Kentwood Schools Publish AI Guide to Support Responsible Use and Learning
Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) recently introduced an Artificial Intelligence Guide aimed at helping educators and students integrate AI tools effectively and responsibly. The guide focuses on preparing students with AI skills and literacy essential for future education and careers, while addressing potential challenges and ensuring ethical use.
Brooke Storms, the district’s instructional technology coordinator, emphasized the importance of balancing the benefits and risks of AI. “AI, like any tool, can be used in helpful and harmful ways. We want to make sure we are preparing our kids for the AI skills and literacy they need to be able to use,” she said.
Framework for AI Use in Schools
This first-of-its-kind guide in the district offers clear parameters for AI use in classrooms. It covers:
- Responsible student use and maintaining academic integrity
- How AI can enhance student learning experiences
- Effective AI use to support and improve teaching practices
Development of the guide took a year, beginning with staff surveys to identify needs and concerns. A committee comprising teachers from various grade levels, administrators, and education technology consultants used the survey results to shape the guide’s content.
AI as a Classroom Assistant
Mike Garland, an eighth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Pinewood Middle School, participated in both the guide committee and a pilot program using Khanmigo, an AI learning tool by Khan Academy. He described the experience as having “a tutor or teacher’s assistant in the classroom.”
With Khanmigo, students received instant feedback and writing suggestions without the AI completing the work for them. The tool helped students generate thesis ideas and set clear goals, reducing the need for constant teacher intervention. Garland found the trial beneficial and is eager to use it again.
Encouraging Open-Minded AI Adoption
Jessica Darwin, an English teacher at East Kentwood and AI guide committee member, regularly uses AI tools like Writable to support diverse learners, including those in special education and English language learners. She also assists colleagues in creating lesson plans and teaching materials with AI.
Darwin stresses that AI will be part of many careers and should not be feared. “Calculators didn’t kill math, and AI isn’t going to kill student thinking and writing,” she said. She encourages educators to remain open to AI’s evolving role and to continue critically evaluating AI outputs.
Data Supporting AI Skill Development
The guide references Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index, highlighting that 66% of business leaders prefer candidates with AI skills, and 71% would choose less experienced applicants with AI fluency over more experienced ones without it. This underscores the need to prepare students with AI competencies for the job market.
Privacy, Safety, and Age-Appropriate Use
Ensuring data privacy and security is a key part of the guide. It mandates that teachers never share personal or student information with AI tools and complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule. The guide also includes:
- Privacy and safety checklists
- Age-appropriate AI use guidelines from kindergarten through high school
- A student use agreement to promote responsible AI engagement
Young students will learn that AI is a tool—not a person—while older students will build skills to use AI thoughtfully and independently under teacher guidance.
Looking Ahead
Storms notes that the guide is a living document, set to evolve as AI technology advances. Professional development opportunities will support teachers as the district explores AI tool purchases and integration. Teachers are encouraged to contribute ideas and feedback to keep the guide relevant and practical.
For educators interested in expanding their AI skills and knowledge, resources such as Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer practical learning opportunities tailored to education professionals.
Your membership also unlocks:
