Artificial Intelligence (AI) in FCPS: Empowering Staff, Enhancing Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to technology that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, decision-making, learning, and understanding language. As part of our commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is taking a thoughtful, strategic approach to integrating AI. We recognize that while AI offers incredible potential, it also brings important questions regarding privacy, ethics, and academic integrity. As a result, FCPS is committed to an approach that is guided by the principles of responsible innovation, human oversight, data security, and most importantly– student learning.
AI Workgroup
At the request of the Board Policy Committee, FCPS convened a cross functional stakeholder group in 2024-25 to benchmark current policy landscape across Maryland and across the nation, develop initial guidelines for teachers, develop additional appropriate use for students, and publish initial guidance for staff for 2025-26. See the initial guidance published for staff that includes the following Guiding Principles summarized below.
Guiding Principles for AI Use
The following principles guide the appropriate and safe use of AI and address current and future educational goals, staff and student agency, academic integrity, equitable access, and security. This guidance complements existing policies on technology use, data protection, and academic integrity.
- FCPS uses AI to help all of our students achieve their educational goals. We will use AI to help us reach our community’s goals, including improving student learning and staff effectiveness. We aim to make AI resources universally accessible, focusing especially on bridging the digital divide among students and staff. AI tools are continually monitored for biases and ethical concerns.
- FCPS reaffirms adherence to existing policies and regulations. AI is one of many technologies used in our schools, and its use will align with existing procedures to protect student privacy, ensure equitable access, ensure accessibility to those with disabilities, and protect against harmful content. FCPS staff will use digital tools approved through the Digital Tool Review Process.
- FCPS educates our staff and students about AI. Students and staff will be given support to develop their AI literacy, which includes why they use AI, how to use it, when to use it and how to assess whether AI-produced information is accurate and complete.
- FCPS explores the opportunities of AI and addresses the risks. In continuing to guide our community, and evaluate if and when to use AI tools, paying special attention to misinformation and bias.
- FCPS uses AI to advance academic integrity. Honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility continue to be expectations for both students and staff. Students should be truthful by giving credit to sources using citation styles provided by staff.
- FCPS maintains student and staff agency when using AI tools. AI tools can provide recommendations or enhance decision-making, but staff and students will serve as “critical consumers” of AI and lead any organizational and academic decisions and changes.
- FCPS commits to auditing, monitoring, and evaluating our district’s use of AI. Understanding that AI and technologies are evolving rapidly, we commit to frequent and regular reviews and updates of our policies, procedures, and practices.
The Workgroup also developed the following Student Use Guides:
Student Use Guides
Resources for Families
5 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Generative AI
The Common Sense Media video titled "5 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Generative AI" provides practical advice for parents on how to discuss AI technologies with their children. It highlights key points such as explaining the basics of AI, discussing its benefits and risks, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting responsible use. The video aims to help parents guide their kids in understanding and safely interacting with AI-driven tools.
Common Sense Media: Helping Kids Navigate the World of Artificial Intelligence
The article "Helping Kids Navigate the World of Artificial Intelligence" on Common Sense Media offers guidance for parents on how to support their children in understanding and safely engaging with AI technologies. It discusses the impact of AI on kids' lives, highlights potential risks, and provides strategies for fostering critical thinking and responsible usage. The focus is on empowering parents to have meaningful conversations about AI with their children.
Parenting in the Age of AI
The article "Parenting in the Age of AI" from That's AI discusses the challenges and responsibilities parents face as they guide their children in navigating a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. It emphasizes the importance of open dialogue about AI, helping children understand and interact with these technologies while considering ethical implications and potential risks. The article also highlights the need for parents to set boundaries and use tools to ensure their children's safety and development in the digital age.
Students Are Using AI Already. Here’s What They Think Adults Should Know
A recent report from the Harvard Graduate School of Education reveals that teens are actively using generative AI tools for creative endeavors like making images, music, and writing code. While they appreciate AI's potential for exploration, they also caution adults about risks such as deepfakes and misinformation. The findings suggest that educators should integrate AI literacy into curricula to help students use these tools responsibly.
The Dawn of the AI Era: Teens, Parents, and the Adoption Generative AI at Home and School
This 2024 Common Sense Media report discusses rapid evolution of generative AI tools, like Meta's Llama and Google’s AI features, is shaping education in profound ways. Teens are embracing AI, but many parents remain unaware of its use. While students of color are more optimistic about AI's benefits for learning, concerns persist about biases, privacy, and educational inequalities. Teachers and schools are grappling with AI’s impact on teaching, while parents are encouraged to engage in conversations about AI's role in their children's education to better prepare for future challenges.