Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI Literacy & Use Guidelines

At Sycamore Schools, we believe that emerging technologies serve as tools to support learning. Our approach ensures that teachers and students remain at the center of the educational experience. We prioritize access for all students, ensuring technology empowers personalized learning and operational efficiency. AI is a tool to assist the academic process, not a shortcut to replace critical thinking or human connection. Overview Document

AI vs Generative AI

Standard AI Tools	Everyday aids that are generally acceptable for use as foundational supports.	Siri, Alexa, Auto-complete, Spell-check, Grammar suggestions
Generative AI	Tools that can create or synthesize new content (projects, images, code, etc.) and require specific district and teacher permission	Gemini (approved) NotebookLM (approved)

Note on Privacy: Only district-vetted tools should be used to ensure student data privacy and compliance with FERPA regulations.

AI through the Portrait of an Aviator

The image depicts a portrait of an aviator, with a propeller-driven aircraft in the background against a scenic landscape.

We integrate AI use into our existing framework to ensure our students grow as whole learners:

Character: Aviators produce authentic work that reflects their own effort. Academic integrity is known through proper citations and disclosing AI use. Aviators critically evaluate for misinformation or inaccuracies.

Curiosity: Aviators use AI to spark innovation and creative problem-solving. They use discernment to ensure technology supports their personal academic growth.

Collaboration: AI acts as an integrated tool to complement human strengths while enhancing empathy and human connection.

Communication: Aviators use AI to refine their voice and share ideas more clearly. Tools are used to bridge language gaps and explore new ways of storytelling.

Stakeholder Guidance

For Students

When approved, use AI to brainstorm and spark ideas; do not let it "write for you.”
Always ask: "Is this my original thought, or did the AI create this?".
Protect your privacy; never input personal data.

For Staff

Use AI to assist the academic process and streamline tasks.
Model Human Oversight: always verify AI outputs for accuracy before using them.
Understand AI is evolving quickly and requires ongoing professional learning and awareness.

For Families

Discuss how AI can assist with ideas rather than doing the work for the student.
Monitor student access to tools at home.
Encourage discernment: help students spot AI "misinformation" or inaccuracies.

Traffic Light for Acceptable Use

Teachers will use this system to clearly communicate when and how AI may be used on any given assignment.

🟢 Green Light: AI Permitted. Use it to brainstorm, research, or synthesize information. Citations are still required.

🟡 Yellow Light: AI for Assistance Only. It may be used for brainstorming or feedback only with teacher approval and supervision.

🔴 Red Light: AI Not Allowed. Use of AI on this assignment is considered academic dishonesty.

Grade-Level Parameters

Grades K–2: Foundational Awareness

Focus: Learning about AI as a tool through teacher modeling and class activities.

✅ I CAN	❌ I CANNOT
Identify AI in my daily life (like Siri or Alexa) and recognize it as a "smart" machine tool.	Use any AI tools on my own without a teacher or parent helping me.
Use AI tools with my teacher to help tell stories or generate creative ideas.	Share my name, address, or personal info with AI.

Grades 3-4: Exploratory Use

Focus: Learning about how AI uses patterns and how to interact with it safely.

✅ I CAN	❌ I CANNOT
Use district-approved AI tools to help me find different ways to solve a problem.	Use AI to do my work for me instead of doing the thinking myself.
Explain that AI learns from patterns and can sometimes give me information that may not be true.	Use "Generative AI" (tools that create new things) unless my teacher gives me specific permission.

Grades 5–6: Guided Collaboration

Focus: Learning with AI as a partner for brainstorming and organization.

✅ I CAN	❌ I CANNOT
Use AI as an integrated tool with teacher guidance.	Turn in work that was made by AI and call it my own original work.
Check the information AI gives me against a trusted source (like a book or trusted resource) to make sure it is accurate.	Use AI tools that have not been approved by the school district for student use.

Grades 7–8: Ethical Practice

Focus: Developing digital citizenship and learning to cite AI use.

✅ I CAN	❌ I CANNOT
Identify misinformation (errors) in AI responses and explain why the AI might be wrong.	Use Generative AI (like Gemini) without direct teacher permission and oversight.
Clearly explain how I used AI in my project and give credit to the tool I used.	Let AI take over the "critical thinking" parts of my assignment, like coming up with an original argument.

Grades 9–12: Independent & Responsible Use

Focus: Mastery of AI for career readiness, complex synthesis, and academic transparency.

✅ I CAN	❌ I CANNOT
Use detailed instructions ("prompts") to help synthesize complex information for my research.	Use AI to bypass the learning process or violate the rules in the Student Handbook.
Properly cite AI-generated content to remain honest and transparent.	Use AI tools to create or share content that is harmful, biased, or untruthful.

We recognize that AI is a rapidly evolving field, and our district’s approach will continue to grow as the technology does. We are excited to embrace these new opportunities together, ensuring that every Sycamore student graduates with the digital literacy and adaptability needed to thrive in an AI-integrated future and modern world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Generative AI tools are currently approved for student use in Sycamore?

To provide a safe and consistent environment for this exploration, the district has selected Google Gemini as our primary AI tool. Unlike public platforms, the version of Gemini we use is specifically tailored for educational environments, integrating seamlessly with our pre-established district Google accounts and providing enhanced safeguards to protect student privacy.

Is ChatGPT blocked in Sycamore?

Is there a proper way to cite the output of ChatGPT and other AI tools?

How will AI be used in classrooms? Is there a Board Policy for AI?

A recently approved Board of Education policy anchors our approach in the values of academic integrity, setting clear expectations for the ethical and acceptable use of AI and what is best for student learning. Because we believe that the classroom experience is where this technology is best explored, teacher discretion will guide how AI is integrated into daily instruction.

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