Responsible Use of AI Tools
AI is a powerful tool for research, brainstorming, and skill development, but its application is a privilege governed by classroom instruction. RUSD recognizes that responsible use varies by context, grade level, and subject.
Staff Responsibility & Professional Use
Staff are encouraged to explore and utilize AI tools to enhance instructional delivery and operational efficiency, guided by the following:
- Verification: AI users are responsible for reviewing and validating all AI-generated output for accuracy and bias before use or distribution.
- Compliance: Staff must ensure AI use aligns with District data privacy policies and only utilize products that have been vetted and approved for school use.
- Site Autonomy: Principals and teachers, with District guidance, determine whether, when, and how specific AI tools are integrated into their unique school communities.
Age Appropriateness (CIPA/COPPA)
RUSD strictly adheres to Federal CIPA and COPPA regulations to protect student data privacy:
- Students Under 13: Most consumer-grade GenAI tools (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT) are not suitable for students under 13.
- Approved Tools: Only education-specific AI tools vetted and approved by our district may be used by students in a school setting.
- Embedded AI: AI features integrated into existing, approved instructional software (e.g., adaptive math or literacy platforms) are permissible for classroom use.
Student Responsible Use Rubric
In the absence of explicit instruction from a teacher, all assignments default to Level 1.
| Level | Designation | Permitted Use | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | No AI Assistance | Students complete their work entirely on their own. No AI tools may be used. Students rely solely on their own knowledge and abilities. | N/A |
| Level 2 | AI Idea Origination | Students may use AI tools to help sort, organize, or clarify their early thinking. AI may provide prompts, examples, or ways of grouping ideas or initial responses, but students must write the final work themselves without any direct AI input. | Name the tool and how it was used. |
| Level 3 | AI-Supported Drafting | Students use AI to write starting points or draft initial content. Students then significantly revise and refine that content so the final product is distinct from the AI's output. | Include the original AI draft or version history. |
| Level 4 | AI-Infused Creation | Students may include AI-generated elements in their work, but they must critically review and edit those contributions. Use of AI must be transparent, and proper attribution given. | Disclosure statement or "Drafted with AI" badge. |
| Level 5 | AI as Co-Creator | Students work in partnership with AI as a collaborator. Students provide a rationale for AI use, ensure that their own original thinking remains central, and maintain academic integrity through clearly citing AI involvement. | Rationale for use and full prompt log. |
The Verification Standard. Whenever AI is utilized (Levels 2–5), the user is strictly accountable for the final product. Students are expected to self-audit content for Accuracy (fact-checking), Relevance, and Bias Mitigation. To ensure authentic mastery, RUSD reserves the right to verify student work through human-generated baseline comparisons, metadata analysis, or oral defenses.