AI Guidance

Student and teacher use laptop with text AI in TSD

Why AI Matters

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we learn, teach, and connect, in Thompson School District and the world. By thoughtfully integrating AI into our classrooms and daily lives, we empower students to develop creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for the future. AI tools offer new opportunities to personalize learning, spark curiosity, and support every learner’s growth—while also challenging us to act with integrity, protect privacy, and use technology responsibly. When students, educators, and families work together to navigate AI’s possibilities and challenges, we create a learning community where everyone can thrive in an ever-changing world.

Guiding Principles

Human-Centered Approach

AI should ultimately provide a positive experience with intentional use in teaching, learning, and operations. AI should not replace any educational experience or the role educators play. By guiding students in thoughtful and human-centered AI use, we aim to prepare them for meaningful engagement with technology in both academic and real-world contexts.

Student and Staff Agency

AI tools should be used to accomplish the TSD Portrait of a Graduate, enhancing learning, critical thinking, collaboration, self-advocacy, and citizenship so that our students are well prepared to contribute in their community and compete in the global economy.

Ethical and Responsible Use

Students and staff must uphold academic integrity by crediting sources and acknowledging AI use, ensuring that all work is authentically their own, furthering the opportunity for continual improvement through the feedback cycle.

Safety and Security

Students and staff should not be put at increased risk by using AI, nor should their personally identifying information be unlawfully shared. Users should comply with state law and TSD policy surrounding AI use as they would any other digital tool.

Guidance for AI Use

Elementary Students

Think Before You Use AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can give you ideas and support your learning. But it’s important to use AI safely, responsibly, and honestly. This guide helps you understand how to use AI the smart way at school.

Use AI Wisely and Listen to Your Teacher

Not all AI tools are safe or right for school—check before you use one. Only use tools approved or given by your school. Before using AI, ask yourself:

Is this tool safe and meant for students?
Is it right for this job?

Always follow your school’s technology rules and your teacher’s directions. If you’re not sure whether a tool or activity is okay, ask a trusted adult like your teacher.

Be Honest About How You Use AI

It’s okay to get help from AI when your teacher allows it—but be honest about it.

Follow your teacher’s rules.
Don’t pretend AI’s work is your own.

Keep Your Thinking First

AI is a tool, but your brain is the most important part of your learning. AI can be helpful, but it’s not always right. It might give wrong or unfair answers. That’s why you need to:

Think about what AI gives you and make sure it makes sense.
Use your own voice and understanding in your work.

Stay Safe and Be Kind

Use AI in ways that are safe, respectful, and kind to others.

Never share your personal information with AI tools.
Don’t use AI to bully, copy, or pretend to be someone else.
Respect other people’s work and privacy.

AI as a Learning Partner

When you’re in the lead, AI can help you grow. AI works best when you are in charge. It can help you:

Brainstorm new ideas
Solve tricky problems
Express yourself in new ways

But it should never replace your thinking. Using AI wisely helps you build important skills like creativity, teamwork, and responsibility.

How AI Can Help

Get creative: Use AI to spark ideas for writing or art.
Solve problems: Ask for different ways to solve a math or science problem.
Say it better: Use AI to help improve your writing or speaking.
Work as a team: Use AI to help your group stay organized and share ideas.
Learn your way: Make study guides or ask AI to explain something in a way that makes sense to you.

Secondary Students

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can significantly enrich learning experiences and foster creativity. To use them effectively, it’s important for you to understand not only their potential but also the need to use them ethically, responsibly, and with purpose. This guidance outlines Thompson School District’s expectations for your thoughtful and appropriate AI use.

Thoughtful and Safe AI Use

All use of AI tools must comply with Thompson School District’s Student Responsible Use of Technology Policy (JS), the Device Checkout Agreement for secondary students, and follow your teacher’s directions. Approach AI thoughtfully—consider both its benefits and its limits. If you’re unsure whether a use is appropriate, seek guidance from a trusted adult, like your teacher.

