These guidelines are designed to align with the California Department of Education (CDE) 2026 Guidance and state privacy laws (SOPIPA, AB 1584).

1. Core Philosophy: "Human-in-the-Loop"

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool intended to enhance, not replace, the human connection between teachers and students. In our TK-8 environment, the primary goal remains the development of foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.

• Support, Not Substitute: AI should be used to reduce administrative burdens, allowing educators more time for direct student interaction.
• Developmental Appropriateness: For grades TK-3, AI is primarily a teacher-facing tool. For grades 4-8, it is a supervised learning subject focusing on digital citizenship and critical thinking.

2. Authorized Platforms & Data Security

To ensure the safety of our student and staff data, the District has established a single authorized environment for AI usage.

The District Standard: Google Gemini (Enterprise)

Google Gemini and NotebookLM (accessed via your District-issued Workspace account) is the only District approved AI program authorized for school-based data and professional use.

• The Privacy "Wall": Because the District utilizes the paid/enterprise version of Gemini, our data is contractually protected. Your inputs are not used to train global AI models.
• Mandatory Account Usage: Staff must be logged into their official CUSD google account when using Gemini. Using personal accounts for school business is strictly prohibited as it bypasses our legal privacy protections.
• Unauthorized Tools: Staff are prohibited from entering school-based data, student work, or internal memos into "free" or consumer-grade tools (e.g., public ChatGPT, Claude, or Midjourney), as these platforms may use your data to train their public models.

3. Student Use Guidelines (The Traffic Light System)

To provide clarity for young learners, the District utilizes a Traffic Light Model for all assignments:

Level	Status	What it Means
RED	No AI	Work must be entirely human-generated (e.g.,handwriting, foundational math, assessments).
YELLOW	AI Assisted	AI may be used for brainstorming or outlining, but the final output must be original. Students must cite the tool.
GREEN	AI Empowered	AI is integrated into the lesson (e.g., using Gemini to simulate a historical figure for an interview).

 

4. Privacy, Safety, and Legal Compliance

The District strictly adheres to SOPIPA and California Education Code.

• Data Minimalists: Even within the secure Gemini environment, staff should avoid entering full student names or sensitive IEP/504 details. Use descriptors (e.g., "Student A") whenever possible.
• Age Restrictions: Most AI tools require users to be 13+. Students under 13 may only interact with AI tools under direct teacher supervision within District-managed accounts that have a signed California Student Data Privacy Agreement (CSDPA).
• Prohibition of Deepfakes: Using AI to impersonate staff or peers (voice or image) is strictly prohibited and falls under the District’s Anti-Bullying and Cyber Harassment policies.

5. Academic Integrity & Ethics

• Disclosure: Students in grades 4-8 must include an "AI Disclosure Statement" and cite use, if any part of their work was supported by generative tools.
• Plagiarism: Submitting AI-generated text as original work without authorization is a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy.
• Critical Literacy: Students will be taught to "fact-check" AI, understanding that models can "hallucinate" (provide false information) and carry inherent biases.

6. Guidelines for Educators

• Grading & Evaluation: AI may be used to draft rubrics or provide feedback, but final grading and high-stakes evaluations must be performed by a human.
• Instructional Content: Any AI-generated lesson plan or worksheet must be reviewed by the teacher for accuracy and cultural relevance before classroom use.
• Equity: Teachers must ensure that AI-based assignments do not disadvantage students who lack high-speed internet or AI access at home.

7. Prohibited AI Uses

In accordance with state recommendations, the following uses are strictly forbidden:

• Using AI to determine student placement or disciplinary actions.
• Generating IEP goals or progress reports entirely via AI without significant human guidance and editing.
• Using AI surveillance to monitor student emotions or engagement levels without explicit District and parental consent.

Note:  This is a working document, subject to change without notice.