SOUTH TEXAS ISD AI INITIATIVE
TOOLS - TRAINING -TRANSFORMATION
Usage Guidelines for AI Generative Tools at STISD
STISD recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly important in education and the workplace. These guidelines aim to support the responsible, ethical, and effective use of AI technologies within our educational community while maintaining our commitment to academic integrity, critical thinking, and student development.
Introduction to AI Tools
AI tools, particularly generative AI applications like ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and others, offer tremendous opportunities for learning, creativity, and productivity when used appropriately. However, they also present challenges that require thoughtful navigation.
These guidelines apply to all members of the STISD community, including students, teachers, and staff.
Definition of AI Tools
For the purposes of these guidelines, "AI tools" refers to any software, application, or service that uses artificial intelligence algorithms to generate content, answer questions, analyze data, or perform other tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes but is not limited to:
Large Language Models (LLMs)
such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini
AI-powered writing assistants
like Grammarly or Wordtune
AI image generators
like DALL-E, Adobe Firefly, or Stable Diffusion
AI education specific assistants
such as Schoolai or MagicSchool
AI-enhanced research tools and search engines
such as Scinapse or Perpelexity AI
AI tools integrated into software
like Microsoft Copilot
Guidelines for Students
Acceptable Use
  • Using AI tools for brainstorming ideas or generating research questions
  • Using AI to help understand complex concepts when explicitly permitted by your teacher
  • Using AI tools to check grammar, improve writing style, or suggest alternative phrasings when permitted
  • Learning about AI itself through exploration and responsible use
  • Using AI tools for personal projects or learning outside of formal assignments
Prohibited Use
  • Using AI to complete assignments without proper citation when instructed to do your own work
  • Submitting AI-generated content as your own without disclosure when required
  • Using AI to bypass learning objectives established by your teachers
  • Sharing other students' personal information or schoolwork with AI tools
  • Using AI to engage in academic dishonesty, plagiarism, or cheating
  • Accessing or using AI tools during tests or exams unless explicitly permitted
Citation and Disclosure
When permitted to use AI tools for assignments, you must cite the AI tool used, including:
  • The name of the AI tool
  • The date you used it
  • A summary of the prompt(s) you provided

Example citation: "Using Gemini 2.5 Pro, I generated three possible main points for my research paper. My prompt to the program was: Help me brainstorm three possible thesis statements about the impact of artificial intelligence is having in the manufacturing industry. This helped me explore different angles for my argument."
Guidelines for Teachers
Integration and Assignment Design
  • Clearly communicate in your syllabus or assignment instructions whether AI use is permitted, prohibited, or required for each assignment
  • Design assignments that thoughtfully incorporate AI where appropriate or are specifically designed to be resistant to AI completion
  • Consider adapting assessment strategies to account for AI capabilities while still measuring student learning
  • Model appropriate use of AI tools in your teaching practices
Evaluation and Assessment
  • Establish clear expectations for how AI-assisted work will be evaluated
  • Consider requiring drafts, outlines, or other evidence of student process
  • Use classroom discussions, presentations, or one-on-one conferences to gauge student understanding
  • Focus on assessing learning objectives rather than solely on output detection
Professional Development
  • Stay informed about AI developments relevant to your subject area
  • Participate in district-provided training on AI in education
  • Experiment with AI tools to understand their capabilities and limitations
Guidelines for Staff and Data Privacy
Appropriate Administrative Use
  • Use AI tools to enhance efficiency for appropriate administrative tasks
  • Leverage AI for data analysis when applicable, while maintaining data privacy standards
  • Use AI writing assistance for drafting communications when appropriate
Data Protection
  • Never input confidential student, personnel, or district information into public AI tools
  • Only use district-approved AI tools for handling sensitive information
  • Follow all existing data privacy and security protocols when using AI tools
Personal and Confidential Information
IMPORTANT: Assume all information shared with AI tools will be made public
  • Do not input student records, grades, personal identifiers, or other protected information into public AI tools
  • Do not share FERPA-protected information, health information, or other confidential data
  • Be aware that information provided to AI tools may be used for training future versions of these systems
Academic Integrity and Detection
Transparency and Honesty
  • Be transparent about AI use in your work
  • Understand that using AI without proper disclosure when required may constitute academic dishonesty
  • Follow teacher instructions regarding AI use for specific assignments
Responsibility and Learning
  • Remember that AI tools are designed to assist learning, not replace it
  • Take responsibility for your educational development by using AI as a supplement rather than a substitute for developing your own skills
  • Critically evaluate AI-generated content rather than accepting it uncritically
Detection of AI-Generated Content
  • The use of applications to detect AI-generated content is strongly discouraged at this time due to their inconsistent reliability
  • Teachers will focus on assessing student learning through multiple methods rather than relying solely on AI tools
  • Suspected violations of these guidelines will be addressed through established academic integrity procedures with an emphasis on education and growth
Violations and Support Resources
Violations and Consequences
Violations of these guidelines will be addressed according to:
  • STISD Board Policy
  • STISD Local Policy
  • STISD Student Code of Conduct
Consequences may include:
  • Reduction in assignment grade
  • Parent/guardian notification
  • Administrative referral for repeated or severe violations
  • Other consequences as outlined in existing STISD policies
Support and Resources
For questions or support related to these guidelines:
  • Students: Consult your teacher or Instructional Technology Specialist
  • Teachers and Staff: Contact the STISD IT Department or your campus Instructional Technology Specialist
  • Additional resources will be available on the STISD Technology website.
Requesting New AI Tools and Updates
Requesting New AI Tools
STISD understands that AI technology is evolving rapidly. To request approval for a new AI tool:
  1. Provide information about the tool's educational value, privacy policies, and terms of service
  1. Allow 2-3 weeks for review by the district AI committee
Review and Updates
These guidelines will be reviewed regularly as AI technology evolves. The STISD AI Committee welcomes feedback from all community members to ensure these guidelines remain relevant, effective, and aligned with our educational mission. Refer all your inquiries to: [email protected]
Document Information
The Usage Guidelines for AI Generative Tools at STISD document was developed through a collaborative process involving, STISD AI Committee.
Last updated April 28, 2025
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