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Upper Dublin launches AI think tank, drafts policy and plans pilots and PD
Summary
District leaders described an AI think tank that began in December, a draft AI policy under review, and a four‑phase rollout plan; staff will survey teachers and students, pilot selected AI applications and bring policy language through the policy committee before returning in May.
Dr. Smith told the committee the district convened an AI think tank in December and has developed a four‑phase 'cardinal flight plan' to approach AI in teaching and operations: (1) pre‑flight policy and needs assessment, (2) taxiing by identifying standard applications and existing embedded AI, (3) takeoff focused on professional development, and (4) cruising for ongoing refinement.
Dr. Smith said the policy committee received an initial draft; staff plan additional stakeholder engagement and administrative readiness checks and will return to the board in May with updates. The district also surveyed teachers about current AI use and will survey students; staff members reported that some students use AI tools for study aids (for example, converting notes into quizzes or flashcards) and to request simplified explanations of class material.
Board members raised privacy and content‑filtering concerns and noted variation in classroom practice; staff said device restrictions and privacy rules influence on‑campus use while policy will seek consistent guidance. Dr. Smith said the district hopes to define responsible use, identify pilot applications, and develop teacher and student guidance and professional development next school year.
No policy vote occurred; staff will continue think‑tank work and deliver further recommendations to the policy committee and the education committee in the coming months.
