KATY, Texas (KTRK) — Katy Independent School District leaders said they have established a framework for using artificial intelligence in the classroom for the upcoming school year.
“Students will learn how to use AI,” explained Associate Superintendent Dr. Sunny Bell. “And also when it’s appropriate and when it’s inappropriate.”
Bell, who presented the framework before the school board last week, called artificial intelligence “the new technology of our time.”
“It’s here and in the hands of our students,” she said. “It changes the way people work.”
The district said its framework for using AI in the classroom was guided by one big question.
“Will it help students grow and learn?”
Katy ISD said it plans to phase in the use of AI into classrooms based on grade level and is not intended to replace teachers or staff.
For example, the framework states that children in kindergarten through sixth grade will learn about technology primarily through their teachers.
These students will also not be able to use generative AI such as Google Gemini, but the district says that doesn’t mean the technology will be completely banned from the classroom.
“AI has been used with limited supervision at Katy ISD Elementary School to support instructional programs, but has not been widely utilized for classroom use,” the district said in a statement. “However, generative AI chat tools are prohibited for elementary school students. This distinction is important because certain district-approved programs use artificial intelligence to support reading instruction and personalize learning while under teacher supervision.”
Bell said in his presentation that high school students will be able to use district-approved generative AI, but they will need permission from their teachers to use it.
Dr. Jaclyn Ocampeau is a professor at the University of Houston who studies the use of AI in the classroom.
She believes that as technology develops, teachers and administrators must play an important role.
“We want to make sure that teachers really understand how these things work before we leave these things alone in the classroom,” Ocampeau said. “A lot of people think this is all about Google getting stronger, but that’s not the case.”
Ocampeau said one of her biggest concerns with technology is making sure children have their information protected.
Katy ISD said it will not use unvetted AI platforms that do not comply with federal education laws to protect information.
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