Your school probably doesn’t have an AI policy yet. Or it has one that says “don’t use AI” — which students ignore. Here’s a practical policy template you can adapt for your classroom or propose to your administration.

The Template

[School/Class Name] AI Use Policy

Purpose

This policy provides clear guidelines for the responsible use of AI tools in our classroom. AI is a powerful tool that can support learning when used appropriately. This policy ensures students develop AI literacy while maintaining academic integrity.

Approved AI Tools

The following AI tools are approved for classroom use:

• [List specific tools, e.g., SchoolAI, Diffit, Quizizz]
• [General tools with restrictions, e.g., “ChatGPT — only for brainstorming and outlining, not for final drafts”]

Student Guidelines

AI IS allowed for:

• Brainstorming and generating ideas
• Getting explanations of concepts you don’t understand
• Checking grammar and spelling (Grammarly, etc.)
• Generating practice questions for studying
• Outlining and organizing your thoughts
• Translating text to support language learning

AI is NOT allowed for:

• Submitting AI-generated text as your own work
• Using AI during assessments (unless specifically permitted)
• Bypassing the learning process (getting answers without understanding)
• Generating content that violates school conduct policies

When in doubt: Ask your teacher before using AI on an assignment. If the teacher hasn’t specifically addressed AI use for an assignment, assume it’s not permitted.

The Transparency Rule

If you use AI to help with an assignment, you must disclose it. Add a note at the end of your work:

“I used [tool name] to help with [specific task — e.g., brainstorming ideas, checking grammar, generating an outline]. The final work is my own.”

Using AI without disclosure is treated the same as any other academic integrity violation.

Teacher Use of AI

Teachers in this classroom may use AI to:

• Generate lesson materials and activities
• Provide faster feedback on student work
• Create differentiated materials
• Draft communications

All AI-assisted feedback is reviewed and personalized by the teacher before being shared with students.

Data Privacy

• Never enter your full name, address, or other personal information into AI tools
• Do not upload photos of yourself or classmates
• School-approved AI tools (listed above) comply with student data privacy requirements
• General AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini) are not covered by school data privacy agreements — use them only for non-personal academic work

Consequences

• First violation: Conversation with teacher, redo the assignment
• Second violation: Parent notification, redo the assignment, possible grade reduction
• Third violation: Referral to administration per school academic integrity policy

This Policy Will Evolve

AI technology changes rapidly. This policy will be reviewed and updated each semester. Student input is welcome — if you think a rule should change, make your case to your teacher.

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How to Use This Template

1. Copy the template into a Google Doc
2. Customize the approved tools list for your classroom
3. Adjust consequences to match your school’s existing academic integrity policy
4. Share with students on the first day you introduce AI in your classroom
5. Send to parents — transparency builds trust
6. Review each semester — AI tools and capabilities change fast

Tips for Implementation

Start with a class discussion. Don’t just hand out the policy. Ask students: “When do you think AI is helpful for learning? When does it get in the way of learning?” Let them help shape the norms.

Model good AI use. Show students how you use AI in your own work. “I used ChatGPT to help me brainstorm discussion questions for today, then I picked the best ones and added my own.” This normalizes transparent AI use.

Focus on learning, not policing. The goal isn’t to catch students using AI. It’s to help them use it in ways that support their learning instead of replacing it.

Be specific per assignment. “For this essay, you may use AI for brainstorming and outlining only. The draft must be written by you.” Clear expectations prevent confusion.