Use AI Tools Wisely

Use only AI tools approved or provided by Thompson School District. Not all AI tools are appropriate for all ages, so before using any tool and to protect your privacy, ask yourself:

Is this tool safe and trustworthy?
Is this tool meant for students or school use?
Is this tool right for this task?

Be Honest and Transparent

AI can support your learning, but it shouldn’t do the work for you.

Always follow your teacher’s directions about how and when you use AI.
If you use AI, be honest about how it helped you, and cite your use. Presenting AI-generated work as your own undermines academic integrity, while honesty builds trust. Brown University Library offers a guide to help you cite AI use.

Keep Your Thinking Front and Center

You’re in charge of your learning. AI tools can provide useful information, but they may also make mistakes or provide unfair or incorrect information.

It’s your responsibility to ensure your work is accurate, clear, and reflects your own understanding and work; use it to support—not replace—your own thinking.
AI tools may generate biases or inaccuracies; always review and think critically about any AI-generated content before submitting it.

Practice Safety and Respect

Use AI in ways that are safe, respectful, and appropriate for school.

To protect your privacy, do not share personal information.
AI should never be used to bully, impersonate, or harm others. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, online and offline.
Respect others’ intellectual property and personal likenesses. Use AI responsibly and thoughtfully, honoring the work and rights of others.

AI As Your Learning Partner

AI tools can help you learn, grow, and build important skills for the world around you. AI tools are most powerful when you stay in charge of your ideas. They can help you brainstorm, solve problems, and express yourself in new ways—but they should never replace your own thinking. By using AI with care and purpose, you build important skills like creativity, critical thinking, and responsibility that will help you grow now and in the future.

Spark Creativity and Thinking

Use AI as a brainstorming partner to think outside the box, ask better questions, and build on your ideas creatively across subjects. For instance, it can suggest new approaches to writing assignments, generate creative prompts, or explore different solutions in math and science, helping you expand your thinking and develop original ideas.

Communicate Effectively

Leverage AI to improve your communication by getting instant translations, practicing conversations, or exploring different ways to express your thoughts. Whether aiming for a formal, casual, kind, or confident tone, AI can assist in refining your writing and speaking to suit different audiences and contexts.

Collaborate and Work as a Team

When working in groups, let AI help organize ideas, keep discussions on track, and ensure everyone’s voice is heard. It acts as a tool for sharing, problem-solving, and enhancing teamwork, making it easier to reach common goals together.

Practice Self-Advocacy and Manage Your Learning

Turn to AI as a thought partner to create study guides, develop questions, and manage assignments. It can support reflection on what you’ve learned and help you discover the learning strategies that work best for you.

Educators

Educator Guidance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world around us and introducing new opportunities and responsibilities in K–12 education. Within Thompson School District, AI use should reflect our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning, student and staff agency, responsible and ethical use of technology, and the protection of privacy and personal data.

As AI becomes more integrated into educational tools and systems, educators are called to lead the way with discernment and care. Through intentional planning, inclusive practices, and strong professional collaboration, they create a place where students come to thrive. In this new chapter of technological transformation, TSD educators remain central to crafting human-centered learning experiences that cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and authentic student growth.

This guidance outlines expectations and recommendations for TSD educators regarding the ethical, safe, and purposeful use of AI tools.

Use Approved AI Tools When Students or Student Data Are Involved

Staff are encouraged to explore AI tools to support their professional practice, such as drafting communication or generating lesson ideas. When using AI with students or involving student data, it's important to use tools that are listed in TSD’s Digital Tools Catalog. This shared commitment helps protect student privacy and ensures we stay aligned with district policy and legal requirements. If you're unsure whether a tool is appropriate, reach out for support or check the catalog.

