> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.playlab.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# District & School AI Policies

> Exploring approaches to AI policy development in K-12 educational settings

## Introduction

This resource explores how different K-12 schools are approaching AI policy development, highlighting different strategies and real-world examples from districts across the United States. As AI tools become more accessible, schools are finding various ways to address implementation, from comprehensive frameworks to targeted guidelines.

<Warning>
  AI policies vary significantly across districts and should reflect local contexts, community values, and regulatory requirements. The examples below represent different approaches rather than recommended solutions.
</Warning>

## Real School AI Policy Examples

The following examples showcase different approaches districts have taken, with links to actual policy documents:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Boston Public Schools">
    ### Boston Public Schools AI Guidance

    **District Size**: 54,000+ students\
    **Original Guidance**: 2023\
    **Major Update**: 2025 (incorporating feedback from 500+ staff, students, families, and community partners)\
    **New Policy Proposal**: May 11, 2026 (School Committee vote pending)\
    **Document Link**: [BPS AI Guidance](https://bostonpublicschools.helpdocs.io/article/7nvt595hpb-guidance-on-the-use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-bps)

    <div className="p-4 bg-blue-50 rounded-md border border-blue-200">
      <strong>Foundational Framework (2023 / 2025 update):</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>Five-pillar framework (Academic Excellence, Cybersecurity, Ethics, Bias Acknowledgment, Human Oversight)</li>
        <li>Approved tools list with vendor vetting process</li>
        <li>Grade-level restrictions</li>
        <li>"Case-by-case decision" by teachers based on learning goals</li>
        <li>AI Hub website with sample guidance and literacy lessons</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    <div className="p-4 bg-red-50 rounded-md border border-red-200 mt-4">
      <strong>May 2026 Policy Proposal — New Provisions:</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li><strong>Deepfake ban:</strong> Prohibits AI-generated audio, video, or images depicting real individuals without explicit consent — or any harmful, threatening, violent, or inappropriate content</li>
        <li><strong>Strict vetting:</strong> Approval process required for any AI tool used in BPS</li>
        <li><strong>Data protection:</strong> Ban on entering any student data into unapproved AI resources</li>
        <li><strong>Decision-making limit:</strong> AI may not be the "sole basis" for grading, discipline, or academic evaluation</li>
        <li><strong>Mandated sections:</strong> Use guidelines, student safety protocols, academic integrity expectations, AI training and literacy requirements</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    <div className="p-4 bg-green-50 rounded-md border border-green-200 mt-4">
      <strong>AI Literacy Initiative (March 26, 2026):</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>A public-private initiative to make every BPS high-schooler AI-proficient</li>
        <li>Rollout begins in select high schools in the 2026–27 school year, with district-wide expansion the following year</li>
        <li>Announced jointly by Mayor Michelle Wu and Superintendent Mary Skipper</li>
        <li>City officials describe it as a proficiency goal, not (yet) a formal graduation requirement</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    **Coverage:** [WBUR](https://www.wbur.org/news/2026/03/26/boston-public-schools-ai-literacy) · [Boston.com](https://www.boston.com/news/education/2026/03/27/a-new-program-will-make-boston-the-1st-major-city-school-district-to-require-ai-training/) · [WGBH](https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2026-03-26/boston-launches-push-to-teach-every-high-school-grad-to-use-ai-critically)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="NYC Public Schools">
    ### NYC Public Schools AI Guidance

    **District Size**: \~1 million students, 78,000 teachers (largest U.S. school system)\
    **Policy Released**: March 24, 2026 (preliminary)\
    **Public Comment Period**: Closed May 8, 2026\
    **Final Guidance**: Delayed June 24, 2026; now expected summer 2026\
    **Document Link**: [NYCPS AI Guidance](https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/vision-and-mission/guidance-on-artificial-intelligence-full)

    <div className="p-4 bg-red-50 rounded-md border border-red-200">
      <strong>🔴 Red Light — Prohibited Uses:</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>Grading or academic evaluation</li>
        <li>IEP / 504 plan development</li>
        <li>Discipline decisions</li>
        <li>Counseling and crisis intervention</li>
        <li>Placement, promotion, and graduation decisions</li>
        <li>Any decision <em>about</em> students</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    <div className="p-4 bg-yellow-50 rounded-md border border-yellow-200 mt-4">
      <strong>🟡 Yellow Light — Cautioned Uses (Trained Professional Review Required):</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>Trend analysis on student data</li>
        <li>Generating translations for bilingual learners</li>
        <li>Adapting materials for students with disabilities</li>
        <li>Student use of AI for research, exploration, and creative projects</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    <div className="p-4 bg-green-50 rounded-md border border-green-200 mt-4">
      <strong>🟢 Green Light — Encouraged Uses:</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>Brainstorming lesson ideas, approaches, and unit planning</li>
        <li>Drafting non-critical communications</li>
        <li>Teacher training and professional development</li>
        <li>Scheduling and resource planning</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    **Notable Approach:**

