Artificial Intelligence (AI)

YSD1 and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the education sector by providing personalized learning experiences, automating administrative tasks, and offering insights into the learning process that allow teachers to focus more on instruction. Recognizing its value as an innovative educational tool, the Board is committed to its responsible and ethical integration in accordance with district policies and state and federal laws, including FERPA, CIPA, COPPA, and IDEA. However, because AI tools are trained on large datasets and can generate inaccurate, inappropriate, or biased outputs, their use will be limited to approved educational purposes requiring human judgment and agency to maintain academic integrity. To foster a safe and supportive learning environment, the district will maintain transparency by informing staff, students, and parents of all related procedures. Ultimately, AI is best understood through the metaphor of an "electric bike”; a partnership that multiplies the user’s effort while ensuring that the core role of human agency remains in control of the journey

Human Agency and AI Education

To harness the potential of artificial intelligence while preserving the human core of education, we must shift from product-oriented tasks to authentic, learner-driven experiences where AI serves as a collaborative partner, not a replacement for thinking. In connection with the South Carolina Profile of a Graduate, students embodying appropriate utilization of AI apply World Class Knowledge to evaluate information, use World Class Skills like critical thinking and collaboration to direct tools effectively, and embody Life and Career Characteristics by making intentional, ethical decisions with integrity. This balance is reinforced by the 80/20 rule of AI use: while AI can support up to 80 percent of routine tasks like information processing and content generation, the remaining 20 percent must be reserved for the high-value human contributions that require decision-making, personalization, and critical reasoning. Clear, direct, and well-structured use of AI strengthens its effectiveness, but it is this essential human 20 percent that transforms AI from a shortcut into a tool for deeper learning, ensuring individuals take ownership of their work and remain accountable in an AI-rich world.

AI Utilization by Students

In YSD1, AI is viewed as an educational tool that can support learning when used appropriately, ethically, and in alignment with district and teacher expectations. While AI can be a helpful learning partner, it is not always accurate and should not replace a student's own thinking, creativity, or responsibility for learning. AI should be used by students to deepen understanding and explore ideas, while continuing to think critically, verify information, and take responsibility for demonstrating their own learning. When using AI as part of a learning task, students should reflect on how it supported their work and what responsibilities they retain as a learner, considering issues of transparency, fairness, and authorship.

Student Role for Human Agency

For students, human agency is about moving from passive completion to active sense-making, using AI as a "thinking partner" rather than a replacement for their own intelligence.

• Stay in control of your learning: Use AI as a support tool, but rely on your own thinking, judgment, and decisions.
• Build World Class Skills: Strengthen critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication when using AI tools.
• Follow the 80/20 rule: Let AI help with basic or routine tasks, but complete the most important thinking, problem-solving, and personalization yourself.
• Use AI with purpose: Ask clear, thoughtful questions to improve results and deepen your understanding.
• Show your thinking: Be prepared to explain, defend, and reflect on your work—even when AI is used.
• Take ownership: You are responsible for the final product and the decisions made along the way.

Student Resources
Generative AI Student Resources for Classroom Use
Approved Tools:

• Amira
• Canva AI Tools
• Copilot
• Curipod
• Diffit
• MagicSchoolAI
• SchoolAI

AI Utilization by District Educators

Teachers integrate AI tools into curriculum planning and instruction and maintain awareness of AI’s impact on student learning. Student data is protected by refraining from importing student data into AI search engines. Teachers are responsible for providing age-appropriate training and support to students on the safe and ethical use of AI technologies. This includes educating students on the potential risks and benefits of AI, promoting responsible usage (prompting techniques and various applications of AI), and guiding them in understanding the ethical implications of AI applications.

Modeling Appropriate AI Use for Students

Educators must serve as role models for ethical and responsible AI use, exemplifying a developmental progression that keeps the core role of human agency at the center of all learning. All students can and should learn ABOUT AI in age-appropriate ways before they are ready to learn WITH AI. This modeling follows a clear grade-band trajectory:

• Grades K-2: Learning About AI. Teachers model foundational curiosity and computational thinking by helping students learn about AI indirectly through "unplugged" and literacy-rich activities. Educators demonstrate how AI exists in the world around us while keeping young learners away from direct chatbot interaction.
• Grades 3-5: Practice Using AI. In teacher-guided, contained environments, educators model how to practice using AI with clear intent. Teachers demonstrate how precise language and "Clarity in Communication" improve AI responses, guiding students to use these tools as brainstorming partners for structured tasks.
• Grades 6-8: Applying AI Knowledge. Educators transition to coaching students in applying their knowledge, modeling how to critically evaluate, verify, and critique AI outputs for bias and accuracy. Teachers model the shift from simple execution to the "World Class Skill" of evidence-based justification.
• Grades 9-12: Leading with Highly Effective AI Use. At this level, educators model how to lead through strategic tool selection and transparent, accountable collaboration. Teachers require students to provide a "Human-AI" disclosure for all work, modeling the Life and Career Characteristic of personal integrity by ensuring students remain fully responsible for the final product’s impact and accuracy.

Teacher Role for Human Agency

For educators, human agency means shifting roles from a traditional lecturer to a coach and facilitator who guides students through the process of learning.

Teacher Resources

YSD1 Generative AI Resource Hub
Approved Tools:

• Amira
• Canva AI Tools
• Copilot
• Curipod
• Diffit
• MagicSchoolAI
• SchoolAI

Competency Framework
Matt Miller Progression (Chapter 5 of his book)

Use of AI with Academic Integrity

Students should leverage strategies to disclose when they have used AI to (1) support their learning and (2) demonstrate their learning. These strategies could include disclosure statements, sharing a link to their chat, or formal citations. For more information on each of these, refer to student resources.