NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) — New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels has released fresh guidance on how educators, parents, and students can ethically use artificial intelligence in the classroom.
Samuels emphasized that while the guidance is meant to “empower” educators, “no tool” can replace what teachers bring to the classroom every day.
The guidance follows a “traffic light” framework, which is meant to help with decision-making around the use of AI applications.
Educators can use AI in brainstorming and organizing, creating initial drafts of some forms of communication, and scheduling and formatting documents. However, educators cannot use it in grading, care and counseling, behavioral monitoring, and crafting Individualized Education Programs or 504 accommodation development.
“This guidance is designed to empower our educators to choose tools that support our students without compromising on safety or academic integrity, while teaching our children when and how to use AI appropriately,” said Samuels.
Both educators and parents were reminded that human judgment is required in the use of all AI tools and that personal information about a child should never be entered into AI programs that haven’t been approved by the school system.
The chancellor’s guidance will be rolled out in four phases from now through June 2026, beginning with clarifying existing policies, outlining what’s not allowed, and creating opportunities for feedback and recommendations.
Later phases will include explaining the new guidance to school staff and parents through events and webinars, conducting analysis, incorporating revisions, and conducting targeted trainings. In the final phase, NYC Public Schools will publish a playbook and resources, as well as develop a strategic plan and roadmap on the use of AI in schools.
Below is a list of how AI is allowed and not allowed in NYC Public Schools.
NYC Public Schools AI Rules
RED: AI cannot be used in
- Decisions about students
- IEP and 504 plan development
- Assessments and grading
- Surveillance and behavior
- Care and counseling
- Deciding a child’s course path
- Protecting data
YELLOW: AI can be used with careful judgment in
- Student and school data
- Critical communications
- Translating and transadapting instructional material
- Research, exploration and creative projects for students
GREEN: AI can be used in
- Brainstorming and organizing lesson ideas, approaches and unit planning
- Drafting and refining communications
- Scheduling, formatting and summarizing non-sensitive information
- Operational data synthesis
- Translation of non-critical school communications for families who prefer languages other than English
- Creation of accessible materials for families and communities
- Professional development, preparation and research
More information on the use of AI in schools can be found here.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
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