How to Develop an Effective AI Policy for K–12 Schools

As more schools explore the possibilities of AI, one question continues to arise: How can districts bring this technology into classrooms in a way that’s safe, effective, and aligned with existing practices?

A recent executive order established a national AI Education Task Force, signaling a major federal push to expand AI instruction, provide teacher training, and promote AI-powered tools that improve educational outcomes. For district leaders, the message is clear: AI in education isn’t a distant future, it’s a present priority.

At Pear Deck Learning and GoGuardian, we’re committed to helping districts successfully implement AI. As proud members of the EdSafe AI Industry Council, we support responsible, thoughtful adoption of AI that keeps student privacy, safety, and instructional value front and center.

To help district leaders navigate this process, we spoke with Teddy Hartman, Senior Director of Privacy and Trust at GoGuardian. Drawing on his deep experience in K–12 tech policy, he shared practical guidance for incorporating AI into your current Responsible Use of Technology frameworks. In addition, recent insights from Tyler Shaddix, Co-Founder of GoGuardian, published in District Administration, offer further expert strategies for creating effective, future-ready AI policies.

In this blog, you'll find key takeaways from these conversations to help you structure discussions, set clear expectations, and guide AI implementation across your district.

Incorporating AI into existing policies

When updating your current technology policy to include AI, it's essential to define clearly how AI aligns with established protocols for procurement, teacher use, and student interactions. Building on familiar guidelines ensures clarity, consistency, and a smooth transition.

Key steps for effective AI policy integration

1. Define a clear scope

First, identify the key areas your policy update will address:

• Procurement: Clearly outline how your district evaluates and selects AI tools. 
• Educator use: Provide practical guidelines for teachers to use district-approved, education-specific AI solutions.
• Student use: Set clear, helpful parameters guiding how learners interact with AI to enhance study and build digital literacy.

As Shaddix notes in District Administration, districts should be proactive in setting clear expectations early, defining responsible use versus misuse (such as AI-assisted cheating) to create a culture of accountability.

2. Utilize established procurement processes

Include AI considerations in your existing technology procurement procedures, and evaluate AI tools using established criteria, viewing AI capabilities as enhancements rather than entirely new technology categories.

Develop a consistent vetting process that all stakeholders use when evaluating AI tools, asking questions like:

• Does the tool align with our district’s values and educational goals?
• How does this tool handle student data and ensure privacy?
• What safeguards prevent misuse or unintended consequences?
• Does it comply with applicable laws and regulations?
• How easy is it to train educators on the tool?

3. Create teacher guidelines for AI use

Encourage teachers to use district-approved AI tools that align with existing guidelines for educational technology. Recommend solutions explicitly designed for educational environments to ensure appropriateness, security, and quality outcomes.

Given that lack of professional development is often a barrier, emphasize the importance of integrating training protocols into your AI guidance. Offering structured professional development ensures teachers can confidently and effectively incorporate AI into their classrooms.

4. Engage students in AI policy-making

Recognize that students are likely already engaging with AI; focus your policies on constructive, educationally beneficial uses. Outline acceptable uses clearly, such as supporting assignments, facilitating brainstorming, visual creations, or encouraging critical evaluation of AI-generated materials.

The value of involving stakeholders

One of the greatest benefits of updating policies to include AI is the rich dialogue it encourages within your educational community. Engaging various stakeholders in policy discussions allows districts to understand diverse viewpoints, address concerns directly, and build collective alignment around AI usage. 

Stakeholders should include:

• Educators who actively use AI in their classrooms
• Students who provide unique insights into technology use
• Caregivers with essential perspectives on safety and privacy
• Administrators overseeing policy adherence
• Technology specialists who ensure system compatibility and security
• External education and AI experts providing broader context

Through these conversations, your district gains deeper insights into current AI practices, identifies potential uses, and proactively manages community-specific concerns, resulting in a practical and adaptable policy.

Keeping your AI policy relevant and responsive

AI evolves quickly, and your policy should evolve with it. Regularly engaging stakeholders ensures your policy stays current, practical, and reflective of classroom realities and community expectations. Frequent policy reviews and updates help your district remain agile and responsive.

Hartman advises embedding AI policy reviews into your district's annual strategic planning cycle. Shaddix similarly stresses that districts should revisit policies at least annually to account for rapid technological shifts and emerging best practices.

Clear communication with parents and caregivers

Effective communication about AI is critical. Integrate AI-related discussions into existing communication practices, such as back-to-school presentations and Responsible Use Policy disclosures. Transparently outline:

• Specific AI tools adopted and their educational benefits
• Safety measures, privacy protocols, and data management procedures
• Opportunities for parental feedback and involvement

Recommended third-party resources

For broader perspectives and reliable guidance, districts can turn to trusted external resources. Hartman recommends: 

• EdSafe AI Alliance
• ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)
• Digital Promise

Why responsible AI partnerships matter now more than ever

With AI continuing to expand in education, one thing is clear: who you partner with matters. Not all AI is created equal, especially in high-stakes environments like K-12. Districts need more than innovation; they need intentionality. That means choosing vendors who prioritize student safety, educator empowerment, and long-term trust over quick fixes and flashy features.

At GoGuardian and Pear Deck Learning, AI isn’t new, it’s foundational. For over a decade, we’ve developed purpose-driven, education-specific AI that’s built for the realities of school. From surfacing digital safety threats to helping educators create standards-aligned content in seconds, our tools are grounded in transparency, privacy, and impact.

We don’t just build AI. We build AI that works for educators – responsibly, ethically, and at scale. Our commitment to responsible AI is reflected in everything we do: from data minimization and equity reviews to our leadership role in the EdSafe AI Industry Council. Because when the tools are built right, teachers reclaim time, students get the support they need, and schools thrive.

Wondering what to look for in an AI partner?

Learn more about how to select an AI vendor for your school. 

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