Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is a tool to enhance learning, creativity, and efficiency. In Berea City Schools, we are committed to helping students and staff use AI in ways that strengthen critical thinking, support innovation, and reflect our Portrait of a Titan competencies.
- AI in the Classroom
- Levels of AI Use
- Student Use Guidelines
- Staff Use Guidelines
- Parent/Guardian Resources
- Products and Tools with AI Capabilities
AI in the Classroom
Guiding Principles for the Use of AI in the Classroom
Academic Integrity:
Critical Thinkers and Communicators
- Students may use grade-appropriate AI tools for coursework only when permitted by their teacher
- Students will be expected to clearly acknowledge and cite AI use when appropriate
- Submitting AI-generated work as original work is considered plagiarism
Data Privacy and Security:
Responsible Leaders
- Staff and students must protect personal and sensitive information at all times
- Personally Identifiable Information (PII) must never be entered into AI tools that are not district-approved
- Use of AI tools must align with district data privacy expectations and vendor agreements
Equity and Access:
Adaptable and Inclusive Community
- All students will have access to age-appropriate AI tools and learning opportunities
- Instruction will ensure students understand how to use AI effectively, not just access it
- Support will be provided to ensure all learners can engage with AI tools meaningfully
Ethical and Responsible Use:
Empathetic and Innovative Titans
- Students and staff will evaluate AI outputs critically, recognizing potential bias and inaccuracies
- Intellectual property must be respected, including proper attribution and avoidance of copyrighted misuse
- AI should be used to support learning, creativity, and problem-solving, not replace original thinking
Levels of AI Use
Levels of AI Use
Berea City Schools
Level 4: AI for Creation (Advanced Use)
- AI used to generate or build content
- Students evaluate and adapt outputs
- Focus on ethics and originality
Level 3: AI for Enhancement (Collaborative Thinking)
- AI helps brainstorm and organize ideas
- Students revise and improve work
- AI use may require citation
Level 2: AI for Support (Guided Use)
- AI explains or clarifies concepts
- Teacher-directed use
- Student produces their own work
Level 1: No AI (Independent Thinking)
- Student completes work independently
- No AI tools used
- Used for assessments and skill checks
AI is a co-pilot. The student is the thinker.
Student Use Guidelines
Student Use Guidelines
AI is a tool to support your thinking, not replace it.
As a Titan, you are expected to use AI to learn, create, and solve problems responsibly.
As a Titan, you are expected to use AI to learn, create, and solve problems responsibly.
What Students CAN Do
- Use AI tools when directed or approved by your teacher
- Use AI to support brainstorming, research, and idea development
- Ask AI to explain concepts or help you understand learning
- Use AI to improve your work, not complete it for you
- Create original work that reflects your own thinking
What Students MUST Do
- Clearly acknowledge when AI is used, when required by your teacher
- Evaluate AI responses for accuracy and bias
- Follow all classroom expectations for assignments and assessments
- Protect your personal information and the information of others
What Students CANNOT Do
- Submit AI-generated work as your own without permission or citation
- Use AI during tests, quizzes, or assignments unless allowed
- Enter personal or sensitive information into AI tools
- Use AI to create harmful, inappropriate, or dishonest content
Grade-Level Expectations
Grades K–4
- Learn what AI is through teacher-guided experiences
- Use approved tools only with direct supervision
- Focus on digital citizenship and safe technology use
Grades 5–6
- Begin using AI tools with teacher guidance
- Learn how to ask good questions and evaluate answers
- Understand that AI is not always correct
Grades 7–8
- Use AI to support research, writing, and projects
- Practice citing and acknowledging AI use
- Begin identifying bias and limitations in AI responses
Grades 9–12
- Use AI as a tool for deeper learning and problem-solving
- Critically evaluate AI outputs for accuracy and credibility
- Understand ethical implications, including bias, authorship, and impact
Staff Use Guidelines
Staff Use Guidelines
AI is a tool to support professional practice, not replace professional judgment.
In Berea City Schools, staff are expected to use AI to enhance efficiency, strengthen instruction, and support student learning while maintaining ethical and responsible use.
In Berea City Schools, staff are expected to use AI to enhance efficiency, strengthen instruction, and support student learning while maintaining ethical and responsible use.
What Staff CAN Do
- Use AI to brainstorm lesson ideas, activities, and instructional strategies
- Draft communications such as emails, newsletters, and family updates
- Create instructional materials, examples, and practice activities
- Differentiate content to support diverse learners
- Analyze trends in student data using district-approved tools
- Support workflow efficiency (summaries, outlines, planning)
What Staff MUST Do
- Review and edit all AI-generated content before use
- Ensure all content is accurate, appropriate, and aligned to district expectations
- Use only district-approved tools when entering any student-related information
- Protect all student and staff Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
- Maintain professional judgment in all decisions involving students
What Staff CANNOT Do
- Input student or parent PII into non-approved AI tools
- Use AI to make final decisions about grades, placement, or discipline
- Rely solely on AI without professional oversight
- Use AI to generate biased, inappropriate, or discriminatory content
- Present AI-generated content as fully original without review
Instructional Expectations
- Use AI to support student thinking, not replace it
- Teach students how to evaluate AI outputs critically
- Reinforce academic integrity, including appropriate citation
- Align AI use to the learning objective, not convenience
Tool Use Guidance
- District-approved tools may be used with student data
- Non-approved tools may be used for professional tasks only, with no student data entered
- Staff are responsible for understanding the capabilities and limitations of any AI tool they use
Inputting student PII into any non-supported app or website is a violation of FERPA and Ohio Senate Bill 29.
Staff Accountability
Staff are responsible for the appropriate use of AI in their practice.
Misuse of AI will be addressed in alignment with district policies and professional expectations.
Parent/Guardian Resources
Explore trusted guides and research on how students can use generative AI safely, ethically, and effectively at school and at home.
- Family Guide to AI (Google Gemini)
- Parents' Ultimate Guide to Generative AI (Common Sense Media)
- Ohio's AI Toolkit
Products and Tools with AI Capabilities
Artificial Intelligence is embedded in many of the digital tools we use every day. In Berea City Schools, AI tools are used to support teaching, learning, communication, and efficiency.
AI tools are assistants. Staff remain responsible for all decisions and outcomes.
Tool Categories
District-Approved Tools
These tools have been reviewed for privacy, security, and instructional alignment.
- May be used for classroom instruction and district work
- May be used with student information, when aligned to district expectations
- Supported with training and guidance
Staff Responsibilities
When using any AI-enabled tool, staff are expected to:
- Protect student, staff, and family privacy at all times
- Use district-approved tools when working with student information
- Review all AI-generated content for accuracy, bias, and appropriateness
- Apply professional judgment in all instructional and operational decisions
- Ensure AI use supports learning, not replaces it
Simple Decision Rule
Before using any AI tool, ask:
- Does this involve student or personal data?
→ If yes, use only district-approved tools - Does this support teaching, learning, or communication?
→ If no, do not use it - Have I reviewed the output?
→ If no, do not use it yet
Ongoing Review
Because AI tools evolve quickly, Berea City Schools will review and update approved tools and guidance on a regular basis. Staff should rely on the most current district guidance when selecting tools.