Empowering Every Student for an AI-Driven World.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it is already shifting how we work, learn, and create. At Arlington ISD, we believe that being "AI literate" is a core requirement for student success in the 21st century. Our goal is to move beyond just using technology to intentionally teaching students how to use AI responsibly and purposefully. We are committed to a "Human-in-the-Loop" approach, where AI is a tool that enhances, but never replaces, the critical thinking and creativity of our students and teachers.

This intention aligns with the district’s Guiding Principles for the Use of AI:

Learn and Grow

Students and staff are empowered to develop the skills and values necessary for effective, responsible AI use.

Act with Integrity

Students and staff recognize AI’s limitations and take responsibility for verifying its outputs.
Clear, honest communication about when, how, and why AI is used ensures transparency and accountability.
The use of AI always complies with district, state, and federal guidelines.

Ensure AI for All

Teachers guide and support appropriate student use of AI in the classroom.
Students and staff have equitable access to the tools and training needed for responsible AI use.

Prioritize Human Thinking

AI enhances — but does not replace — human thought, creativity, and compassion. It cannot substitute for a caring and skilled professional.

Stay Safe

Users prioritize the protection of student, staff, and organizational data as required by all relevant laws and AISD regulations.

Safety First - Ensuring a Secure Learning Environment

Your child’s data privacy is our top priority. We use a "Walled Garden" approach to AI, meaning we only allow tools that meet strict safety and privacy standards. Our "Walled Garden" of approved AI tools is built to meet these three critical standards:

Federal Privacy (FERPA & COPPA): We strictly follow the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. This means we only partner with AI providers who guarantee they will not collect or sell your child’s personal information. Unlike many public AI tools that "learn" from the data users give them, our approved tools are contracted to keep student data private and secure.
Texas State Standards: In alignment with Texas state law (including SB 820 and the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act), we maintain a rigorous cybersecurity framework. Every AI tool on our "Green List" undergoes a security review to ensure it meets Texas standards for data encryption and student safety.
Age-Appropriate Content: Many popular AI tools are restricted to users 18 and older because they can produce unpredictable content. We block these tools on district devices. Instead, we provide age-appropriate alternatives that have been "vetted" to ensure they provide a safe, filtered experience for students in every grade level.

As a result of these requirements, we have approved AI tools including Canva AI and Adobe Express for student use. These apps provide a closed environment with age-appropriate filters to keep your child safe while they interact with AI tools and functions (with their teacher’s permission).

The Benefits for Students

As Arlington ISD integrates generative AI into classrooms, students gain valuable opportunities to build AI literacy and develop essential skills for the future.

Below are key ways in which AI supports student achievement, equity, and digital citizenship.

Student Achievement

Personalized Learning: AI can adjust to how each student learns and how fast they go. This helps keep students interested and helps them understand better.
Instant Feedback: AI gives quick responses so students can see what they need to work on and improve right away.
Safe Learning Space: Students can try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. AI gives helpful feedback in a safe and supportive way.
Access to Many Resources: AI offers different types of learning tools—like videos, texts, and simulations—to match how students learn best.
Student Ownership: AI helps students set goals, explore topics, and show what they’ve learned in creative ways. This builds confidence and independence.

Equity

Meeting Different Needs: AI can give students the right level of support and content, helping all learners get high-quality instruction.
Language & Reading Help: AI can change reading levels, translate lessons, and support students who speak different languages, making learning more fair and inclusive.
Equitable Access to Tools: When AI is used in all classrooms, every student—no matter their background—gets to use modern tools that support learning.

Digital Citizenship

Thinking Skills: Students learn to check if AI content is true or useful. This builds smart decision-making and helps them spot false information.
Digital Skills: Using AI teaches students how to use technology in smart and safe ways. They also learn how AI works.
Career Readiness: AI helps students build skills like problem-solving, flexibility, and using technology—skills they’ll need for future jobs.

AI in the Classroom

In Arlington ISD, we teach students that AI can enhance - but cannot replace - human thought, creativity, and compassion. We also teach that AI can only be used with the teacher’s permission. To make this clear, we use AI Signals in our classrooms.

Switch ON (Green): When the signal is green, the teacher has given permission to use AI in class.
Switch OFF (Red): When the signal is red, students must rely entirely on their own thinking to show what they have learned.
Honesty & Attribution: If a student uses AI on a project, they are taught to be transparent and acknowledge their use of AI with a citation.

