AI in Education

No, Perplexity’s agreements with third-party model providers like OpenAI and Anthropic prohibit using Perplexity data for training their models. These data protection agreements ensure that any data processed through Perplexity is not retained or used to further train external AI models.

Personal Identifiers: Standard log files (such as IP addresses, browser type, and timestamps) are collected for analytics and site administration, but these are not linked to personally identifiable information.

Anonymized Query Processing: Perplexity states that user queries are processed without directly linking them to personal identifiers, and query logs are not permanently stored, which minimizes privacy risks.

Opt-Out Controls: Users can opt out of having their data used to improve AI models via account settings. Compliance: Perplexity aligns with international privacy standards such as GDPR and CCPA, which require data minimization and anonymization practices.

Perplexity AI was developed by Perplexity AI, Inc., a privately held company founded in August 2022. The founding team consists of Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. Perplexity AI operates as an AI-powered search engine and conversational assistant, leveraging large language models (LLMs) to answer user queries.

The platform uses a combination of proprietary and third-party LLMs, including models from OpenAI (such as GPT-3.5, GPT-4, and GPT-4o), Anthropic's Claude, Google's Gemini, Meta's Llama, and others, depending on the user's subscription tier.

Perplexity AI itself does not train its own foundational language models; instead, it leverages large language models (LLMs) from third-party providers such as OpenAI and Anthropic. The data these underlying LLMs are trained on typically includes:

• Publicly available content: This encompasses a wide range of internet text, books, articles, and other digital materials that are publicly accessible.
• Proprietary or licensed data: Some LLM providers may include proprietary or licensed datasets, but the specifics are determined by those providers (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic), not Perplexity AI directly.
• Academic material: LLMs may be trained on academic papers that are publicly available or included via licenses, but not on proprietary academic databases unless explicitly permitted.
• User data: Perplexity AI and its model providers do not use individual user queries or uploaded data from Perplexity to train their models. Agreements with third-party model providers prohibit using Perplexity user data for model training.

The Perplexity AI is not configured to allow access to students' Google Drives or Gmail. Students were directed to sign in using their WCASD Google accounts. Through the training modules, students were informed not to include personal information when engineering prompts.

A series of six online mandatory training modules was created for teacher to provide them with an understanding of how to effectively and appropriately use AI in teaching and learning.

Since the District had been piloting Perplexity AI for almost a year, there has been training on different AI platforms, including Perplexity AI. Teachers  started in September of 2024 and continue through June 2025.

Training modules were also created for students in grades 8-12 and those were opened up for student participation in December 2024. New students to the district will have the opportunity to take the training as well.

Student Topics include:

• What is Generative AI
• What are the limitations and risks of Generative AI
• What are responsible and irresponsible uses of AI
• How to protect personal information when using AI

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.