TUSD approves more AI tools for classrooms in close 3-2 vote | Community

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – More AI tools are coming to Tucson Unified School District classrooms after a close 3-2 vote by the TUSD school board.

Every year TUSD requires a review of its AI policy, and ahead of that this year, some revisions were proposed. In this case, it includes a new opportunity for students to use programs that use AI, such as Code HS and Canva.

“Those district approved platforms are secure, we have complete control over what students can do, what they can see, we can see what they’re doing with it. Also teachers also have control over if students can use them and in which way,” Tracey Metcalfe, Senior Director of Education and Field Technology for TUSD, said.

Other changes include clarifying the scope of AI and addressing the use of embedded AI tools in district software. Current AI policy states AI can only be used to enhance learning, improve teaching practices and support operational efficiency.

Students still cannot use generative or public AI. News 4 Tucson talked with several parents at Mansfield Middle School who were split on AI in the classroom.

Some said they don’t understand AI enough to feel one way or the other about it. Metcalfe tried to address those concerns.

“I think people look at, oh they’re using Chat GPT to cheat and write their essays. Not on our devices and not on our Wi-Fi. That is all blocked. So, we are very thoughtful and the only two platforms we have approved for our students, there’s a reason for that,” Metcalfe said.

Jim Byrne, President of the Tucson Education Association, said it’s important to teach about AI and these policies do that in a controlled setting.

“This is supportive of learning supplemental to the human interaction between teacher and student and making sure that these tools are supplemental, that they’re not truly generative and takes place of the student’s thinking and creativity and actual doing of the work,” Byrne said.

This policy is required to be reviewed every year, so further changes to it can be expected in the future.