Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is a type of AI that can create new content like text, images, music, and computer code. It works by learning patterns from large amounts of data and using that knowledge to produce original results. Unlike traditional AI, which usually classifies or studies data, GenAI is designed to generate creative and useful content that can seem almost human-like.

People use GenAI by entering prompts, which are instructions or questions that guide what the AI creates. Well-written prompts help improve the accuracy, helpfulness, and detail of the AI's responses. In schools, strong prompting supports learning by helping students and teachers generate content, organize ideas, and approach problems with fresh perspectives.

Types of Generative AI

GenAI encompasses various models and applications, including:

• Text Generation – AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and language models, generate written content, summarize information, and assist with drafting and brainstorming.
• Image and Video Generation – AI can create, modify, or enhance images and videos, often used in design, media, and educational visualization.
• Music and Audio Generation – AI can compose music, generate speech, and even produce realistic voiceovers.
• Code Generation – AI assists with writing and debugging code, streamlining software development and problem-solving.

The Role of Educators

Using GenAI in education brings exciting possibilities, but it also raises important ethical concerns, such as safety, privacy, bias, and fairness. While GenAI can be a helpful tool for learning, relying on it too much might limit students’ growth in critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and analysis. GenAI should be used to support learning—not take the place of human creativity, reasoning, or ethical judgment. Educators should help students use GenAI in thoughtful ways, making sure it adds to their work rather than replaces their own ideas and efforts.

The Role of Families 

The ethical and responsible use of GenAI is a shared commitment between schools, families, and the broader community. Families play a vital role in helping students develop informed and healthy GenAI habits. Open conversations about digital literacy, GenAI limitations, and responsible use of technology can empower students to make wise decisions. Schools will partner with families to offer support, resources, and guidance as GenAI continues to grow and change in education.

Bias and Discrimination

GenAI systems create content by learning from large amounts of data, but they are only as reliable as the data they are trained on. Because of this, AI-generated responses often lack full understanding of the context, which can lead to mistakes, incorrect facts, or biased information. If people do not carefully check this information, it could spread false ideas. GenAI may also have trouble with tasks that require deep thinking, multi-step reasoning, or complex academic skills. Educators should always double-check AI-generated content to make sure it is accurate and free from bias before using it in the classroom.

In addition, using GenAI raises concerns about plagiarism, ownership of ideas, and academic honesty. Educators should encourage ethical use of GenAI by promoting originality, responsibility, and honesty when students use these tools for learning and assignments.

Not all students have the same access to GenAI tools—especially outside of school—which could widen the digital divide and create unfair learning opportunities. SPS is committed to providing fair access to GenAI resources and making sure its use supports, rather than worsens, existing educational inequalities.

Safety and Privacy Concerns

AI-generated content can sometimes be inappropriate, offensive, or misleading. Because of this, students might come across harmful material, so it is essential for schools to have strong safety measures in place. In addition, many GenAI tools collect user data, which brings up concerns about protecting student privacy. SPS must follow data protection laws to make sure that GenAI is used responsibly, especially when handling sensitive student information.

Compliance

When implementing GenAI systems, all parties must comply with privacy, data security, student safety, data transfer and ownership, and child and youth protection. These laws are meant to ensure that GenAI is leveraged as a safe, fair, and effective educational tool while preparing SPS students for a future where GenAI will continue to shape their academic and professional lives.

• FERPA - GenAI systems must protect the privacy of student education records and comply with parental consent requirements. Data must remain within the direct control of the educational institution.
• CIPA -  Schools must ensure GenAI content filters align with CIPA protections against harmful content.
• COPPA - GenAI chatbots, personalized learning platforms, and other technologies collecting personal information and user data on children under 13 must require parental consent.
• IDEA - GenAI must not be implemented in a way that denies disabled students equal access to education opportunities.
• Section 504 - This section of the Rehabilitation Act applies to both physical and digital environments. Schools must ensure that their digital content and technologies are accessible to students with disabilities.

GenAI has the potential to transform teaching and learning by making lessons more engaging, simplifying tasks, and tailoring educational experiences for each student. However, like any new technology, using it well in K–12 education means carefully thinking about challenges such as accuracy, ethics, safety, access, and how ready teachers are to use it. By addressing these concerns and helping both educators and students learn how to use GenAI responsibly, SPS can make the most of its benefits—supporting learning while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and smart decision-making in a digital world.

Six Simple GenAI Rules for the Classroom and Home offers guidance to K–12 educators and students on using GenAI responsibly. See the Appendix or download the printable version for details.

The Salina Public Schools Generative AI Acceptable Use Scale provides guidance to K-12 educators and students on the level of AI use allowed on an activity. See the Appendix or download the printable version for details.