Shiloh Unified School District develops ethical AI policy guided by NAU standards

The Show Low Unified School District Board convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives, with a significant focus on the development of an ethical artificial intelligence (AI) use policy for K-12 education.

The meeting began with a review of the creation process for the AI policy, which involved extensive research conducted between November and March. Board members highlighted their collaboration with Northern Arizona University (NAU) to utilize their generative AI guidelines tailored for K-12 schools. This partnership was noted as a valuable resource in shaping the district's approach to AI implementation.

In addition to NAU's guidelines, the board examined practices from other districts across Arizona to understand the broader landscape of AI use in education. To further inform their policy, the district conducted a survey to assess the current AI tools and applications being utilized by teachers within the district. The insights gained from this survey were instrumental in drafting the ethical AI use policy statement, which was presented to the board during the meeting.

The board's discussions underscored the importance of establishing clear guidelines for AI use in classrooms, ensuring that the technology is implemented responsibly and effectively to enhance educational outcomes. The proposed policy aims to address ethical considerations and promote best practices among educators.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed a commitment to finalizing the AI policy and integrating it into the district's educational framework. Further discussions and potential approvals are expected in upcoming meetings, as the district continues to navigate the evolving landscape of technology in education.