Cascade School District considers changes to AI policy

LEAVENWORTH — The Cascade School District (CSD) Board is considering updating its current electronics policy to better reflect the quickly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. 

During the Oct. 13 school board meeting, CSD Superintendent Tracey Edou proposed changes to the current policy around AI that would further enumerate student behavioral expectations.

“I think what we're trying to do is modify our policy to be more nuanced as we learn more about AI. It'll probably continue to change, because we're all learning about it. But what we're trying to say in our school district is, use it responsibly, but you are allowed to use it,” said Edou.

Current CSD policy provides broad guidelines, defining AI’s purpose as a means of support for student learning and workplace productivity, which must be used in compliance with the district’s academic integrity policies. Students must ensure their work remains original and authentic; they may not use AI to spread misinformation, cause harm, complete work for them, or share confidential information of students or staff. Teachers determine the appropriate level of AI in their classroom, but must ensure that the use of AI in academic work is transparent, secure and ethical.

Under the proposed change, the policy would more thoroughly outline students’ obligations to ethical and responsible use. Students would be required to understand AI limitations, recognizing that it is not a substitute for critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.  They would also be required to consider potential biases of AI, using vigilance and taking steps to mitigate bias when using AI. Students would also need to check sources generated by AI, provide attribution when using AI tools and techniques, and seek guidance when in doubt. Maintaining data privacy would also be further explained under the policy. The policy would explicitly say that students are not allowed to use AI to cheat, plagiarize or gain an unfair advantage; generative AI tools would also only be allowed for creative work when given approval or guidance from the classroom teacher.

“I read it and thought it was a good start, especially the specifics…the do's and the don'ts. That's a good platform or starting point for going on this journey,” said CSD Board Member Mike Worden. “It’s a good jump start for everybody.”

Edou said the proposed language was informed by the Quincy School District’s policy, which she believes is leading the region in its approach to AI. In addition to the student code of conduct that CSD’s proposal mirrors, Quincy also outlines “AI Permissibility Levels,” indicating instances when the use of AI is recommended, permitted or restricted.

Edou is a part of a superintendent cohort that is working together to learn about AI at an organizational level; CSD teachers are in the initial stages of AI training. For instance, the University of Washington recently led a training on Colleague AI, a platform for educators.

The ongoing discussion reflects a broader trend among Washington school districts to formalize how artificial intelligence is used in classrooms. Earlier this year, Cashmere School District began developing its own policy framework and investing in AI training for staff. Wenatchee School District has already adopted a comprehensive policy outlining student responsibilities, teacher expectations, limits on AI detection tools, and regulations on privacy and data security.

CSD’s proposed changes were presented as a first reading, meaning no action was taken. The policy will return to the board for further discussion and possible approval at a future meeting.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media