APS Artificial Intelligence (AI) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last updated 10/17/25

1. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

AI refers to technologies that simulate human intelligence using algorithms and data.

Generative AI tools can create text, images, audio, and video by learning patterns from existing data.

2. How is APS using AI in schools?

APS is integrating AI to:

Enhance teaching and learning.

Support personalized instruction.

Improve operational efficiency.

Promote equity and inclusion.

3. What generative AI tools will APS staff have access to during the 2025–2026 school year?

For the 2025–2026 school year, APS staff will have access to thoroughly vetted tools, including the following platforms:

SchoolAI (primary instructional tool)

Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and NotebookLM (for planning and productivity)

4. What generative AI tools are approved for student use at this time?

Students in grades 6–12 could begin using generative AI tools in guided environments once specific requirements have been met by both staff and students, including: Teacher Criteria

Complete Level 1 and Level 2 of the SchoolAI Certified Educator training on the platform.

Review SchoolAI’s responsible use expectations before using it with students

Use approved tools only when students are being actively monitored in class.

Student Criteria

Complete the “Student Technology Acceptable Use Agreement” with the Instructional Technology Coordinator (ITC).

Participate in a teacher-led review of safe and ethical AI use, which includes the acknowledgment of participation with a “SchoolAI Responsible AI Use” form.

These safeguards help students engage with and explore AI in safe, responsible, and age-appropriate ways.

5. Can students use public AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Copilot, or Gemini?

Students cannot use these tools on APS devices. Currently, student access to public AI tools is restricted due to approval requirements, including—but not limited to—age requirements and privacy regulations such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). APS piloted secure, vetted tools with more than 400 volunteer staff members during the “2024 Year of Exploration.” Students in grades 6–12 will be able to use SchoolAI within structured, teacher-led, and monitored classrooms.

6. How does APS ensure student safety and privacy with AI?

APS evaluates all digital resources, including AI tools, through a rigorous yearlong approval process involving Academics; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); Information Services; School Support; Student Services; and APS Legal. We follow strict privacy laws (including FERPA and COPPA) and prioritize transparency, ethical use, and data protection in every decision.

7. Will AI be used to replace teachers or traditional instruction?

No. AI is designed to support—not replace—educators. It can help streamline tasks, generate instructional materials, personalize learning experiences, and boost student engagement. However, there is no substitute for a teacher’s ability to understand the nuances of student needs, build relationships, and guide learning with empathy and expertise.

8. How is APS preparing teachers to use AI in the classroom?

APS is preparing educators for AI integration through a multiphase professional learning plan. All instructional staff are expected to complete at least one course from the “APS GenAI for Educators” self-paced Canvas series, which builds foundational knowledge and practical skills. Teachers who complete all three courses and the additional assignment to provide evidence of their learning earn a certificate, digital badge, and “APS Certified GenAI Educator” designation.

In addition, each school’s ITC is leading a structured, school-based session aligned to the APS AI Framework. This session provides an overview of the content available in the course series and introduces SchoolAI as part of our “Year of Empowered AI Learning” initiative, helping all teachers explore both the challenges and opportunities AI brings to teaching and learning while building confidence around ethical use, instructional value, and student safety.

Quick one- to two-minute “AI Byte” videos will be shared throughout the year to offer practical guidance and highlight classroom-ready strategies.

9. How can parents stay informed about AI use in APS?

APS maintains a dedicated webpage with guidance documents, updates, and resources: Year of Empowered AI Learning. APS will also hold a community engagement session in fall 2025, allowing parents to learn more about our use of SchoolAI.  A virtual session is tentatively scheduled for October 8, 2025 at 7:00pm. More information will be shared by the district as details are finalized.

10. What are the ethical concerns around AI in education?

APS is committed to helping students understand:

The risks of misinformation and bias

The importance of academic integrity

How to use AI tools responsibly and critically

We want students to be critical thinkers and ethical digital citizens.

11. What are APS’ expectations for ethical and transparent use of AI in classrooms?

APS has outlined expectations for both staff and students to promote responsible and transparent use of AI tools like SchoolAI: Teacher Responsibilities

Review the safe and ethical use of AI with students before introducing any tools, including examples of appropriate and inappropriate use.

Clearly communicate the level of acceptable AI use for assignments or projects to both students and families.
Model proper citations of AI use as appropriate

Student Responsibilities

Communicate openly and honestly with teachers about how AI is being used.

Follow the acceptable use guidelines for each assignment or project, as defined by the teacher.
Use proper citation of AI use as needed

These expectations help build a culture of trust, integrity, and responsible digital citizenship in all AI-supported learning environments.

12. What is the guidance for student misuse of AI in schoolwork?

This guidance is offered in the APS Handbook & Student Code of Conduct: “Deliberately copying, creating, or submitting work that is not your own—including through the use of technology or AI tools—is considered cheating, plagiarism, or forgery. Students are prohibited from sharing work or discussing assessments with others unless explicitly permitted by the teacher. Students may be subject to consequences.”

13. Will AI be included in student handbooks or curriculum?

Yes. The district has begun to include AI-related policies in the 2025–2026 Student Rights & Responsibilities (previously the handbook & Code of Conduct), the Acceptable Use Student Technology Acknowledgment, and the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Curriculum updates are underway to reflect AI literacy and responsible use.

