Protecting Student Information When Using AI Tools
Confidential or personal data should never be entered into publicly available AI tools. Privacy and security are non-negotiable. This page provides guidance on federal requirements and best practices for protecting student information when using AI in the classroom.
Remember: Once data is entered into an AI tool, you cannot control where it goes or how it's used.
FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to all schools that receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education, including Jefferson Academy as part of Jeffco Public Schools.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) includes any data that could be used alone or in combination with other information to identify a specific student. Even seemingly harmless details can become PII when combined. For example, "the 8th grade student who won the spelling bee" could identify a specific individual.
COPPA is a federal law that protects the online privacy of children under 13. It requires websites and online services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children.
We follow a rigorous review process to ensure every AI tool meets standards for security, accessibility, and educational value. Each tool is evaluated for purpose, age appropriateness, ease of use, technical needs, and impact on student privacy.
Full integration, training, and ongoing support
Approved for use with usage guidelines for teacher implementation
External AI tools that don't meet district data privacy, security, and content standards are blocked. Any tool not on the approved list requires vetting before use.
If you need a tool that isn't approved, contact the Technology department to request an evaluation.
Before entering any student work or data into AI tools, remove all identifying information. Use generic labels like "Student A" or "Sample Essay" instead of names.
Stick to the approved tool list for any student-facing activities. These tools have been vetted for privacy, security, and age-appropriateness.
Before hitting enter, ask yourself: "Does this prompt contain any information that could identify a specific student?" If yes, revise it.
Help students understand why they shouldn't enter personal information into AI tools. Make this part of your AI literacy instruction.
When using district-supported tools, always sign in with your JA or Jeffco credentials. This ensures data protections are in place and maintains appropriate access levels.
If you're unsure whether information is safe to enter, err on the side of caution. Contact the Technology department or administration for guidance.
Ask yourself these questions before entering any information into an AI tool:
Could this info be used to identify a specific student?
Is this tool on the district-approved list?
Does this tool allow users of this age?
Am I logged in with my JA or Jeffco account?