Ozark AI Procedure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to advanced computer systems that simulate human intelligence, enabling them to perform complex tasks such as problem-solving, learning, reasoning, and understanding natural language. These technologies are becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives and are particularly impactful in education, where they enhance learning experiences and streamline administrative processes.
The District recognizes the potential of AI to support and expand classroom instruction while providing valuable resources for staff and teachers. Therefore, the District authorizes the ethical and legal use of AI as a tool to increase learning opportunities, subject to the limitations outlined in this procedure and other applicable Board Policies.
The use of Artificial Intelligence falls within the Ozark School District Acceptable Use Policy.
Ozark Guidelines For Staff Use of AI
- Before allowing students to use a specific AI platform in the classroom and before using an AI tool as a resource, employees should ensure that the AI system has been vetted and approved by the District and otherwise meets the District’s safety standards. Evaluation of an AI tool may include whether it:
a. is an open or closed environment for purposes of data collection;
b. has a privacy setting where data resharing can be limited or blocked;
c. meets current student data privacy standards;
d. can be offered in an equitable manner;
e. can minimize or eliminate any inherent bias (ensure the human in the loop); and
f. has safeguards in place to attempt to assure accurate and factually correct information can be provided.
2. When applicable, the District should attain parental consent before offering certain open AI services to students.
3. Any use of AI in the classroom or on class assignments must align with the teachers’ instructions and expectations. Teachers will:
a. clarify whether students are permitted to use AI in an assignment;
b. have students cite the use of AI as a source and communicate with students on how to avoid plagiarism;
c. guide and monitor student use of AI, ensuring that it aligns with the District’s guidelines and policies, including the District’s Acceptable Use Policy; and
d. communicate to students how the use of AI will impact competency marks or grades.
4. Use of an AI system must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99.)
5. Users should not solely rely on AI as a fact-checker to confirm their work or research as it may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information.
Ozark Students
- Use AI tools during in-class examinations, or assignments, when explicitly permitted and instructed. Use of AI without explicit permission is considered a violation of the academic integrity rules found in the student handbook.
- Give credit (at age/grade appropriate level) to AI tools whenever used, even if only to generate ideas rather than usable text or illustrations, using the instructors’ citation rules.
- May employ AI detection tools and originality checks prior to submission, ensuring that their submitted work is not mistakenly flagged.
- Use AI tools wisely and intelligently, aiming to deepen understanding of subject matter and to support learning.
- Practice good information literacy skills, some content generated by AI tools may be inaccurate, incomplete, or otherwise problematic. Users should not solely rely on AI as a fact-checker to confirm their work or research as it may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information.
- Avoid overuse as it can stifle independent thinking and creativity.
- Use only district approved AI tools.
Users Are Prohibited From
- Using any AI system to access, create, or display harmful or inappropriate matter that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit, or that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others or to interact with the AI in a manner that supports any of the above.
- Sharing confidential information or personally identifiable information (PII) with the AI system of another student, staff member, or other person. AI information should not be shared with the intent to threaten, intimidate, harass, or ridicule that person. PII includes, but is not limited to, a person’s name, address, email address, telephone number, Social Security number, or other personally identifiable information.
Violation of these provisions (District Board Policy, Procedures, or the District’s Acceptable Use Agreement) shall result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of my access to district technology, and suspension or expulsion from school (Policy JG-R1)
Communicating Acceptable Use of AI
There are three levels of acceptable use of AI within a classroom. In addition to the guidelines above, Ozark staff will communicate student usage on assignments, assessments, and projects with the AI Stoplight. AI is not permitted unless an instructor shares how AI may be used within the course or on a particular assignment / project.
Internet Safety
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all District computers or devices with access to AI have protection measures to protect against access to materials that are obscene, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors. The AI procedures shall follow all applicable state and federal laws and shall comply and fall within the board of education technology policy EHB.
Resources used for this procedure include the MSBA AI Toolkit, the Republic R-III, Lee's Summit R-VII, Common Sense Media, and Perplexity. A huge thank you to the AI Taskforce for their contribution of work, time, and talent to create this district procedure. (Presented to the Ozark Board, 2/2025)
