As we prepare our students for an increasingly dynamic world, Norfolk Public Schools is committed to ensuring they are equipped with the skills, literacy, and thoughtful habits needed to navigate emerging technologies safely and effectively. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how we work, learn, and communicate. To guide our district in navigating this evolving landscape, we are pleased to introduce our district's new policy on Artificial Intelligence.
At the heart of our approach is a "human-first" philosophy. We view AI strictly as an auxiliary tool to enhance the educational experience, never as a replacement for the essential human connections, care, and artistry that define elementary and middle school teaching.
Our AI policy is guided by six core commitments:
Student Safety & Data Privacy: Student safety and data privacy are paramount. Students in grades K–5 will not interact directly with AI tools in school. In 6th grade, students will participate in a single, fully guided learning experience using AI to enhance their design thinking skills in a controlled, supervised environment.
Ethical, Transparent, & Responsible Use: We are dedicated to using AI in ways that are responsible, environmentally conscious, and fully transparent across our entire school community.
Fostering Critical Thinking & Creativity: Norfolk educators who opt to leverage AI will use it intentionally to remove barriers to learning and expand access, while actively preserving and strengthening students' foundational critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
Monitoring for Bias and Accuracy: We recognize that using AI effectively requires intentional, ongoing efforts to identify and minimize algorithmic bias, as well as to ensure that generated content is accurate and aligned with our educational goals.
Age-Appropriate Digital Literacy: We will provide all students with age-appropriate opportunities to build foundational digital literacy and understand core AI concepts, preparing them thoughtfully for the next stages of their education.
Empowering Our Educators: A strong policy starts with our teachers. We will provide robust professional development and clear guidelines so our educators can confidently use AI to enrich instruction and streamline administrative tasks, giving them more time to focus on what matters most - their students.
Lastly, as technology continues to evolve rapidly, our District Technology Steering Committee - which includes educators, administrators, mental health staff, technology staff, and parent representatives - will continue to monitor new developments and provide guidance as we implement this policy in our schools. To view the full policy, please click the button below.
Warmly,
Dr. Ingrid Allardi
