Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence in Schools

AI Advisory Group

OSPI's AI Advisory Group consists of diverse and experienced stakeholders with strong insights into using AI in education. 

  • Adam Aguilera, Teacher at Evergreen Public Schools 
  • Cindy Cromwell, Principal in Kelso School District 
  • Dr. Trevor Greene, Superintendent of Yakima School District 
  • Kris Hagel, Executive Director of Digital Learning for Peninsula School District 
  • Travis Rush, Educational Technology Lead for the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD)
  • Dr. Min Sun, Associate Professor at the University of Washington’s College of Education 
  • Shahan Ali Memon, PhD student at the Information School at the University of Washington
  • A student representative from the Bainbridge Island School District 

OSPI Staff

  • Mikhail Cherniske, Senior Policy Analyst
  • Terron Ishihara, Computer Science Program Supervisor 
  • Holli Kalaleh, Business and Marketing Program Supervisor 
  • Dr. Jon Ram Mishra, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary, Early Learning, and Federal Programs 
  • Susan Lathrop, Assistant Superintendent of Educator Growth and Development
  • Zac Murphy, Director of Multimedia and Information Strategy 
  • Bre Urness-Straight, Director of Educational Technology
  • Rebecca Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education and Postsecondary Pathways 

OSPI also extends recognition to Tammie Schrader and Jeff Utecht for their contributions as facilitators.  

Human-Centered AI Guidance for K–12 Public Schools: Version 2 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay. As this new technology continues to evolve, educators must prepare students to understand and use these tools. In Washington state, educators are already integrating AI-assisted technologies in schools and empowering students to do the same. The state's responsibility is to provide students, educators, and school district administrators with the resources and tools they need to understand how to use these technologies effectively, ethically, and safely.

The rapid development of AI tools has created opportunities for educators to rethink the way they approach student learning. As our state embraces these changes, it is important to remember that human reflection and understanding are key to AI generation. This "Human-AI-Human" approach to AI puts our students and educators at the beginning and end of all interactions with AI.  

The Superintendent's Message

What AI Is and What AI Is Not

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to software tools that use large amounts of data to produce text, images, videos, or other digital artifacts. These policies and guidelines can help educators understand AI terminology and recognize misconceptions about the effects of AI on student learning.

In the educational context, AI-assisted learning can look like personal tutoring programs, virtual assistants, and software with the capability to generate lesson plans within seconds. It is important to note that educators and students must remain at the center of instruction and learning in these cases.

Principles and Values

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework and the TeachAI Toolkit serve as foundations for OSPI's guiding principles on the use of AI in education.

Guidelines

  • Human-Centered Approach to AI: A human-centered AI learning environment is one that prioritizes the needs, abilities, and experiences of students, teachers, and administrators.
  • Implementing AI in Student Learning: Empower students to actively shape their learning experience with AI by allowing them control over how and to what extent AI is integrated into their education. Use this example AI decision-making rubric to co-create one with your students. 
  • Sensitive or Confidential Data: District policies must comply with student/personal privacy and data protection laws for the use of all AI tools and resources.

Policy

Educational policymakers must focus on ensuring that the use of AI increases the public good, with emphasis on equity and inclusion. AI policy and use should be geared to improving learning for every student, empowering teachers, and strengthening learning management systems. It is important that policies also consider student safety and well-being, and provide access to educational tools for all students.

The AI Integration: Leadership Checklist is a tool that helps LEAs initiate important steps to integrate AI within schools. It provides an overview of guidelines that can inform LEA policies as they work to support the appropriate use of AI in the classroom. 

Resources

  • Professional Development: School districts must train all educational stakeholders on the responsible and safe use of AI in a human-centered approach, prioritizing staff understanding in key areas such as pedagogical changes, student agency, ethical use, and academic integrity. 
  • Academic Integrity and AI Assistance: It is the responsibility of every parent/guardian, policymaker, teacher, administrator, and support staff to ensure that AI-generated material is vetted for use in classrooms. School districts should embrace and teach students how to use AI technologies, while also maintaining academic integrity and clarifying the use of AI in assignments.