A living guidance document can be found on the APS website: APS Generative AI Guidance.

14. What factors did APS consider when selecting SchoolAI for the Generative AI pilot?

APS evaluated both SchoolAI and MagicSchool during the pilot and selected SchoolAI based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:

Ease of use for educators

Alignment with instructional goals

Support for differentiated instruction

Ethical design and transparency

Quality of training and onboarding

Feedback from pilot participants

Technical support and integration

Student safety and data privacy

Vendor responsiveness and participation

Environmental impact and sustainability considerations

Bias review and equity alignment by the DEI staff

15. Does SchoolAI have third-party verification to ensure it complies with student data privacy laws like FERPA and COPPA?

Yes. SchoolAI has multiple layers of third-party verification and transparency measures in place to protect student data:

FERPA and COPPA Compliance: SchoolAI meets federal requirements for student data privacy.

System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type I Certification (2024): An independent audit confirmed that SchoolAI has implemented a robust system of security controls aligned with national trust service criteria.

1EdTech TrustEd Apps Certification: SchoolAI is recognized for secure and interoperable educational technology.

Public Monitoring Dashboard: Districts can view real-time system status and data practices at https://trust.schoolai.com.

Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC): SchoolAI has 393 active entries, representing approved data privacy agreements across many schools and districts—demonstrating widespread adoption and trust across the United States.

Transparent Communication Regarding Data: SchoolAI publicly shares its data security and backend design practices at https://schoolai.com/data-security.

16. How will APS prevent students from using AI tools inappropriately or accessing harmful content?

APS uses K12-specific platforms designed for safe student use. Currently, SchoolAI is the only generative AI platform approved for secondary students, and it includes teacher-monitored sessions, backend filters, and session timeouts to prevent misuse. All student activity is visible to educators, and any concerning content is flagged and escalated according to district protocols. APS’s enterprise filtering system, Lightspeed, blocks access to unapproved websites and tools, allowing only those explicitly permitted. Teachers are trained to supervise student interactions and guide appropriate use, while expectations for safe and responsible behavior are outlined in course syllabi, student handbooks, and the Acceptable Use Policy. Together, these safeguards help ensure technology is used constructively while minimizing risks and protecting students.

17. Will there be any student group chats that will use GenAI?

There is no student group chat in SchoolAI.

18. How will APS address bias in AI?

Bias mitigation was a key criterion in selecting an AI platform for student use. APS is providing professional learning to staff on how to critically evaluate AI-generated information and write prompts that lead to more inclusive results. Inclusive outputs avoid stereotypes, generalizations, tropes, assumptions, and reflect diverse representation rather than dominant cultural norms. Our professional development prepares teachers to structure AI prompts transparently—encouraging evidence-based responses, acknowledgment of limitations, and multiple perspectives. AI is positioned as a co-planner, not an authority, with educators applying their professional judgment to actively mitigate bias.

19. Will elementary students use schoolAI at all?

Elementary students do not have access to SchoolAI.

20. Is SchoolAI used by every teacher? Will teachers be required to use this tool, or can they teach their subject “old school” if they prefer?

The use of generative AI, including SchoolAI, is not required in APS. Teachers can choose to use the vetted and approved generative AI tools: Google Gemini, SchoolAI, NotebookLM, and Microsoft Copilot. There is an expectation that all instructional staff take advantage of professional development opportunities – both in person and self-paced – to learn about generative AI and its impact on education.

21. How can parents actively provide input into APS’s evolving policies in AI?

There is no policy developed specifically about Artificial Intelligence. Parents will have an opportunity to provide feedback to the Acceptable Use Policy during a 30-day public comment period.

22. Will AI dictate the curriculum?

No. APS curriculum is guided by the Virginia Standards of Learning—defining what we teach. The how of teaching is shaped by APS’s instructional values, not by AI. Generative AI tools do not determine curriculum. Instead, they support educator expertise by enhancing planning, differentiation, and student engagement. APS uses a districtwide platform that allows content offices to customize GenAI Spaces aligned with APS curriculum and instructional goals. Behind the scenes, best practices like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiated instruction are built into every response. AI is one tool among many. It supports—not replaces—educators, and it is meant to enhance learning without dictating it.

23. How is digital citizenship being taught across grade levels, and how does AI fit into that framework?

There are five qualities of digital citizenship taught at every grade level. School staff, including classroom teachers, Instructional Technology Coordinators and Librarians are teaching our secondary students how to apply these qualities to SchoolAI. In addition, The teacher shows a video focused on using AI responsibly before using SchoolAI with their class. Using AI Responsibly for Students v1.mp4

24. Will SchoolAI be on students iPads (so, available for students to use at any time?)

In grades 6-12 if a teacher has completed the necessary training requirements, they can create Spaces in SchoolAI to use with students. These Spaces are created with intentional instructional delivery in mind. SchoolAI is not installed on student devices. The teacher provides a code so the student can join a specific Space. The teacher is able to monitor the interaction. When the lesson is over, the Space can easily be closed so that it is not available outside of class time with the teacher.

25. Can the school walk parents through SchoolAI?

SchoolAI partnered with APS to provide a walkthrough for parents on October 8, 2025. This recording is available on the following APS website: APS Generative AI Guidance

This FAQ page will continue to be updated regularly.