All Levels

Open Full Screen

High School

Open Full Screen

Talking About AI at Home

While AISD maintains a no-smartphone policy during the school day, we know students may access AI tools on personal devices at home. Parents and guardians play a critical role in supporting students’ appropriate use of AI when away from school.

The car ride to school or practice is a perfect time for a low-pressure conversation. The goal isn't to lecture, but to learn how they are experiencing this new technology.

For Elementary Students (Focus on Curiosity & Imagination):

"If you could teach a robot to do one of your chores, what exactly would you tell it to do? Do you think it would get it right the first time?"
"If a computer writes a whole story and you put your name on it, whose story is it? Yours or the computer's?"
"Have you seen any cool pictures online lately that looked real, but were actually made by a computer? How could you tell it was fake?"

For Junior High Students (Focus on Rules, Ethics, & Verification):

"Is it confusing at school to know when you're allowed to use AI for homework and when you aren't? How do your teachers explain it?"
"If you ask an AI chatbot a question and it gives you an answer, how do you know if it's actually telling the truth?"
"Have you noticed any of your favorite creators using AI in their videos or art lately? Do they usually admit they used it, or do they try to pass it off as their own work?"

For High School Students (Focus on the Future & Critical Thinking):

"What is the general vibe at school right now about using AI apps at school? Are most kids using it as a coach or to just get the work done?"
"When you are scrolling on social media, how often do you think the posts, videos, or comments are generated by AI instead of real people? Does it change how you view the app?"
"When it comes time to write college admissions essays or cover letters for a job, how tempted do you think people are to just have AI write them? Do you think colleges or bosses can tell the difference between a student and a computer?"

Recommended Resources:

Common Sense Media - Offering resources in English, Spanish, and other languages, these partner sites provide family-friendly toolkits with short videos and hands-on activities to help you easily explore AI concepts together at home.

Internetmatters.org - A comprehensive toolkit for parents and educators to manage the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence.

PTA Connected - Available in English and Spanish, the PTA provides practical, everyday tips to help you teach your child how to safely and ethically use AI as a digital helper rather than a replacement for their own thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will AI eventually replace my child’s teacher?

No. In Arlington ISD, we believe that the heart of learning is the relationship between a student and a teacher. We use a "Human-in-the-Loop" approach, which means AI is a tool to help teachers spend less time on paperwork and more time working directly with your child. AI can provide a lesson idea, but only a teacher provides the inspiration, empathy, and mentorship students need

Is my child’s personal information safe when using these tools?

Yes. We only allow students to use approved apps that have passed strict data privacy reviews. These companies are legally required to protect student data. Unlike public versions of AI (like the free version of ChatGPT), the tools we use in the classroom do not "sell" your child’s data or use it to train their public models

Why is my child allowed to use AI in one class but blocked from using it in another?

Different subjects have different learning goals. We use AI Signals to make this clear. If the goal is to brainstorm ideas, the "AI Switch" might be ON. If the goal is to test your child’s independent writing or math skills, the "AI Switch" will be OFF. It’s the teacher’s discretion to determine if and when AI use is acceptable in class.

How does the district handle students who use AI to cheat?

We teach students that using AI without permission or without citing it is dishonest. If a student uses AI without teacher permission and without citation, they are subject to consequences for academic dishonesty as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

A student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to grade penalties on assignments or tests and disciplinary penalties in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying the work of another student, plagiarism, the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence to complete an assignment in part or in whole or the failure to properly attribute its allowable use [see CQD], and unauthorized communication between students during an examination. The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or another supervising professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or information from students. [EIA Local]

Can we trust the information AI gives to students?

Not always. Part of our "AI Literacy" lessons involves teaching students that AI can sometimes make mistakes or show bias. We teach students to be "Critical Verifiers" (to always double-check the facts provided by AI against a trusted source, like a textbook or a library database).

Does my child need an expensive computer at home to keep up with AI?

No. All foundational AI instruction happens during the school day using district-provided devices and high-speed internet. We are committed to "Equitable Access," ensuring that every student has the same opportunity to learn these skills, regardless of the technology they have at home.

If AI can write an essay in seconds, why should my child still learn how to write?

Because writing is thinking. Even if a tool can generate text, a student must still have the knowledge to judge if that text is good, accurate, or persuasive. AI is a partner, but the "brain power" must come from the student. Learning to write teaches students how to organize their thoughts and find their own unique voice.

What should I do if my child is using AI at home for their homework?

Start a conversation! Ask them: "Did your teacher give you the 'Green Light' to use AI on this?" and "How are you making sure the AI isn't doing the thinking for you?"