As we get closer to the beginning of the school year, the Bedford Area School District is working to predict and address some new issues that could affect our educational community. One of those issues is the evolution of AI and the possible positive and negative effects it can create for schools. Knowing that AI is a hot topic on social media and in professional discussions, we feel it is appropriate to provide a general philosophical statement at a district and building level. Please read the following message:
The Bedford Area School District recognizes the prevalence and powerful capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of education. We encourage our students and staff to be knowledgeable of AI resources and strive to inform our educational community on the ethical use of AI. Any misuse of AI programs, which includes using AI to avoid creating one’s own work and copying content without proper citation, is a direct violation of BASD Policy #243 – Academic Integrity and will result in consequences per district policy. The district’s expectation is that students create their own original work no matter the magnitude of the task.