CARY, N.C (WTVD) — Leaders in the state's largest school district are working to shape how artificial intelligence will be used in classrooms, as questions grow about its impact on student learning.
Wake County school officials discussed amendments Wednesday afternoon to a draft policy that would govern AI usage across the district.
The policy would apply not only to students but also establish expectations for responsible use by teachers and staff.
The effort is still in its early stages, with ongoing discussions and potential influence from state lawmakers on the horizon. Still, district leaders and parents, however, say action is needed quickly.
"They have to do something with AI. They have to find a way to integrate it into the classrooms in a way that's safe," said Stacey Coffman, a Wake Forest parent.
Parents are calling on district leaders to create structure around a rapidly evolving technology. School officials said the draft policy aims to address several areas, including AI detection, educational support for families, responsible use, age-appropriate guidelines and oversight.
During Wednesday afternoon's meeting, a district member said the draft policy did address what responsible use looks like for staff and what responsible use looks like for students.
Coffman said students need exposure to AI to remain competitive in the future workforce. She also said she wants private software that allows AI use without exposing or leaking sensitive student data or information.
"If they're going into a work environment, and they don't have that skill set, they are going to not be competitive with their peers," she said.
While many parents see the value of integrating AI into classrooms, experts emphasize the importance of continuous education as the technology evolves.
"It's really about ongoing learning, and so students can be learning topics from when to navigate to AI to do something versus lean on a human for advice," said Laura Tierney, founder and CEO of The Social Institute.
Experts also say collaboration between families and educators is critical to ensuring responsible use.
"Give families simple talking points and conversation starters, so that they are reinforcing the learning and policies at home," Tierney said.
The district's timeline for finalizing and implementing an AI policy remains unclear and may depend on action at the state level.
The action centers around House Bill 301. If passed and signed into law, the bill would require the Department of Public Instruction to develop a statewide AI policy by the end of the year, with local districts required to adopt that policy – or their own – by July 2027.
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