AI in 204
District 204 is approaching artificial intelligence with intention, clarity, and a commitment to learning, relationships, and responsible decision-making.
Our Approach to AI
In IPSD 204, we are not approaching AI through blind adoption. We are approaching it with intention, clarity, and a commitment to learning, relationships, and responsible decision-making.
Core Belief Statement
Our district recognizes the growing role of AI in education and in the world our students will navigate. We are committed to using AI ethically, responsibly, and in alignment with our Portrait of a Graduate, ensuring it enhances rather than replaces human connection and empowers both students and educators.
This page explains how AI connects to our Portrait of a Graduate and the commitments guiding our approach. For grade-level expectations and practical guidance, visit the AI Playbook.
AI and Our Portrait of a Graduate
How AI connects to the human capacities we value most.
Our Portrait of a Graduate anchors how we approach AI in IPSD 204. These competencies help us ask not just whether AI is available, but whether its use strengthens the human capacities we value most.
Resilience
Why it matters with AIAI can support reflection and revision, but it should not remove the productive struggle that helps learners grow in persistence.
Guiding questionDoes this use of AI support growth through challenge, or does it bypass effort students still need to experience for themselves?
Flexibility and Adaptability
Why it matters with AIAI can help learners explore options, consider new information, and adjust their thinking in changing contexts.
Guiding questionIs AI expanding possibilities and thoughtful choice, or narrowing learning into the fastest answer?
Communication
Why it matters with AIAI can support drafting, translation, and accessibility, while authentic voice, empathy, and audience awareness remain essential.
Guiding questionIs this use of AI strengthening communication and understanding, or replacing the human voice that still matters most?
Citizenship
Why it matters with AIAI raises important questions about ethics, bias, privacy, transparency, and how digital tools affect other people and communities.
Guiding questionDoes this use of AI reflect responsibility, empathy, and ethical participation in a digital world?
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Why it matters with AIAI can surface ideas and information, but learners must still question accuracy, test reasoning, verify claims, and make sound decisions.
Guiding questionIs AI being used to deepen judgment and analysis, or are people accepting output too quickly without enough verification?
Creativity and Innovation
Why it matters with AIAI can support brainstorming and iteration, but originality, risk-taking, and meaningful creation still need to remain central.
Guiding questionIs AI helping spark ideas and exploration, or taking over too much of the original thinking and creating?
What Intentional AI Use Means
Principles that translate belief into practical expectations.
These principles translate our belief statement into practical expectations for teaching, learning, and decision-making.
Learning Comes First
Students should build understanding, develop their own ideas, and engage in real thinking before relying on AI support.
Human Voice Stays Central
AI may help refine communication, but it should not replace a student’s or educator’s authentic voice.
People Remain Responsible
Students and staff should be able to explain their reasoning, decisions, and final choices rather than simply accepting AI output.
Verification Matters
AI content should be questioned, checked, and compared against reliable sources rather than accepted automatically.
Transparency Matters
When AI use is relevant to the task, expectations for disclosure, acknowledgment, or citation should be clear.
Technology Should Support, Not Shortcut
AI should deepen learning and access, not bypass thinking, authorship, creativity, or meaningful collaboration.
Our Commitments
How IPSD 204 intends to approach AI as the technology evolves.
These commitments describe how IPSD 204 intends to approach AI as the technology continues to evolve.
Keep People at the Center
We will keep relationships, professional judgment, and human connection central to teaching and learning.
Protect Privacy and Use Vetted Tools
We will approach AI in ways that align with district expectations for privacy, security, and responsible handling of information.
Provide Clear, Age-Appropriate Guidance
We will continue refining guidance that reflects the purpose of the task, the age of the learner, and the learning still expected from students.
Support Staff and Student Learning
We will help staff and students build the understanding and judgment needed to use AI thoughtfully rather than react to it passively.
Expand Access Responsibly
We will work toward equitable access to safe, accessible, and meaningful AI experiences rather than leaving opportunity to outside resources alone.
Keep Reviewing and Refining Our Approach
We will revisit guidance over time so our decisions continue to reflect district values, student needs, and the realities of a changing technology landscape.
From Vision to Practice
How this stance connects to the AI Playbook.
This page defines our district stance. The AI Playbook provides the practical guidance that supports implementation across grade levels and learning contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Public-facing answers about AI use in IPSD 204.
These questions support public understanding and day-to-day clarity around how IPSD 204 is approaching AI. See the AI Playbook for grade-level guidance, examples, and the Independent, Supported, and Collaborative framework.
What do we mean by AI?
AI refers to digital tools that can help generate, organize, analyze, or transform content such as text, images, audio, video, or other information.
Is IPSD 204 encouraging AI to replace teachers?
No. Educators remain central to learning. AI can support planning, feedback, access, and exploration, but it does not replace professional judgment, relationships, or instruction.
Will students be allowed to use AI?
AI use may be appropriate in some learning contexts and not in others. Expectations depend on the task, the purpose, the age of the learner, and the guidance provided by the teacher and district. For significant assignments, teachers may indicate whether work is Independent, Supported, or Collaborative.
How does AI connect to academic integrity?
Academic integrity still matters. Students should know when AI use is permitted, when it is not, and when it must be acknowledged. Learning, thinking, and originality remain essential.
Why connect AI to the Portrait of a Graduate?
Because our goal is not simply for students to use new tools. Our goal is for students to become thoughtful, capable, ethical, and adaptable graduates who can navigate a changing world with strong judgment and strong character.
Looking Ahead
AI will continue to evolve. Our commitment is to approach it with curiosity, care, and clarity so that its use reflects the values of IPSD 204 and supports the kind of graduates we hope to develop.