Generative AI Guidelines

Wilmington Public Schools (WPS) recognizes the impact generative artificial intelligence (AI) has on our staff, students, and community. As an organization, the staff is encouraged to explore generative AI systems to enhance their learning and development and also educate students about these systems, including the uses of, limitations of, and legal and ethical issues associated with such systems. Understanding the benefits and limitations of generative AI is crucial to supporting students as they learn the skills needed in today’s social and technological landscape.

These guidelines have been developed to show responsible generative AI usage which addresses data privacy concerns, terms of use, and academic honesty.

Students

Adopted from Pinkerton Academy & Newton Public Schools

  • The only Generative AI systems WPS students are allowed to use are those available directly or as part of other software listed in the WPS Student Data Privacy Agreement Database. See the examples below:
  • As of August 2023, ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing have NOT signed a Student Data Privacy Agreement, and therefore, WPS staff should not ask or require students to directly use unapproved AI systems to complete assignments. A complete list of approved software with Student Data Privacy Agreements can be found at https://sdpc.a4l.org/district_listing.php?districtID=781
  •  There are approved AI systems (such as Grammarly and Canva) that have signed Student Data Privacy Agreements. Therefore, students may use AI features embedded within these tools with permission and proper citation.
  • Assistance from an AI system is not allowed when it interferes with the educational objectives or the assessment of a submitted work. The use of generative AI to complete one’s work can also be forbidden at the discretion of the student’s teacher.
  • Students who use any generative AI systems without teacher approval AND proper citation are subject to consequences that fall under the academic dishonesty policy.

Staff

Adopted from Newton Public Schools

  • Staff are encouraged to explore Generative AI systems for themselves, and to teach their students about such systems, including their uses, limitations, and legal and ethical issues associated with such systems. These tools can assist teachers in their work, and an understanding of these systems is crucial to supporting students as they learn to work in an evolving social and technology environment.
  • If staff take the initiative to have students use generative AI systems, they must comply with all the Student Generative AI Guidelines.