AI in Education

WCASD is actively exploring several AI platforms to better understand how they may support student learning, engagement, and AI literacy. These tools are being reviewed through pilots, training, and careful evaluation of privacy, safety, and instructional value.

Platforms currently under investigation include:

• Magic School AI (Magic Student) to support student AI literacy and personalized learning in monitored, FERPA- and COPPA-compliant environments
• School AI to explore student-centered AI spaces and personalized learning supports guided by teachers
• NotebookLM to examine AI-supported research, summarization, and organization of learning materials
• Snorkl to better understand student thinking through multimodal feedback

All tools under investigation are evaluated for privacy protections, appropriate safeguards, and alignment with instructional goals before any consideration of broader student use.

WCASD has provided structured, age-appropriate AI training for both teachers and students that emphasizes responsible, safe, and purposeful use. Secondary teachers have participated in professional learning focused on understanding generative AI, ethics and risks, evaluating student use, effective prompting, classroom applications, and designing meaningful assessments.

Students in grades 9–12 have received instruction on what AI is, its limitations and risks, responsible use, and how to write smart, safe prompts. Across all training, our focus remains on student safety, including data privacy and misinformation, clear expectations for appropriate use supported by tools like the Traffic Light system and AI Assessment Scale, and building practical skills that support learning rather than replace it. Students in grades 3-8 are receiving lessons on AI and digital literacy. 

Yes, that policy is 815.6 Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education.

Yes, we are making sure our elementary staff have similar, but tailored AI knowledge and experience as well as our secondary staff. Instructional Technology Coordinators led professional development sessions at every elementary school to help teachers explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can support teaching and learning. The initial focus was on using AI to streamline tasks like lesson planning and communication, allowing teachers to dedicate more time to instruction. Building on that foundation, teachers then explored AI tools they can use to design instructional materials and strategies that enhance student engagement, creativity, and deeper learning. Through this phased approach, staff gained the skills and confidence to use AI thoughtfully and effectively—always with student safety, responsibility, and meaningful learning at the center.

In a small number of upper elementary classrooms, Instructional Technology Coordinators also partnered with teachers to introduce students to the concept of AI. These lessons focused on what AI is, how it works, and how to use it safely, responsibly, and ethically—reinforcing core principles of digital citizenship before incorporating AI-supported learning activities. At this level, students do not create AI accounts or use AI tools independently. All exposure occurs through teacher-managed tools, teacher-led demonstrations, or structured, educator-created experiences.

Together, these efforts reflect WCASD’s commitment to strengthening teacher instruction and enhancing student engagement. By equipping educators with innovative tools and strategies, and introducing students to safe, age-appropriate digital concepts, we’re laying the groundwork for meaningful, responsible use of technology in the classroom.