Guiding AI Principles
Sunnyside School District is guided by the following principles:
Centering Students and Humanity in AI Use
At Sunnyside School District (SSD), all decisions regarding the use of AI tools are grounded in our commitment to being both student-centered and human-centered. We evaluate AI adoption through the lens of how meaningfully it enhances student learning—and whether any associated risks can be responsibly mitigated.
AI technologies may be employed to supplement instruction, offer personalized support, and enrich research opportunities. However, their use must be intentional and aligned with pedagogical goals. We do not support the use of AI in situations where the learning experience requires critical thinking, the generation of original ideas, deep conceptual understanding, or nuanced evaluation—moments where authentic human cognition and creativity must remain at the forefront.
In every case, the role of AI is to enhance—not replace—the human elements of inquiry, reflection, and connection that define meaningful education.
Foster Transparency in AI Integration
Sunnyside School District (SSD) is committed to fostering a culture of transparency in the use of AI tools across all learning environments. Staff will clearly communicate expectations around AI usage in course syllabi, assignments, and classroom activities.
Educators will explicitly identify which AI tools, if any, are permitted for student use, along with the intended purposes and boundaries of those tools. In parallel, they will model transparency by openly sharing how AI tools are incorporated into their own instructional practices and professional workflows.
This clarity not only sets expectations but also cultivates a shared understanding of AI’s role in learning, ensuring students develop both trust and discernment as they engage with these emerging technologies.
Uphold Academic Integrity in the Age of AI
At Sunnyside School District (SSD), we affirm that academic integrity remains foundational—even as we embrace new technologies. AI tools must not be used to generate work submitted as a student’s or educator’s original effort unless explicitly authorized for that purpose.
Just as with assistance from another individual or external source, substantial support from AI tools in completing assignments, projects, or assessments must be properly acknowledged. Students and staff are expected to transparently communicate or cite AI-assisted contributions using appropriate formats and in alignment with assignment guidelines.
By maintaining clear expectations and ethical standards, SSD ensures that AI serves as a support for learning, not a substitute for authentic thinking, effort, and creativity.
Cultivate Ethical AI Use and Digital Citizenship
At Sunnyside School District (SSD), we are committed to fostering ethical AI use and responsible digital citizenship among students, staff, and families. AI tools must be used in ways that do no harm—prioritizing safety, equity, and respect for individual rights.
We recognize the importance of educating our community about the ethical dimensions of AI, including issues related to data privacy, intellectual property, copyright, algorithmic bias, and the risks associated with over-reliance on automated systems. These conversations are essential to building awareness and agency in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Students and staff are expected to understand and uphold the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities that come with living, learning, and working in a connected world. All use of AI should be safe, legal, and ethical—reflecting the values of integrity, accountability, and informed participation.
Protect Privacy and Ensure Data Security
Sunnyside School District (SSD) places the highest priority on protecting personal data and safeguarding the privacy of all students, staff, and families. As we integrate AI tools into our educational ecosystem, we are committed to ensuring that all usage aligns with established privacy policies and regulatory requirements.
AI tools must be used with full awareness of the risks they may pose to data privacy and digital security. Any platform or system employed within SSD must fully comply with local, state, and federal data protection laws, including FERPA and other applicable regulations.
Users will be educated on the privacy implications of AI and supported in making informed decisions that minimize risk and uphold the integrity of our data systems. Responsible stewardship of student and staff information is non-negotiable in our pursuit of innovative, ethical, and secure AI adoption.
Mitigate and Address Bias in AI
Sunnyside School District (SSD) is committed to identifying, confronting, and reducing bias in the use of AI tools across our learning environments. As AI-generated content can reflect and perpetuate societal inequities, deliberate efforts must be made to evaluate and mitigate biased or under-representative outputs.
Educators are expected to critically assess how AI systems may demonstrate bias—whether through skewed datasets, lack of cultural representation, or reinforcing stereotypes. All instructional use of AI should be reviewed through an actively anti-racist, equity-centered lens.
This work includes fostering student awareness and engaging in open dialogue about the ethical and social implications of AI. Students should be encouraged to recognize bias, reflect on its impacts, and explore ways to promote fairness, inclusion, and justice in their own use of digital tools.
Ensure Equitable Access to AI Tools
Sunnyside School District (SSD) is committed to ensuring that all students and staff have equitable access to approved AI tools that support teaching, learning, and future-ready skill development. No student should be disadvantaged in their educational experience or career-connected learning opportunities due to a lack of access to essential AI resources.
When AI tools are integrated into coursework or instruction, SSD will ensure they are readily available to all users, regardless of background or circumstance. Accommodations will be provided as needed to remove barriers and support full participation by students with diverse needs, learning profiles, or technology access challenges.
This commitment to equity ensures that the benefits of AI-enhanced learning are shared inclusively across our district—empowering every learner to thrive in a digitally connected world.
Establish Accountability for AI-Assisted Work
At Sunnyside School District (SSD), we recognize that while AI tools can support the learning process, ultimate responsibility for the accuracy, quality, and ethical use of content remains with the human author—whether student or educator.
All users are expected to critically evaluate AI-generated information for potential bias, inaccuracies, omissions, or fabricated content. This includes checking facts, validating sources, and ensuring that outputs align with instructional goals and academic standards.
AI can assist in the creation of content, but it does not replace human judgment, responsibility, or intellectual ownership. Accountability for any work—whether AI-assisted or independently produced—resides with the individual who submits or presents it.