    * Most comprehensive K-12 AI policy document released by any major U.S. school system to date (30+ pages)
    * Distinguishes between using AI <em>with</em> humans (allowed) and AI making decisions <em>about</em> humans (prohibited)
    * The public comment process drew approximately 6,000 comments; a petition seeking a two-year moratorium gathered more than 3,000 signatures and was not granted
    * The final Playbook was delayed on June 24, 2026 and is now expected in summer 2026; the planned algorithmic-bias and instructional-effectiveness guidelines remain unpublished pending its release

    **Coverage:** [GovTech](https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/nyc-schools-prohibit-ai-for-grading-discipline-ieps) · [Chalkbeat (preliminary)](https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2026/03/24/preliminary-ai-policy-nyc-schools/) · [Chalkbeat (June 24 delay)](https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2026/06/24/nyc-education-department-delays-ai-guidance-after-backlash/) · [Gothamist](https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-schools-get-ai-guidance-using-red-light-green-light-model)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Chicago Public Schools">
    ### Chicago Public Schools AI Guidebook

    **District Size**: 300,000+ students\
    **Policy Released**: July 2024\
    **Document Link**: [CPS AI Guidebook PDF](https://www.cps.edu/globalassets/cps-pages/initiatives/ai-guidebook/cps-ai-guidebook-2024.pdf)

    <div className="p-4 bg-green-50 rounded-md border border-green-200">
      <strong>Age-Based Framework:</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>Elementary: AI for character interviews and word problems (supervised)</li>
        <li>Middle: Virtual experiments and research with oversight</li>
        <li>High School: Independent AI use for essay feedback and synthesis</li>
        <li>Phased implementation plan through 2025-2026</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    **Implementation Features:**

    * Partnership with AI for Education for development
    * Ed Tech Catalog system for approved tools
    * Required citation of AI assistance in student work
    * Age-based access restrictions
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Peninsula School District (WA)">
    ### Peninsula School District AI Principles

    **District Size**: \~9,000 students\
    **Policy Released**: July 15, 2023 (First in nation)\
    **Document Link**: [Peninsula AI Principles](https://www.psd401.net/ai)

    <div className="p-4 bg-yellow-50 rounded-md border border-yellow-200">
      <strong>Human-Centered Approach:</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>"H-AI-H" framework (Human inquiry, AI assistance, Human reflection)</li>
        <li>Co-creation of classroom behavior expectations</li>
        <li>Process documentation over product focus</li>
        <li>Universal Design for Learning integration</li>
      </ul>
    </div>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Rural District Example">
    ### Taliaferro County Schools, Georgia

    **District Size**: 177 students (K-12 in one building)\
    **Policy Released**: March 2024\
    **Document Link**: [Taliaferro AI Policy](https://www.taliaferro.k12.ga.us/AIPOLICY)

    <div className="p-4 bg-purple-50 rounded-md border border-purple-200">
      <strong>Comprehensive Rural Approach:</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>Mandatory teacher supervision for all student AI use</li>
        <li>Three-strike disciplinary system for violations</li>
        <li>Detailed data privacy protections</li>
        <li>Annual policy review requirements</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    **Unique Aspects:**

    * Despite small size, developed detailed policy framework
    * Addresses high-poverty demographic considerations
    * Emphasizes responsible use over prohibition
    * Includes both student and educator guidelines
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Suburban Example">
    ### Chappaqua Central School District, NY

    **District Size**: \~4,000 students\
    **Policy Adopted**: August 29, 2024\
    **Document Link**: [CCSD AI Policy 5110](https://www.chappaquaschools.org/board-of-education/policies-and-regulations/policies-regulations-details/~board/all-policies/post/5110-ccsd-policy-on-generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-integration)

    <div className="p-4 bg-indigo-50 rounded-md border border-indigo-200">
      <strong>Student Rights Framework:</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>Age-appropriate AI tool access with privacy protection</li>
        <li>Transparent information about AI tool usage</li>
        <li>Recognition of AI bias and equity concerns</li>
        <li>Education Law 2-d compliance requirements</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    **Policy Highlights:**

    * Emphasizes student entitlements to AI access and transparency
    * Addresses copyright and data bias concerns explicitly
    * Requires only approved, compliant tools for student use
    * Developed following faculty AI learning sessions
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Broward County (FL)">
    ### Broward County Public Schools

