OCS
AI Guidelines
Onslow County Schools
Our Approach to Generative AI
Onslow County Schools is committed to providing our students and staff with innovative tools that enhance learning and teaching. Our guidelines for generative Artificial Intelligence (gAI) establish a framework for ethical, safe, and effective use of AI technologies across our district.
This comprehensive approach ensures that AI serves as a powerful supplement to human expertise while maintaining our core focus on quality instruction and student success.
Our Guiding Principles for AI in Education
Human-Centered Design
AI tools complement educators rather than replace them, empowering teachers and students while maintaining the human element in learning.
Data Security and Privacy
Strict adherence to privacy regulations and robust security measures protect sensitive student and staff information.
Accessibility
AI is designed and deployed to ensure equitable access for all learners, including those with diverse learning needs and disabilities.
Ethical Use
AI technologies promote fairness, minimize bias, and enhance rather than hinder human dignity and student well-being.
Curriculum Integration
Thoughtful integration into curriculum enhances pedagogical practices and supports personalized learning experiences.
Professional Development
Ongoing training ensures educators can integrate AI tools confidently and effectively into their instruction.
Continuous Evaluation
Regular assessment and updates ensure AI systems meet educational goals and maintain accuracy and effectiveness.
Transparency
Clear communication about AI decision-making processes builds trust and understanding within the school community.
Implementation Overview
Staff Implementation
We've invested in MagicSchool AI for all staff members, providing purpose-built tools for the K-12 environment. This platform assists teachers throughout the instructional process, from lesson planning to assessment development.
Student Implementation
Based on positive feedback from our teacher pilots and extensive evaluation, we're rolling out MagicSchool AI for Students to HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY during the 2025-2026 school year.
88%
Teachers Report 1-8 Hours Saved Per Week
81%
Helps Teachers Reach Diverse Learners
87%
Report Better Ability to Meet Individual Student Needs
82%
Report Overall Improved Quality of Instruction
Resources for Educators
AI Usage Scale for Students
We recommend teachers use this scale to determine appropriate levels of AI assistance for different assignments:
0
NO AI Use
Assessment completed entirely without AI assistance. Student relies solely on their own knowledge and skills.
1
AI-Assisted Idea Generation
AI used for brainstorming, creating structures, and generating ideas for improving work.
2
AI-Assisted Editing
AI used to make improvements to clarity or quality of student-created work.
3
AI for Specified Task Completion
AI used to complete certain elements as specified by the teacher with critical engagement.
4
Full AI Use with Human Oversight
AI used throughout assessment with student providing human oversight and evaluation.
Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Use
| Appropriate Use | Inappropriate Use |
|---|---|
| Explain topics in understandable ways | Using AI without teacher permission |
| Help brainstorm and explore ideas | Completing entire assignments with AI |
| Study assistance for upcoming assessments | Not reviewing AI responses for accuracy |
| Provide feedback for improvement areas | Not revising AI output to reflect human voice |
| Assist with research and learning | Not disclosing or citing AI assistance |
Ethics & Safety Considerations
Key Ethical Guidelines
All users of AI should be aware of potential pitfalls and exercise caution:
- AI responses may contain bias or discriminatory language
- Always verify information generated by AI for accuracy
- Use AI responses as starting points, not final products
- Never input personally identifiable information (PII) into AI prompts
- Understand that AI is a tool to enhance, not replace, human thinking
Academic Integrity
The use of AI tools to cheat, plagiarize, bully, or harass is strictly prohibited. Our existing board policies (4310 Integrity and Civility, 3230/7330 Copyright Compliance) address all forms of academic dishonesty, including inappropriate AI use.
Data Privacy and Security
All AI solutions selected for use comply with federal, state, and local mandates including CIPA, COPPA, FERPA, and HIPAA. We ensure robust data protection measures are in place to safeguard student and staff information.
Implementation Timeline
August 2024
Staff Rollout
Made MagicSchool AI available to all staff members for evaluation and professional development.
October 2024
Student Exploration
Key IT and Instructional staff began studying possible student use of generative AI.
January 2025
Early College Pilot
Began exploration of Microsoft CoPilot use by students at Onslow County Early College High School.
March 2025
High School Pilots
Began pilot use of MagicSchool AI for Students in select classrooms at three high schools.
2025-2026
Full High School Deployment
Rolling out MagicSchool AI for Students to all high school students district-wide.
The Value of AI in Learning
Generative AI offers transformative possibilities for learning by enabling personalized, adaptive, and engaging educational experiences. Our approach leverages AI to:
- Provide real-time feedback and customized learning paths
- Automate routine tasks, allowing more time for meaningful student interaction
- Expand access to quality education for diverse learners
- Support inclusive learning environments
- Enhance operational efficiency at the system level
Most importantly, AI is not a replacement for human expertise but a tool to enhance the efficiency of our educators, allowing them to focus on higher-level tasks and make more informed decisions about student learning.