K12 AI Governance Adoption Path: Nascent to Emerging

This guide is designed for K12 school districts that are in the early stages of adopting AI technologies and want to establish basic governance practices. If your district has limited or no formal AI policies in place but recognizes the need to start governing AI use, this path is for you.

What will you accomplish?

By following this guide, your district will:

• Establish foundational AI governance practices
• Reduce risks associated with AI adoption
• Align AI initiatives with educational goals
• Prepare for more advanced governance as AI use expands

Action Plan

For each action, we provide a brief explanation, basic implementation steps, and key stakeholders to involve.

1. Form an AI Oversight Committee

Explanation: Assemble a cross-functional team to guide AI decisions.

Steps: Identify members, define roles, schedule regular meetings.

Sponsor: District Superintendent

2. Develop a Basic AI Use Policy

Explanation: Create guidelines for acceptable AI use in your district.

Steps: Draft policy, review with stakeholders, obtain board approval.

Sponsor: Technology Director

3. Create Data Handling Guidelines for AI

Explanation: Establish rules for managing student and staff data in AI systems.

Steps: Identify data types, offer per-tool guidance.

Sponsor: Data Protection Officer or equivalent

4. Establish an AI Tool Evaluation Process

Explanation: Define criteria for assessing and approving AI tools.

Steps: Create evaluation rubric, form review committee, set approval process.

Sponsor: Curriculum Director

5. Introduce AI Awareness Training

Explanation: Educate staff on AI basics, benefits, and risks.

Steps: Develop training materials, schedule sessions, track completion.

Sponsor: Professional Development Coordinator

Next Steps

After completing these actions, your district will have a basic AI governance framework in place. To continue improving your practices:

• Regularly review and update your new policies and processes
• Expand AI literacy efforts to include students and parents
• Explore more advanced governance topics in the SAGE-AI framework

For more comprehensive guidance on each action item or to access additional resources, please refer to the detailed implementation guides linked above.