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About This Resource

This resource provides an overview of generative artificial intelligence (AI), ways this emerging technology can support Academy District 20 students in their learning, and resources to help families support mindful, safe and appropriate use of AI tools.

When students are intentional about how they use AI and understand the AI literacy skills involved, they can make the most of AI as a learning tool, just as they would any other resource.

Understanding Artificial Intelligence

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate some human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.

Generative AI creates new text, audio, images, video or code based on large amounts of content used to train it. It does not create wholly original work. It synthesizes elements from multiple sources.

On this page, AI refers to generative AI.

Watch a video overview of artificial intelligence.

Chatbots Are AI Tools

Chatbots use AI to simulate human-like conversations. They are built on large language models trained on large amounts of data and are designed to provide dynamic, personalized responses to user input.

Common AI chatbots and their current status for ASD20 students include:

  • ChatGPT: Blocked and not approved for ASD20 student use.

  • Microsoft Copilot: Not approved for ASD20 student use.

  • Google Gemini: Approved only for ASD20 high school students using the district enterprise version.

  • MagicSchool AI Learning Assistant: Approved for ASD20 students at all grade levels when a teacher provides access.

Students should ask their teacher for permission before using any AI tool for an assignment.

D20's Approach to AI

Digital Resource Philosophy

We believe digital resources should enrich learning, promote student achievement and move students toward deep, authentic learning.

We strive to provide a digital environment that is safe, healthy and representative of the ever-changing modern world.

Read the complete Digital Resource Philosophy.

How D20 Developed Its Approach

In 2024, the District Technology Advisory Committee developed a shared understanding of AI and made recommendations for implementation. The committee concluded that:

  • AI is one subset of valuable digital tools supported by existing district policies, practices and philosophies.

  • AI literacy is critical for District 20 graduates to participate responsibly in the modern world.

  • AI should enhance instruction, improve learning and increase efficiency.

  • AI should be used ethically, legally and in accordance with District 20 policies, with appropriate data protection.

  • Digital citizenship instruction should include ethical AI guidance and critical examination of fairness, bias and intellectual property.

Recommended Tools

MagicSchool is the district-recommended AI tool approved for students at all grade levels. A group of D20 educators from across the district selected it in spring 2025. Teachers can view every student interaction with MagicSchool.

Google Gemini was approved for students in D20 high schools beginning in August 2026. Students must use the district enterprise version by signing in with their D20 account.

D20 carefully reviews approved digital tools, including tools with AI features, to help protect student data privacy.

ChatGPT and ASD20 Students

ChatGPT is blocked and is not approved for ASD20 student use. OpenAI's current terms allow users age 13 and older, with parent or legal guardian permission required for users under 18. Meeting those age requirements does not constitute district approval.

Families who permit teens to use ChatGPT at home can learn more about ChatGPT parental controls.

Accessing Google Gemini

Students in grades 9–12 may use the enterprise version of Google Gemini. This is the district-approved version and provides data protections through the district account.

Students are using the correct version when they are signed in with their D20 email address. They can access Gemini in either of these ways:

Accessing MagicSchool

  • Teachers may provide a direct link to MagicSchool student tools through Schoology or Seesaw.

  • Students may also sign in through Clever from the Student Hub on a D20 device and select a room made available by a teacher.

  • Students can access only the digital rooms their teachers provide. Teachers control which tools are available in each room.

  • Teachers can view every interaction between students and MagicSchool.

AI Literacy and Student Use

AI Literacy

AI literacy is the ability to:

  • Understand how AI systems work and how users can shape their behavior.

  • Think critically and evaluate AI-generated content.

  • Partner creatively with AI in meaningful ways.

  • Evaluate the ethical implications of AI.

Learn more from the World Economic Forum's article, Why AI Literacy Is Now a Core Competency in Education.

Prioritize Human Intelligence

  1. Before using AI: Think and write independently. Collaborate with a classmate or colleague when appropriate.

  2. While using AI: Use AI as a partner that works with you, not for you.

  3. After using AI: Evaluate and expand the results.

AI becomes a thought partner when it works with us, not for us.

Tip for families: When talking about your own AI use, explain how you used the tool as a partner rather than as a substitute for your thinking.

Before a Student Uses AI

A student might consider partnering with AI after they:

  1. Understand the learning goal.

  2. Have permission from their teacher.

  3. Can ask AI questions that support learning rather than invite AI to do the work for them.

  4. Can check whether the AI's responses make sense, with adult support if needed.

What Use of AI Is Allowed?

Teachers may use a stoplight system to communicate whether AI use is acceptable for an assignment:

  • Go: Use AI as a thought partner and cite your use of AI. Remember that AI can provide biased information.

  • Ask: Check with your teacher before using AI. Cite your use if the teacher permits it. Remember that AI can generate false information.

  • Stop: Use human intelligence only.

How Much AI Use Is Allowed?

