AI Classroom Policy Template

AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are part of the world our students are entering. Rather than banning these tools, this policy establishes clear guidelines for how they can be used responsibly and ethically in [class name / school name].

Our goal is to help students develop AI fluency: the ability to use AI tools thoughtfully, evaluate their output critically, and maintain their own skills and judgment.

Students may use AI tools for the following purposes unless a specific assignment states otherwise:

• Brainstorming and idea generation: using AI to explore topics, generate starting points, or overcome writer's block
• Research assistance: asking AI to explain concepts, summarize information, or suggest search directions (always verify facts independently)
• Writing feedback: asking AI to review your draft and suggest improvements (the writing must be yours first)
• Study and review: using AI to create practice questions, explain difficult concepts, or test your understanding
• Skill building: learning how to write effective prompts, evaluate AI output, and use AI as a thinking partner

• Submitting AI-generated work as your own: if AI wrote it, you did not. This includes essays, answers, code, and creative work.
• Using AI during assessments: unless the assignment explicitly permits it
• Copying AI output without understanding it: if you cannot explain what you submitted, it is not your work
• Sharing personal information: do not enter classmates' names, personal details, or any private information into AI tools
• Using AI to circumvent learning: the goal is to learn the material, not to avoid engaging with it

When you use AI assistance on an assignment, include a brief note at the end that describes:

• Which AI tool you used
• What you used it for (brainstorming, feedback, research, etc.)
• How you modified or built upon the AI's output

Example: "I used Claude to brainstorm three possible thesis directions. I chose one and developed the argument, outline, and writing myself. I then asked Claude to review my draft for clarity and made edits based on its feedback."

Honest disclosure is never penalized. Undisclosed AI use is treated as an academic integrity violation.

This policy is built on four principles that guide responsible AI use:

Teachers are encouraged to:

• Use AI for lesson planning, rubric creation, feedback drafts, and differentiation
• Design assignments that work with AI rather than trying to prevent its use
• Model responsible AI use for students
• Specify AI permissions on each assignment (e.g., "AI allowed for brainstorming only" or "No AI for this assessment")
• Focus on the learning process, not just the final product

[Customize this section for your school's existing academic integrity framework.]

Recommended approach: treat first-time undisclosed AI use as a learning opportunity with a conversation and resubmission, not a zero. The goal is to teach responsible use, not to punish exploration.

AI tools evolve rapidly. This policy will be reviewed and updated [every semester / annually] with input from teachers, students, and administration. Last updated: [date].