Loudoun County to Seek Community Input on AI in Classrooms
LOUDOUN CO., Va. – Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) is seeking community input on how artificial intelligence (AI) should be used in classrooms. The school district is in the process of drafting a new policy and wants to hear from parents, students, and staff before it is implemented.
LCPS assembled a group of experts and its Department of Digital Innovation to develop a policy addressing AI in schools. The goal is to create a framework that embraces the technology while staying true to the school system’s mission, vision, and values.
“We really want to come up with something that embraces it but really stick with our mission, our vision and our values on what we hold important,” said LCPS spokesperson Dan Adams. “Allowing the kids to grow, allowing teachers to use it in a way that enhances education in the classroom but doesn’t replace learning.”
The current LCPS policy stipulates that only division-approved generative AI programs can be used by students and teachers. Moreover, students can only use such programs with explicit permission from their instructors. The policy emphasizes that human-based learning should remain the priority. The policy applies to all grade levels.
The district is also gathering input from the community on the proposed policy. Resident Kevin Curran stated, “AI is the future so you better prepare them for it. We have to think about how to structure it so they don’t abuse it and learn how to use it.”
Dawn Anthony, another resident, also expressed her thoughts on the importance of maintaining the personal nature of teaching. “AI is here, we can’t push it away. The kids want it, they love it, they’re hungry for it, so we have to find a way to control it and monitor the impact on learning, but we cant get rid of it, it’s here,” she said.
The AI policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current with technological advancements.
The public can provide feedback on the policy HERE until March 28. The policy will eventually be presented to the full Board of Education for approval before it is put into effect.