Use Pedagogical Judgment When Integrating AI into Learning

AI can enhance instruction when used intentionally. Use your professional judgment to determine if, how, and when AI can support student learning in your content area and grade level. For example, generative AI may be appropriate for brainstorming, revision, or inquiry, depending on the learning objective. It may not be appropriate for assessments of original thinking. Use tools like the AI Assessment Scale or the Stop and Think about AI Use to evaluate classroom uses, and communicate clear expectations to students.

Review and Evaluate AI-Generated Content

AI outputs may be biased, incorrect, or incomplete. Always review and critically assess any AI-generated content before using it in instruction, communication, or decision-making. Do not rely on AI alone to evaluate student work or make instructional decisions. AI-generated outputs should supplement–not replace–your expertise.

Uphold Privacy, Data Security, and Legal Compliance

Protecting student data is essential. Never enter personally identifiable student information (PII) into AI tools that are not explicitly approved for use with such data. Ensure compliance with FERPA, COPPA, and the Colorado Student Data Transparency and Security Act. Review and follow Board Policy JRCB to understand your responsibilities in safeguarding student information.

Additionally, SB24-205, the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act, advises that the use of AI for making consequential decisions should be avoided.

Model Responsible and Ethical AI Use

Educators set the tone for how AI is perceived and used in the classroom. Model transparency by crediting AI contributions to your work. Set clear boundaries for how students may or may not use AI in your class. Talk openly with students about academic integrity, digital citizenship, and the strengths and limitations of AI. Reinforce that AI is a tool to support learning, not a shortcut around it.

Stoplight Scale

My work shows my own thinking.

I use all of my own ideas and words.
I do all of my work by myself, without AI.
My own thinking and creativity show in everything I do.

AI may help me start, but I do the thinking.

I might use AI to help me plan, get ideas, or help me get unstuck.
I take the ideas and make them my own.
My final work shows what I understand and think, not just what AI told me.

I lead, and AI follows.

I mix AI's ideas with my own thinking to make something even better.
I use AI to help me learn more, create new things, and solve problems.
When I'm in charge, AI can help me grow my ideas and try new things.

No AI

AI as my helper

AI and I working together

AI Assessment Scale

Level	Description
No AI	The assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding, and skills. You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
AI Planning	AI may be used for pre-task activities, such as brainstorming, outlining and initial research. This level focuses on the effective use of AI for planning, synthesis, and ideation, but assessments should emphasize the ability to develop and refine these ideas independently. You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
AI Collaboration	AI may be used to help complete the task, including idea generation, drafting, feedback, and refinement. Students should critically evaluate and modify the AI suggested outputs, demonstrating their understanding. You may use AI to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content you use.
Full AI	AI may be used to complete any elements of the task, with students directing AI to achieve the assessment goals. Assessments at this level may also require engagement with AI to achieve goals and solve problems. You may use AI extensively throughout your work wither as you wish, or as specifically directed in your assessment. Focus on directing AI to achieve your goals while demonstrating your critical thinking.
AI Exploration	AI is used creatively to enhance problem-solving, generate novel insights, or develop innovative solutions to solve problems. Students and educators co-design assessments to explore unique AI applications within the field of study. You should use AI creatively to solve the task, potentially co-designing new approaches with your instructor.

Families

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming many parts of our world—including education. In Thompson School District, we are committed to using AI to support high-quality teaching and learning, while keeping student privacy, safety, and well-being at the center. As a parent or guardian, your involvement is essential in helping your child navigate this new landscape thoughtfully and responsibly.

Here are some ways you can support your child’s understanding and use of AI tools:

Learn About AI Together

AI is a complex and evolving topic. You don’t need to be an expert—just be curious. Explore how AI works, how it is used in everyday life, and how it’s being introduced in education. Many tools your child uses may include AI features like writing suggestions, language support, or personalized learning paths.

Start here:

Ask your child how they are using AI at school.
Explore AI-related tools or resources together. Common Sense Media is a great place to start.
Share your own questions or thoughts about AI.