    **District Size**: \~250,000 students (6th largest U.S. district)\
    **Action**: AI platform rollout paused (June 23, 2026)

    <div className="p-4 bg-yellow-50 rounded-md border border-yellow-200">
      <strong>Rollout Paused:</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>The School Board paused the rollout of an AI instructional platform (MagicSchool AI)</li>
        <li>Cited concerns over data privacy, cybersecurity, and age-appropriateness</li>
        <li>Scheduled to revisit the decision in July 2026</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    **Coverage:** [CBS Miami](https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/broward-school-board-meeting-ai-in-classrooms-june-2026/)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Radnor (PA)">
    ### Radnor Township School District

    **District Size**: \~3,600 students\
    **Policy Adopted**: April 2026

    <div className="p-4 bg-red-50 rounded-md border border-red-200">
      <strong>Deepfake Response:</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>Banned the nonconsensual use of generative AI following student deepfake incidents</li>
        <li>One of a growing number of districts adopting deepfake-specific provisions</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    **Coverage:** [Philadelphia Inquirer](https://www.inquirer.com/education/radnor-school-district-ai-deepfake-policy-20260422.html)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Houston ISD (TX)">
    ### Houston Independent School District

    **District Size**: \~180,000 students\
    **Initiative**: AI-focused "Future 2" school model expansion (2026)

    <div className="p-4 bg-blue-50 rounded-md border border-blue-200">
      <strong>AI-Focused School Model:</strong>

      <ul className="mt-2">
        <li>Expanding the AI-focused "Future 2" model to nine campuses for the 2026–27 school year</li>
        <li>First two campuses approved in February 2026, with further expansion approved in April</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    **Coverage:** [Houston Public Media](https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2026/04/29/550493/houston-isd-future-2-schools-ai-focus/)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Info>
  **2026 trend — caution and delay:** Between December 2025 and June 2026, several large districts postponed or paused AI rollouts rather than finalizing new mandates — NYC delayed its final guidance, and Broward County paused a platform rollout. Districts are increasingly pairing adoption with privacy, age-appropriateness, and deepfake provisions.
</Info>

## Organizations for Creating Your Own AI Policy

Playlab does a lot of things, but at our core we are a learning and AI infrastructure organization. If your school or district is looking to develop its own AI policy, we recommend reaching out to the following organizations offer specialized support and consulting services:

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="aiEDU" href="https://www.aiedu.org">
    <div className="flex items-center mb-4">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/playlabai/I16kaA76GxJVRfBG/images/aiedulogo.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=I16kaA76GxJVRfBG&q=85&s=3b4b15332d62f6eafa7f492cc0c8939d" alt="aiEDU Logo" className="h-12 w-auto object-contain" width="961" height="398" data-path="images/aiedulogo.webp" />
    </div>

    <p><strong>Specialization:</strong> Comprehensive AI policy development and implementation support</p>
    <p><strong>Services Offered:</strong></p>

    <ul>
      <li>• Custom AI policy development workshops</li>
      <li>• District-wide professional development programs</li>
      <li>• Policy framework templates and customization</li>
      <li>• Implementation planning and timeline development</li>
      <li>• Ongoing consultation during rollout phases</li>
    </ul>
  </Card>

  <Card title="Throughline Learning" href="https://throughlinelearning.org/">
    <div className="flex items-center mb-4">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/playlabai/LYrv4g_Yru-qsnO1/images/throughlinelogo.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=LYrv4g_Yru-qsnO1&q=85&s=d244e8aa8e14627e0a53f9c50ff19613" alt="Throughline Learning Logo" className="h-12 w-auto object-contain" width="474" height="168" data-path="images/throughlinelogo.png" />
    </div>

    <p><strong>Specialization:</strong> Strategic planning and policy implementation for educational technology initiatives</p>
    <p><strong>Services Offered:</strong></p>

    <ul>
      <li>• AI readiness assessments and strategic planning</li>
      <li>• Stakeholder engagement and community input processes</li>
      <li>• Policy development with equity and inclusion focus</li>
      <li>• Change management support for AI integration</li>
      <li>• Evaluation and continuous improvement frameworks</li>
    </ul>
  </Card>

  <Card title="LEAP Innovations" href="https://www.leapinnovations.org">
    <div className="flex items-center mb-4">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/playlabai/VIYFG3wYtvDjBMdZ/images/leaplogo.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=VIYFG3wYtvDjBMdZ&q=85&s=5c93e58f9b5e8c60666c599250baed1b" alt="LEAP Innovations Logo" className="h-12 w-auto object-contain" width="1008" height="247" data-path="images/leaplogo.webp" />
    </div>

