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NDE CIO outlines cautious, security-first AI plan for department; classroom guidance to follow
Summary
NDE's information systems officer briefed the board on a two-part approach to artificial intelligence focused first on internal agency use, data security, governance and staff literacy, with classroom and workforce implications to be addressed at a future meeting.
Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Information Systems Officer Chris Washen told the State Board on May 8 that the agency is taking a pragmatic, security-first approach to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.
Washen said NDE's immediate work focuses on internal use cases and governance: defining permissible use cases, developing security controls to protect student data and drafting a two-part policy package comprised of a short policy and a detailed internal operating procedure. "We want to promote the reasonable use of AI and not increase the risk to citizens and especially our teachers and students," he said.
He described a staff survey (about 283 responses) that showed interest in productivity and ADA-compliance tools as well as training needs. Washen said use cases under consideration include communication support, data analysis for programmatic work, speech-to-text for ADA compliance, and administrative efficiency; pilots will start with embedded Microsoft AI capabilities and expand where a clear business case exists.
Washen emphasized human review of AI outputs and the primacy of data privacy: "Our primary concern is data privacy and security. We want to make sure that the student data that we are entrusted with is protected and not exposed to any kind of undue risk," he said. He also described coordination with the state CIO, ESU coordinating council, and other partners and said a draft policy is being fine-tuned prior to submission to the agency's policy evaluation team.
Board members welcomed the cautious approach and asked about scope. One member asked whether the state's interim legislative study would include NDE; Washen said NDE had been asked to provide information but had not been formally engaged beyond answering questions.
What's next: NDE will finalize its internal AI policy and operating procedures, procure staff AI literacy tools and plan an upcoming presentation focused on AI in classrooms, workforce development and guidance for districts and ESUs.
