Palm Beach County School District has taken a significant step towards regulating the use of artificial intelligence in its schools. The district has adopted a comprehensive AI policy that restricts the use of AI on standardized assessments and allows teachers to limit AI use on assignments.
The new policy, which goes into effect immediately, prohibits students from using AI in a manner already forbidden by state or federal law and allows teachers to prohibit or limit the use of AI on any particular assignment. Students are not allowed to use AI on district-required, state or other standardized assessments like AP and IB exams and industry certification tests unless a specific, documented exception has been made.
The policy also addresses deepfakes — synthetic images, audio or video that show an individual or group doing or saying something they did not say or do. UNESCO has repeatedly warned that deepfakes contribute to anti-Semitism, Holocaust denialism, and gender-based violence, and create a ‘crisis of knowing’ where humans can no longer determine what is real and what is fake.
Quote: ‘The creation, distribution, promotion, or use of digitally manipulated artifacts, known as deepfakes, to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something they did not actually do or say is strictly prohibited.’ Attribution: Palm Beach County School District
"The district’s policy states that the creation, distribution, promotion, or use of digitally manipulated artifacts, known as deepfakes, to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something they did not actually do or say is strictly prohibited. Such conduct may also be subject to criminal charges under Florida law.
AI Policy: Palm Beach County School District has adopted a comprehensive AI policy.
Prohibited Use: Students are not allowed to use AI on standardized assessments.
Teacher Discretion: Teachers can prohibit or limit AI use on assignments.
Students found to be using AI in a prohibited manner may be subject to academic penalties as well as disciplinary consequences pursuant to the student code of conduct. The district’s policy also looks to protect the privacy of students and staff, who are barred from entering confidential or personally identifiable information into any unauthorized AI tools.
As we move forward in this era of rapid technological advancement, it’s crucial that we prioritize the responsible use of AI in our educational institutions. By doing so, we can ensure that our children are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. Learn more about how Learning Success is helping parents and educators navigate the complexities of AI in education.