    <p><strong>Specialization:</strong> Innovation-focused policy development with emphasis on emerging technologies</p>
    <p><strong>Services Offered:</strong></p>

    <ul>
      <li>• Future-focused AI policy design</li>
      <li>• Innovation labs and pilot program development</li>
      <li>• Cross-sector partnership facilitation</li>
      <li>• Research and evaluation of AI implementation outcomes</li>
      <li>• Leadership coaching for AI initiative champions</li>
    </ul>
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Considerations for Schools

Schools are addressing AI integration from multiple angles, with different districts prioritizing different things. Some considerations are shared below:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Academic Integrity Concerns">
    **Navigating New Forms of Assessment**

    Districts are exploring various approaches to maintain academic standards:

    * Some require disclosure of AI assistance in student work
    * Others focus on redesigning assignments that are AI-resistant
    * Many emphasize process documentation over final products
    * Some districts allow AI for specific phases of learning

    <div className="p-4 bg-blue-50 rounded-md border border-blue-200 mt-4">
      <strong>Emerging Practice:</strong> Some schools are asking students to submit their AI conversation logs alongside assignments to understand their thinking process.
    </div>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Data Privacy & Safety">
    **Addressing Student Information Protection**

    Schools are developing protocols around:

    * Student data sharing with AI platforms
    * Age restrictions on various AI tools
    * FERPA and COPPA compliance considerations
    * Parental consent requirements

    <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4 mt-4">
      <div className="p-3 bg-red-50 rounded-md border border-red-200">
        <p className="font-semibold">Privacy Approaches</p>

        <ul className="mt-2 text-sm">
          <li>Approved tool lists with vetted vendors</li>
          <li>Age-based access restrictions</li>
          <li>No-PII policies for AI interactions</li>
        </ul>
      </div>

      <div className="p-3 bg-yellow-50 rounded-md border border-yellow-200">
        <p className="font-semibold">Safety Measures</p>

        <ul className="mt-2 text-sm">
          <li>Content filtering and monitoring</li>
          <li>Teacher supervision requirements</li>
          <li>Incident reporting protocols</li>
        </ul>
      </div>
    </div>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Legal Compliance">
    **Meeting Federal and State Requirements**

    Districts are navigating:

    * **FERPA**: Educational record protection requirements
    * **COPPA**: Children's online privacy considerations
    * **State Privacy Laws**: Varying jurisdictional requirements
    * **Accessibility**: ADA compliance with AI tools

    <div className="p-4 bg-green-50 rounded-md border border-green-200 mt-4">
      <strong>Compliance Approaches:</strong> Many districts are creating vendor vetting processes that include legal review of AI tools' terms of service and data handling practices.
    </div>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Equity & Access">
    **Addressing Implementation Disparities**

    Schools are considering:

    * Digital divide implications of AI requirements
    * Differential access to AI tools at home vs. school
    * Teacher preparation and comfort levels
    * Student familiarity variations

    <div className="flex justify-center mt-4">
      <div className="p-4 bg-purple-50 rounded-md border border-purple-200 max-w-md">
        <p className="font-semibold text-center">Access Considerations</p>
        <p className="mt-2 text-sm">Some districts are providing AI literacy training to address preparation gaps, while others are designing policies that don't require home AI access.</p>
      </div>
    </div>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Contextual Factors Influencing Policy Development

Districts are finding that local context significantly shapes their AI policy approach:

### Community and Regional Variations

Different educational environments are producing notably different policies:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Urban vs. Suburban vs. Rural" icon="building">
    Large urban districts often focus on equity and access, suburban districts may emphasize academic integrity, while rural districts might prioritize resource efficiency.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Technology Infrastructure" icon="server">
    Districts with robust 1:1 device programs approach AI differently than those with limited technology access.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Community Attitudes" icon="users">
    Some communities embrace AI integration while others express concerns about academic authenticity.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Staff Readiness" icon="check">
    Teacher comfort levels and training needs vary significantly across districts.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### State and Local Regulatory Environment

<Info>
  **Guidance Variation**: State departments of education have released varying levels of AI guidance, with some providing detailed frameworks and others leaving decisions to local districts.
</Info>

### Common Elements in Effective Policies

Reviewing multiple district policies reveals several recurring themes:

1. **Clear Purpose Statements**: Most successful policies begin by articulating why AI integration matters for their specific community
2. **Graduated Implementation**: Many districts use phased or grade-level approaches rather than district-wide simultaneous rollout
3. **Professional Learning Integration**: Policies that include training requirements tend to have better implementation outcomes
4. **Regular Review Cycles**: Successful policies include built-in revision schedules (quarterly to annually)

***

*Policy examples current as of June 2026.*

***

Last updated: 06-26-2026