Teachers may also describe the permitted degree of AI use for an assignment:

  1. No AI: Use human intelligence only.

  2. AI coaching: AI coaches you through the process.

  3. Feedback after a first draft: You complete the first draft, then AI helps you improve it.

  4. Brainstorming and planning: Use AI to brainstorm or plan, but complete the work yourself.

  5. AI writing from your main points: You list the main points, AI creates a draft and you revise it.

  6. AI first draft: AI creates the first draft and you improve it.

  7. Full AI use: AI completes all or most of the work.

Always cite your use of AI and fact-check uncertain information.

Risks Associated with AI

AI risks include:

  • Bias.

  • Misinformation and inaccuracies.

  • Safety and data privacy concerns.

Bias in AI

AI tools are trained on large amounts of data. Bias in AI refers to inconsistent or unfair patterns in results caused by gaps or stereotypes in the training data.

Users must think critically when writing prompts and evaluating generated content to guard against these biases.

For example, imagine a museum guide who has studied only European paintings. The guide may focus on European art and omit Indigenous, African or Asian traditions because those traditions were absent from the guide's training.

AI Can Be Inaccurate

AI tries to provide an answer even when it is not certain. As a result, its response may be incorrect or incomplete. This is sometimes called a hallucination.

Students are responsible for checking information before using or sharing it, whether it comes from AI, the internet or another source.

Use the SIFT Strategy

Use the SIFT strategy to evaluate information generated with AI or encountered online:

  1. Stop.

  2. Investigate the source.

  3. Find better coverage.

  4. Trace claims, quotations and media to their original context.

Learn more about the SIFT strategy.

Tip for families: When you or your student encounter incorrect information from AI, use it as an opportunity to learn, ask questions and determine what went wrong.

Protect Personal Information

Many AI apps may use, share or train their systems on user data. Students should use only D20-approved enterprise tools that include district-required data protections.

Some apps, including AI companions, may pose significant risks to children and adolescents.

AI Companions

What Are AI Companions?

AI companions are chatbots designed to recognize, interpret and respond to human emotions with simulated empathy. They retain information from previous interactions and can evolve over time, often developing a “personality” based on a user's input.

Character.AI, Replika and Nomi are examples of AI companions.

Risks of AI Companions

Research summarized by Common Sense Media indicates that AI companions often use sycophancy, a tendency to agree with and validate users rather than challenge their thinking. Combined with limited safeguards and weak age verification, this can create a concerning environment for adolescents who are still developing critical-thinking and emotional-regulation skills.

Read Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs: How and Why Teens Use AI Companions.

Stanford researchers warn that AI companions can offer relationships without the normal challenges of human friendship. For adolescents still learning how to form healthy relationships, these systems may distort expectations about intimacy and boundaries or encourage avoidance of real-world social challenges.

Read Why AI Companions and Young People Can Make for a Dangerous Mix.

Reported Use by Teens Ages 13–17

A 2025 Common Sense Media survey found that:

  • 72% of teens reported having used an AI companion.

  • 52% reported using AI companions regularly.

  • 31% found conversations with AI companions as satisfying as or more satisfying than conversations with real-life friends.

  • 50% did not trust the information or advice provided by AI companions.

  • 50% had at least some trust in the information or advice provided by AI companions. This included 27% who trusted it somewhat and 23% who trusted it quite a bit or completely.

Disclosing AI Use

Students should plan to disclose or cite their use of AI tools. They should check with their teacher to determine what is required and how to cite their use.

Partnering with AI

Ways Students May Use AI

With teacher permission, a student might partner with AI as a:

  • Brainstorming partner.

  • Math partner.

  • Debate partner.

  • Feedback assistant.

  • Writing coach.

Writing Effective Prompts

Writing detailed prompts requires critical thinking and can help students use AI as a thought partner. Students should:

  • Clearly define what they need.

  • Set a clear target.

  • Explain the role, task and expected result.

Examples of prompts that support learning

Try this

Avoid this

Ask me questions to help me improve my writing.

Rewrite my paragraph so it's better.

Help me understand the steps.

Give me the answer.

Point out the weakness in my argument.

Formulate an argument for me.

Tips for Families

Questions to Ask Your Student

  • How can we check whether this information from AI is true?

  • Where do you think AI got this information?

  • What biases might have influenced that result?

  • What information is missing?

  • How did AI help you think differently?

  • What could only you add that AI cannot?

  • Could you complete a similar assignment or solve a similar problem without AI now?

Activities to Try Together

  • Try the SIFT method together: Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage and Trace claims to their original context.

  • Compare two AI-generated images or summaries and discuss which seems more reliable and why.

  • Discuss how AI provides plausible answers that are not always accurate.

Table or Car Conversations

When your student mentions using AI, ask:

  • What level of AI use did your teacher approve for this assignment?

  • What were you supposed to learn? Did you learn it?

  • Where do you think the AI got this information? What might be missing?

  • How will you tell your teacher which parts are your own and which parts AI supported?

Additional Resources for Families

Visit AI Literacy Resources for Families for:

  • Resources from Common Sense Media.

  • Teachable Machine and AI for Oceans.

  • The SIFT strategy.

  • Resources from Code.org.

  • Information about parental controls in ChatGPT.

Sources

Related Pages