Ohio’s new artificial intelligence model policy is set for revisions as the technology rapidly evolves, according to a senior official from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). Chris Woolard, the department’s chief integration officer, emphasized the preliminary nature of the policy during a meeting on Thursday. “We fully anticipate the need to continue to come back and revise this policy,” he stated, highlighting the dynamic landscape of AI.
The model serves as a foundational guide for Ohio’s school districts and charter schools, allowing them to adopt or modify it according to their unique needs. As part of the state budget, lawmakers mandated that local boards and educational institutions implement formal AI policies by July 1. Notably, the state has yet to establish comprehensive learning standards for AI, which delineate the knowledge and skills students should acquire in this emerging field.
The DEW’s model policy addresses expectations for ethical AI utilization, prohibiting the use of AI tools for bullying or harassment. It also restricts student access to AI technologies to instances where teachers explicitly permit such use. “AI implementation should be human-centered and should empower students, educators, and communities,” the framework asserts, positioning AI as a supportive tool in education rather than a replacement for student engagement or the educator’s role.
While the policy does allow AI for brainstorming or limited research, it clearly states that it should not generate work that could supplant student effort. Districts are encouraged to develop procedures to investigate suspected misuse, although the model does not specify the investigative methods to be used. Furthermore, it mandates that no assignment require a tool unless it is provided by the district.
Communication with families is another critical aspect of the model policy, necessitating that schools inform parents about AI’s role in classrooms and the skills required for future careers. The policy also educates parents about the risks associated with unsupervised AI usage, thereby promoting responsible engagement with these technologies.
Compliance with federal privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is mandated. The policy explicitly bans the use of AI to facilitate bullying, harassment, or intimidation, including the creation of harmful imagery involving students or staff. It also references existing state laws addressing non-consensual intimate imagery and mentions House Bill 531, known as Braden’s Law, which classifies sexual extortion as a felony.
This model policy builds upon the statewide AI Toolkit released in 2024, which was recently highlighted at a White House Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force meeting where Ohio officials detailed the new policy’s framework.
As AI technologies continue to evolve, Ohio’s education system faces the challenge of integrating these tools while ensuring ethical standards and safeguarding student welfare. The ongoing revisions to the model policy will be crucial in adapting to the fast-paced developments in AI and in preparing students for future opportunities in an increasingly digital landscape.
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