher and cite the use of AI to eliminate any question of the source of information. Students with questions about the acceptable use of AI are encouraged to seek clarification from their teacher.

The use of AI can be a tool to support learning, but cannot replace or be a substitute for student learning. Students are prohibited from relying solely or primarily on AI in completion of coursework, unless expressly authorized, and must cite the use of AI when applicable. When AI is misused in violation of this policy, it will be considered plagiarism and cheating which may result in disciplinary consequences as outlined in the student code of conduct.

CROSS REFS:  GBEE-R2: Staff Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

                           IJ: Instructional Materials

                           JICDA: Code of Conduct

                           JRCB: Privacy and Protection of Confidential Students Information

                           JS: Student Use of Internet & Electronic Communication

Adopted October 15, 2025