Alaska's Strategic Framework: Artificial Intelligence for K-12

This framework provides comprehensive guidance for K-12 education in Alaska on the ethical and responsible integration of AI, aiming to empower students and educators while fostering critical thinking and digital citizenship.

Alaska’s Strategic Framework Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Recommendations and Considerations for Districts Vision Statement To empower every Alaskan student and educator to ethically and effectively engage with Artificial Intelligence, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and responsible digital citizenship, thereby providing all learners with the opportunity and comprehensive support to thrive in an evolving, AI-driven world. Alaska AI K12 Advisory Group The purpose of this advisory group is to provide advice and support to the Division of Innovation and Education Excellence as they develop the AK Strategic Framework for Artificial Intelligence in K-12. Direction and resources are the outcomes from this workgroup. Your time and service are deeply appreciated. Name Position Organization Anthony White CS Content Specialist AKDEED Bill Burr Director of Technology AGSD Katie Oliver Associate Executive Director AASB Masoumeh Heidari Kapourchali, Ph.D. Assistant Professor UAA College of Engineering Matthew Calhoun, Ph.D. Executive Director ANSEP Nicole Fuerst KDLP Coordinator KIBSD Walter Barnes Technology Supervisor KIBSD Page 1 Artificial Intelligence + Education Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to machine-based systems capable of making predictions, recommendations, or decisions that influence real or virtual environments for a given set of human-defined objectives. These systems can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision making, and receptive and expressive language. Within the realm of AI, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has rapidly emerged as a transformative technology. GenAI is a broad category of AI models that can generate novel content, including text, images, audio, video, and code, in response to user prompts. Large Language Models (LLMs) are a powerful type of GenAI, and many of the most accessible and widely used applications, such as chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot, and Google Gemini, are powered by them. These tools are increasingly integrated into various aspects of daily life, including education. Popular AI Chatbots ChatGPT Microsoft CoPilot Google Gemini Claude by Anthropic Perplexity AI The Cognitive Industrial Revolution “AI [is] affecting everything we do that uses language - be it communication, reasoning, analysis, selling, marketing, support, and services. And what makes it even bolder than the Industrial Revolution or the printing press is obviously the speed at which it will be moving…” -Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn co-founder Page 2 AI tools are rapidly transforming various sectors, and education is no exception. From streamlining administrative tasks to offering personalized learning experiences and reimagining instructional methods, AI presents a spectrum of possibilities. This framework acknowledges the profound impact of AI on the modern workforce, where proficiency in ethical and effective AI engagement is becoming a fundamental skill. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and responsible digital citizenship through AI education, Alaska aims to prepare its students to thrive in an evolving AI-driven world. Purpose and Scope This framework provides comprehensive guidance on the appropriate and responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, particularly Generative Artificial Intelligence, within Alaska’s K-12 education system. It is designed to serve as a flexible resource for school boards, administrators, educators, and students, offering recommendations and considerations rather than strict mandates. The overarching principle is that AI should serve to augment human capabilities, critical thinking, and creativity, never replacing essential human interaction, judgment or decision making in educational contexts. A balanced and informed approach to advancement of AI is preferred, as an outright ban impedes skill and career development, while unrestricted access falls short of needed protections. This framework aims to foster innovation, enhance learning outcomes, and safeguard student well-being and data privacy, ultimately contributing to the state’s overarching goal of providing an excellent education for every student every day. This guidance applies to all students, teachers, staff, administrators, and third parties who develop, implement, or interact with AI technologies used in Alaska’s education system, where permitted by local and state policy. It covers all current AI systems used for education and administration, including, but not limited to, generative AI models, intelligent tutoring systems, conversational agents, automation software, and analytics tools. This framework complements existing local policies on technology use, data protection, academic integrity, and student support. How to Use this Framework This framework is designed as a strategic and ever-evolving guide for Alaska's educational partners. • School Boards can use the Guiding Principles to inform policy development. • District Administrators can use the key areas of focus to direct implementation and professional development. • Educators can use this document to inform their classroom practices and pedagogical approach to AI. Page 3 Guiding Principles for AI Integration Human-Centered Fair Access AI must augment human capabilities, AI tools and education should be accessible critical thinking, and creativity, never to all students, actively mitigating replacing human judgment or decision- broadband disparities and device making in educational contexts. All AI use availability challenges across Alaska's should begin with human inquiry and diverse regions. culminate in human reflection and insight. Transparency Oversight The functionalities, limitations, and Clear lines of responsibility for AI tool potential biases of AI tools must be clearly selection and outcomes are vital. Robust communicated to all stakeholders. Explicit human oversight is mandatory for any disclosure is suggested when AI is used in decisions that directly impact students, educational materials or assessments. such as grading or disciplinary actions. Security Ethical Use Rigorous protection of student data and Promote responsible and ethical digital well-being is non-negotiable. This engagement with AI, fostering an includes protocols against unauthorized understanding of intellectual property sharing of Personally Identifiable rights, preventing misuse, and building Information (PII) and compliance with local, critical evaluation skills for all AI-generated state, and federal laws. content. Cultural Responsiveness AI tools should be critically evaluated and used to affirm, rather than diminish, the diverse cultures of Alaska. Proactive measures must be taken to mitigate algorithmic biases and prevent misinterpretation, misappropriation, or the exclusion of crucial local context. Page 4 Human-Centered AI must augment human capabilities, critical thinking, and creativity, never replacing human judgment or decision-making in educational contexts. All AI use should begin with human inquiry and culminate in human reflection and insight. A human-centered approach ensures that technology serves educational goals, empowering individuals rather than overpowering them. Approach to Generative AI Districts should move beyond outright bans and instead develop a balanced approach that allows for responsible implementation of generative AI tools. Empowering Educators Educators must have the autonomy to make professional decisions regarding AI use in their classrooms. Districts should support educators in updating syllabi and classroom policies to include AI integrity guidelines. Rethinking Education AI should be leveraged to enhance problem-solving, innovative design, and creative expression, aligning with existing Digital Literacy Standards. Research and Evidence Base Districts should engage in ongoing research and evaluation of AI initiatives. While robust, large-scale independe