Earlier this school year, Joel Handler, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Technology, and I had the fortunate opportunity to attend an AI Leadership Summit. During the event, we engaged in deep conversations with district leaders from across the country regarding their AI implementation strategies, policies, and classroom procedures. These national perspectives sparked a period of reflection for our team, leading us to think critically about how we can continue to enhance our own documentation to better support the evolving needs of our teachers, students, and administrators.
While Hillsborough Township Public Schools has operated with District AI Guidelines for nearly two years, the rapid pace of change in this field necessitates regular updates. We are excited to share several key enhancements designed to provide greater clarity and transparency in the classroom.
What is New?
One of the primary updates to our guidelines is a formal suggestion for transparency. As AI becomes a common collaborator in the creative process, it is essential that students learn how to properly report its usage. The updated guidelines now include a specific framework for how students can acknowledge AI assistance on any given assignment, ensuring academic integrity remains at the forefront of our digital work. Furthermore, we have clarified our protocols regarding suspected misuse. To prioritize education and accurate evaluation, students who dispute a teacher’s professional judgment regarding unauthorized AI use may be required to complete a similar assessment under monitored conditions. This ensures that before any formal disciplinary action is taken, staff have the opportunity to investigate discrepancies and further educate students on the necessity of proper citation and the consequences of plagiarism.
The HTPS AI Framework
In addition to policy updates, we are introducing a new Visual Framework for Task-Level Expectations. This framework is designed to help educators and students categorize AI involvement across five distinct levels:
Level 1: Individual Independence (Human only)
Level 2: Assistive (Non-generative support)
Level 3: Creative Collaborator (Shared ideation)
Level 4: Instructional Partner (Socratic dialogue)
Level 5: Generative Producer (Complex synthesis)
Innovation Through Compliance
As we continue to be visionary in our approach to these tools, we must also remain vigilant regarding student data privacy. We want to remind all staff that the use of AI tools in HTPS is strictly limited to those that have been vetted and approved.
Before utilizing any AI platform with students, please visit the Knowledge Base to consult the Approved Apps List. Utilizing non-approved tools not only puts student data at risk but could also lead to your personal liability in the event of a data breach. Staying within our ecosystem of approved tools ensures that we are protecting our community while we explore these new frontiers.
Coming Up: Virtual AI Learning Night
We are eager to share these developments with our broader community. We will be officially unveiling these new documents and resources during our virtual learning session.
What: HTPS Artificial Intelligence Learning Night
When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Virtually via Zoom
Link: Click Here to Register
Prior to this event, the documents will be permanently posted on our district website for public access.
We encourage all staff members to review the enhanced guidelines and become familiar with the new framework. By establishing clear expectations and following approved privacy protocols, we can continue to lead the way in responsible AI integration.
If you need any assistance in understanding these updates or implementing the framework in your classroom, don't hesitate to reach out to your building Technology Coaches for personalized help.