Talk About Responsible Use

Conversations at home reinforce the expectations students hear at school. Talk with your child about:

Using AI as a support for learning, not a substitute for their own thinking.
Being honest and transparent about AI use in schoolwork.
Thinking critically about what AI creates or suggests.

Help your child understand that using AI responsibly builds trust and shows integrity.

Establish Home Guidelines for AI Use

Set expectations for how AI tools can and should be used at home—just as you would with screen time or internet use.

Decide together what tools are okay to use and for what purpose.
Set boundaries around when it’s appropriate to use AI (e.g., not for completing entire assignments).
Encourage your child to always cite or acknowledge AI use if it helped them. Brown University Library offers a guide to help students cite AI use.

Model Safe and Respectful Use

Your child learns by watching you. Model thoughtful and ethical use of digital tools by:

Protecting personal information when using online services.
Questioning sources of information and AI-generated content.
Showing how to use technology to create, solve problems, and stay curious.

Stay Connected and Informed

Your partnership with the school is key. If you have questions about AI use in the classroom, ask your child’s teacher. Let them know what your child is saying about AI use at home, and share concerns or successes.

How AI Was Used in This Document

Due to the nature of this document, we wanted to share the ways that we utilized AI in the creation of it.

AI tools were used throughout the development of this guidance to support clarity, consistency, and alignment. We began with a draft created by the TSD AI Task Force, which used the Gwinnett County Public Schools guidance as a mentor text for both structure and content. In addition to format, we also drew on several of Gwinnett’s core ideas, adapting them to reflect our district’s values and context.

To ensure that the final documents reflected a wide range of sources—including our guiding principles, the Portrait of a Graduate, and applicable federal and Colorado state laws—we used AI to help synthesize ideas and check for alignment across all three audiences: educators, students, and families.

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude were used primarily to refine language, elevate tone, and transform concepts into draft language for human review and revision. These tools also supported adjustments to reading level and tone so each document would be clear, age-appropriate, and accessible to its intended audience. For example, we asked AI to suggest alternative phrasing, simplify technical explanations for student readers, and review for consistency across educator and student guidance. Additionally, AI helped compile a list of reference materials that informed the work.

AI served as a collaborative thought partner, always augmenting human expertise rather than replacing it.

This document was modeled after the TeachAI AI Toolkit documentation, How AI Was Used in This Toolkit.

Resources

Federal Laws & Policies

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) 20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99, Protects the privacy of student education records.

COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) 15 U.S.C. §§ 6501–6506, Regulates collection of personal data from children under 13 by online services.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) 20 U.S.C. §1232h, Governs student surveys, instructional materials, and privacy.

Colorado State Laws

Student Data Transparency and Security Act (HB 16-1423) C.R.S. §22-16-101 et seq., Ensures school districts and vendors protect student PII and operate with transparency.

SB24-205 (Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act) Effective 2025, Sets standards for AI transparency, accountability, and oversight across sectors, including education

Thompson School District Policies

JRCB – Student Information Privacy and Protection Directs how staff protect student information and engage with digital tools and vendors

JS – Student Use of the Internet and Electronic Communications Defines student expectations for technology use

Device Checkout Agreement for Elementary and Secondary Students Outlines expectations for student digital citizenship and device care

TSD Instructional Resources

TSD Portrait of a Graduate Defines student competencies: Communicator, Critical Thinker, Self-Advocate, Collaborator, Citizen.

TSD Digital Learning Catalog The internal database for vetting district-approved digital tools and apps.

TSD Instructional Framework Outlines planning, facilitation, assessment, and inclusive practices that guide quality instruction.

External Frameworks and Models

Gwinnett County Public Schools – Guidance for Human-Centered AI Use

TeachAI Toolkit

Human-Centered AI Guidance for K–12 Public Schools, Washington OSPI

Colorado Roadmap for AI in Education, Colorado Education Initiative (CEI)