A Guide for Staff & Teachers
Jefferson Academy Secondary recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) tools can be useful for learning, thinking, and completing tasks when used responsibly. The goal of AI use is to help students learn, develop skills, and think critically, while keeping them actively involved in the work that builds understanding. How AI is used will depend on the assignment, course, and learning goals, and teachers will decide which uses are appropriate. In all cases, AI should support learning, not replace the essential thinking students need to do. The following framework explains different ways AI can be used and gives guidance for using it responsibly.
The Central Question: "Who (or what) is doing the thinking?"
AI prompts exploration of reasoning and alternative perspectives.
AI guides understanding without producing the work.
AI prompts systematic approaches while student does the work.
AI prompts evaluation of reasoning and learning strategies.
AI evaluates and suggests improvements on student-generated original work. Student retains cognitive load of understanding feedback and making revisions.
AI generates primary content with minimal student contribution.
AI performs cognitive work of analyzing information.
AI directly fixes errors and improves work quality.
AI performs complete research process including analysis.
AI generates novel ideas, replacing student brainstorming.
AI is not permitted for any reason. All work must be completed using only the student's own knowledge, skills, and reasoning.
Complete all reading without AI help
Student uses only their own knowledge and creativity
Students solve using only their own reasoning