This framework outlines a developmental approach to AI integration across grade levels. It ensures that students engage with AI tools safely, ethically, and appropriately for their age, while fostering literacy, curiosity, and future-ready skills.
Guiding Beliefs
- AI should enhance — not replace — the human connection in learning.
- Literacy, inquiry, and ethical reasoning are the foundation of AI readiness.
- Students will learn to use AI responsibly, equitably, and creatively as part of becoming future-ready learners.
- Access will expand gradually as skills, maturity, and understanding deepen.
Grade Band: PK–2
Access to AI Tools:
AI use is limited to district-approved instructional platforms that embed AI features (e.g., adaptive literacy or math tools).
Instructional Focus:
Build literacy foundations, curiosity, and questioning skills. Teachers model inquiry and guide exploration through safe, scaffolded experiences.
Key Student Outcomes:
- Develop early curiosity and love of learning.
- Strengthen literacy and critical thinking foundations.
- Begin to ask ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions.
Safeguards / Parameters:
- No direct interaction with open AI tools.
- AI used only within FERPA- and EdLaw 2-D-compliant platforms.
- Teacher-monitored use only.
Grade Band: Grades 3–6
Access to AI Tools:
Access to district-approved, EdLaw 2-D–compliant AI tools and instructional platforms that integrate AI.
Instructional Focus:
Begin explicit instruction on:
- Prompt engineering (how to ask effective questions)
- Bias and accuracy in AI outputs
- Responsible and ethical use of AI.
Key Student Outcomes:
- Write clear, focused prompts/questions.
- Recognize bias and misinformation.
- Demonstrate academic honesty when using AI.
- Apply AI to brainstorming, feedback, and learning support.
Safeguards / Parameters:
- Only approved tools used in classroom settings.
- Teacher-guided instruction and reflection.
- Ongoing digital citizenship reinforcement.
Grade Band: Grades 7–12
Access to AI Tools:
Access to approved AI tools aligned with coursework, pathways, and career interests.
Instructional Focus:
Deepen understanding of AI literacy and ethics through real-world applications. Students tailor AI use to their interests and disciplines.
Key Student Outcomes:
- Craft complex, well-written prompts.
- Analyze AI outputs critically.
- Demonstrate ethical and transparent AI use.
- Develop and maintain a personal AI Ethics Statement.
Safeguards / Parameters:
- Adherence to district AI policy and academic integrity expectations.
- Emphasis on critical evaluation and personal accountability.
- Teacher oversight and student self-monitoring.