District 196 presents AI guidance framework and classroom 'five-level' poster
Summary
District 196 officials presented an informational AI guidance framework focused on instruction, including four guiding principles and a five-level classroom expectations poster; presenters said secondary classrooms already display the poster and professional development for teachers is underway.
District 196 presented an informational update on how the district is approaching artificial intelligence in classrooms, focusing on instruction and student achievement.
Rachel Hughes, director of instruction and achievement, framed the work around four district priorities and introduced Rowan Ellsmore, the district technology specialist, who outlined two central elements of the district’s guidance: (1) four principles — critical thinking and achievement, equity and diverse needs, academic integrity, and ethical use — and (2) a five-level AI expectations poster deployed across secondary classrooms.
Ellsmore said the poster establishes levels of permitted AI use (from level 1: no AI assistance, to level 5: AI as co-creator), with teachers selecting an appropriate level for each assignment. Transparency is required where AI is used; students must indicate which content came from AI. Ellsmore described teacher professional development, leveled subcommittees for elementary/middle/high settings, an approved tools list, and plans to extend elementary professional development in the coming year. He also cited external research and membership in the Minnesota Generative AI Alliance for Education.
Board members praised the presentation and asked for clearer communication to families about how AI fits alongside traditional classroom activities. Catherine and other members suggested future workshops to demonstrate classroom balance and to show parents how the district incorporates both paper-and-pencil learning and AI-supported work. Presenters confirmed posters went up at the start of the school year and that most secondary teachers received an hour of PD during workshop week.
The presentation was informational only; no board action was required.
