TLDR: The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) has released new guidelines to help K-12 schools develop policies for artificial intelligence (AI) use. The framework emphasizes responsible integration of AI, moving beyond outright bans, and focuses on ethical use, data security, and preparing students for an AI-driven future. The guidelines were developed with input from an advisory group and aim to position Alaska competitively for federal AI education grants.
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) has introduced a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to assist K-12 school districts across the state in formulating their own artificial intelligence (AI) policies. Presented last week at a State Board of Education meeting, these guidelines mark Alaska’s entry into a growing national trend, joining more than half of U.S. states that have developed AI guidance for their education systems.
Anthony White, DEED Computer Science Content Specialist and a member of the advisory group that drafted the guidelines, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative. “It positions Alaska to be highly competitive for federal AI education grants and other funding opportunities by demonstrating a clear, unified-level strategy,” White stated. He further emphasized that the guidelines are crucial for preparing both students and teachers for a world increasingly influenced by AI.
Central to the new framework is a shift from prohibitive measures to fostering responsible and ethical engagement with AI technologies. The guidelines advocate for moving beyond outright bans on generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, which utilize large language models to create content. Instead, they encourage the development of policies that promote the responsible use of these powerful tools. Notably, the document itself includes a disclaimer, stating it was drafted with the assistance of generative AI to “model responsible and ethical engagement with AI technologies.”
Key recommendations and considerations within the framework cover a broad spectrum of issues, including cultural responsiveness, fair access, transparency, oversight, and robust security measures. A significant focus is placed on data privacy, particularly concerning personally identifiable information (PII) of students, parents, and staff. Board Member Kim Bergey voiced her concerns regarding data security, stressing the need for increased awareness on safe AI usage. “I think we need to take a really in-depth look at the personally identifiable information aspect of AI, and not just from the aspect of students, but also from that of parents and for staff that work within districts,” Bergey commented. The guidelines recommend educating users on not sharing personal information to safeguard data security.
Ethical use is another cornerstone, with policies expected to clarify proper attribution and disclosure of AI-generated content to prevent plagiarism. The framework suggests that AI should augment human capabilities, critical thinking, and creativity, rather than replacing essential human interaction, judgment, or decision-making in educational contexts. Districts are also advised to implement a comprehensive training strategy covering ethical and responsible AI use, data privacy, and academic integrity, and to carefully vet AI vendors to ensure their tools meet stringent privacy and security standards.
The urgency for such guidance is underscored by recent data. A nationwide survey conducted by the Center for Democracy and Technology revealed that a majority of teachers and students in grades six through twelve utilized AI during the last school year.
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Currently, AI policy implementation varies across Alaska’s school districts. Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, for instance, has a district-wide AI policy, while the Juneau School District lacks a comprehensive district-wide policy, though Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé addresses AI within its academic dishonesty policy. The new state guidelines are available on DEED’s computer science webpage, providing a foundational resource for all stakeholders.
