The Source – Bend, Oregon
Bend's Daily Independent Voice
Navigating the balance between an appropriate use of AI technology in schools and creating human bots is a delicate, complex issue. In April, the Bend-La Pine School Board passed a resolution requiring the school district to review the use of all technology and apps and create standards for tech use at different grade levels. Communications Director for Bend-La Pine Schools, Scott Maben, says the district aligns its policies and practices with the Oregon Department of Education’s guidance on use of generative AI in K-12 classrooms.
The state says genAI continues to reshape education, so the focus is shifting to how it can be safely and effectively integrated into schools to enhance personal connection and improve teaching and learning. GenAI is a specific type of artificial intelligence that can create new content rather than simply analyze information. State guidelines stress that AI must never replace human relationships and should be used to strengthen students’ critical thinking and creativity. It states “AI integration can be beneficial if it supports students in developing the durable skills, knowledge, adaptability and ethical grounding they (students) need to succeed in the careers and civic life of the future.”
ODE acknowledges the risk of students using AI tools to replace brainpower in writing, research, problem-solving and generating ideas. The Bend-La Pine School District says AI is used in certain classes to enhance creativity, support skill development and practice critical thinking. Maben says AI is not used in grades K-2. Students in grades 3-12 have access to MagicSchool AI which is a closed system. Teachers create and manage “rooms” within the program for students to access and complete lessons. Other AI tools within the district include Canva Magic Studio which allows students to create written and visual content such as animations; Adobe Express, a web-based tool that allows students to design graphics, videos, presentations, web pages and podcasts; and Wayfinder which is an AI literacy curriculum for teachers. Educators also have access to ChatGPT for Teachers.
Tracy Howk is a certified teacher who works in the Bend-La Pine Schools’ Educational Technology Department supporting other teachers and students in using technology effectively. She says MagicSchool is primarily used for time-heavy tasks and that teachers may use it to adapt materials. “For example, a teacher might adjust math story problems to include local context or familiar scenarios, making the learning feel more accessible,” she told the Source.
Students may also use the program to get feedback on assignments, turn notes into flashcards or make content more relevant. “Students might interact with a historical figure, a character from a book, or a perspective from a particular time period to deepen their understanding,” Howk explains. “In computer science courses, once students have a strong foundation in coding skills, teachers may introduce AI as a way to explore how it is being used in professional programming environments and to help prepare students for college and careers.” The Bend-La Pine Educational Technology department has been discussing AI since 2022 when ChatGPT was released.
The other component to incorporating AI into classrooms is parental support. On its website, the district says “When AI use is permitted by the teacher, parents and their students have a voice in deciding how they will use AI. Parents support students by focusing on the process — asking how they are expanding their ideas or refining their work, rather than simply reaching a final answer.”
The use of technology and now Artificial Intelligence in schools have been controversial and emotional topics. In February, a group of Bend-La Pine parents submitted a letter with more than 1,000 signatures to the school board expressing their concern about, what they call “Big Tech” such as iPads, apps and genAI used in classrooms. Their fears centered around digital education impairing student learning and cognitive growth and potentially having a negative impact on youth mental health. The parents advocated for handwritten assignments and reading off paper rather than digital lessons. While the district is shifting away from one-on-one iPad use for students, it continues using technology and AI in a more controlled setting.
“It is our policy and expectation that student screen time is only for educational purposes that are directly aligned with learning standards,” Maben says. “The chat function on our approved platform is only available if teachers assign it and it’s highly programmed with strong guardrails around how the AI Learning Assistant will respond to student prompts.”
In April, one of the parents in opposition told the Source that the coalition of parents were “absolutely thrilled” with the new policy. “We’ve read other resolutions and policies from other districts and legislatures around the country and honestly can say that this resolution passed by the school board is one of the best that we’ve seen in the country,” a parent told the Source.
The state recognizes potential pitfalls surrounding AI such as the potential for students to form human-like relationships with AI and misusing it to do the work for them. It puts the onus on teachers to recognize warning signs of emotional distress and the ability to know and identify a child’s voice in completed assignments.
“One of the biggest risks is that AI can be used to shortcut the learning process, original thinking, and student voice, all of which Bend-La Pine Schools values deeply,” Howk says. “That is why our focus is not simply on access to technology, but on helping students build the skills and judgment to use it well.”
While guardrails are needed, Howk says AI can help streamline routine tasks, allowing teachers to spend more time with students. For students, she says it can be a helpful learning tool.
“AI literacy is becoming an important part of a well-rounded education. This aligns with state guidance around equitable access, digital literacy and preparing students to use AI in informed ways, if they chose to use it,” Howk says. “Overall, we want students to leave school not only knowing how to use technology, but also understanding when, why and how to apply it in ways that strengthen learning, creativity and their future goals.”
This article appears in the Source June 25, 2026.
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by Nic Moye, The Source – Bend, Oregon
June 24, 2026
Nic Moye spent 33 years in television news all over the country. She has two adorable small dogs who kayak and one luxurious kitty. Passions include lake swimming, mountain biking and reading. More by Nic Moye
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