LA schools establish new guidelines for AI implementation

The Los Angeles County Office of Education’s proactive approach to implementing artificial intelligence in schools provides valuable insights for educational institutions seeking to integrate AI technology effectively.

Strategic foundations and governance: LACOE has established a comprehensive approach to AI implementation through a dedicated task force, focusing on surveying existing AI usage and developing flexible guidelines.

• The organization conducted extensive surveys to understand how schools were already utilizing generative AI
• Guidelines were created for vetting technology vendors, piloting new AI products, and training staff
• A flexible governance model was chosen over rigid policies to accommodate the rapidly evolving AI landscape

Policy development and implementation: ABC Unified School District developed an innovative approach to AI policy that emphasizes behavior goals and transparency.

• The district created an AI addendum to existing technology policies addressing privacy, attribution, and critical thinking
• A unique “badge” system was implemented using physical stickers to indicate AI involvement in work production
• The system distinguishes between AI-only content, AI-human collaborations, and human work with AI modifications

Leadership engagement and professional development: LACOE emphasizes the importance of comprehensive, ongoing training that goes beyond basic introductions.

• Executive cabinet involvement early in the process helped establish guidance quickly
• Hands-on experiences are prioritized over one-time overview sessions
• Training programs are tailored for different groups including teachers, administrators, and classified staff
• Dedicated funding is set aside for ongoing AI initiatives and training

Community inclusion and awareness: The initiative demonstrates the importance of involving all stakeholders in AI implementation.

• Student focus groups were conducted to gather input on guidance principles
• Community roundtables helped raise awareness about AI applications in education
• Parent engagement revealed varying levels of AI understanding and concerns about academic integrity
• Events included interactive activities like ethical decision-making exercises using red and green paddles

Looking ahead: Initial feedback from LACOE’s implementation suggests that successful AI integration in education requires a delicate balance between innovation and community acceptance, with ongoing dialogue and adjustment of approaches based on stakeholder input being crucial for long-term success.