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AI Guiding Principles

Human-Centered Approach, Enhancing Student Learning, and Protecting Sensitive Data.

In the Ellensburg School District, we believe generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enrich teaching and learning when used responsibly and ethically. However, the value of human wisdom and connection remains at the core of our philosophy, ensuring AI complements—rather than leads—our mission to serve every student’s needs.

 

ESD embraces OSPI’s Guiding Principles for use of AI in
education, which are the following:

 

  • A human-centered AI learning environment is one that prioritizes the needs, abilities, and experiences of students, teachers, and administrators.

  • Empower students to actively shape their learning experience with AI by allowing them control over how and to what extent AI is integrated into their education.

  • District policies must comply with student/personal privacy and data protection laws for the use of AI tools and resources.

Here is what these three guiding principles mean in Ellensburg School District

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    Addressing Ethical Considerations and Biases
    While we welcome AI’s benefits, we are aware of challenges, including potential biases. We commit to fairness, regularly evaluating AI tools to ensure they align with our values. Recognizing that AI can’t fully capture each student’s unique context, we maintain that human insight remains essential to education.

     

    AI as a Supportive Tool, Not a Substitute
    In Ellensburg School District, we see AI as a supportive tool that assists educators without taking their place. AI provides guidance and efficiency, while teachers maintain full control over instruction. This approach reflects our commitment to using AI to enhance teaching rather than substitute for the essential role of educators.


    Empowering Teachers and Enhancing Personalization
    By handling repetitive tasks, AI frees up teachers to spend more time interacting with students. It can also provide timely feedback and useful data, helping teachers make more informed instructional decisions. However, we value the essential empathy and understanding human educators bring and believe AI should only assist—not replace—teachers.

     

    “H→AI→H” should be used in every AI interaction
    We’ve adopted the stance of OSPI that the use of AI should be “human-AI-human.” OSPI’s “H→AI→H” graphic means the use of AI in K-12 education should “always start with human inquiry and always end with human reflection, human insight, and human
    empowerment.” (“Human-Centered AI Guidance for K-12 Public Schools”)

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    Enhancing Learning through Individualized Learning
    AI fits well with our commitment to meeting each child’s needs. AI can present information in varied ways, give students diverse ways to show what they know, and keep them engaged. By using AI, we aim to support personalized learning, break down
    barriers, and offer equal opportunities to all students, in line with our values.


    Preparing Students and Staff for an AI-Driven Future
    We are preparing students and staff for the future through AI literacy, professional development, and partnerships to stay up-to-date with technology. Our focus remains on amplifying human abilities, ensuring that AI supports—rather than replaces—the heart of education.


    Inclusion and Equitable Access for All Students
    Inclusion is key to our AI use. We design AI tools to support all students, including those with disabilities and multilingual learners.

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    Ensuring Privacy, Security, and Transparency
    Data privacy and security are critical. Our staff are trained to protect student data, implementing best practices for data handling and security. Transparency is also important, so we communicate openly about AI’s role, keeping humans at the center of decision-making.