Loudoun County, Virginia, is taking a thoughtful approach to incorporating artificial intelligence in its schools. The county’s school board is reviewing a new policy, known as Policy 5430, which recently cleared the Curriculum & Instruction Committee and now awaits further discussion from the full board.
This policy sets out clear rules: only approved generative AI tools can be used for instruction and assignments. The move comes after the Special Education Advisory Committee raised valid concerns about unregulated AI usage, prompting the addition of measures to ensure teachers retain a hands-on role in grading and course design.
The proposal also includes the creation of an AI Ethics Board. This board will feature members of the disability community to help refine the policy and ensure it reflects diverse perspectives. Teacher Andrea Weiskopf captured the sentiment at a recent meeting, noting, “It’s obvious that no one in here has ever been gaslit by a student pretending that they didn’t use AI,” a comment that underscores the need for clear guidelines and transparency.
In response to these concerns, the policy now requires students to explain how and why they are using AI tools in their learning, adding an extra layer of accountability. The school board plans to review the guidelines annually, ensuring the policy stays current as AI technology continues to evolve.
