This guide and the resulting conversation can help to promote shared understanding, responsible integration, and collaborative planning around generative AI tools in teaching and learning.
What’s in the conversation guide for school leaders and teachers to have a quality discussion about Generative AI in education?
Throughout our communities, it is essential to take time for purposeful dialogue between school leaders and teachers about generative AI. These conversations create a foundation for thoughtful implementation that balances innovation with responsibility. When educators engage in quality discussions about AI tools, they can collaboratively develop approaches that enhance teaching practices while addressing concerns about academic integrity, equity, and digital citizenship. These conversations help establish shared language and expectations, reducing confusion and inconsistency in how AI is integrated across classrooms and into workflows. Most importantly, these conversations model the critical thinking and ethical reasoning we hope to instill in students, demonstrating that technology adoption should be guided by careful consideration rather than uncritical acceptance.
Part 1: Framing the Conversation
Opening Statement (for the facilitator or leader):
“Generative AI tools are rapidly becoming part of our students’ digital ecosystems. This conversation is not just about tools—it’s about teaching, learning, ethics, and preparing students for the future. Let’s explore what this means for us as educators.”
Suggested Norms for the Conversation:
- We assume good intentions and diverse perspectives.
- We balance curiosity with caution.
- We focus on student learning, equity, and well-being.
Part 2: Grounding in Current Practice
Prompt 1 – What’s Happening Now?
- “Have you or your students used generative AI? In what contexts?”
Follow-ups:
- “Where do you see students already encountering these tools—formally or informally?”
- “Where are you using these tools – formally or informally – to support your work?”
- “What are your initial reactions—concerns, hopes, confusion?”
Part 3: Exploring Pedagogical Implications
Prompt 2 – Teaching and Learning Opportunities
- “Where might AI support student learning, creativity, or differentiation?”
- “How might you use AI to support the work you do as a teacher?”
Discussion Starters:
- Drafting writing prompts or feedback
- Generating examples or study questions
- Supporting multilingual learners or IEP accommodations
- Workflows that teachers can use to support their work
Prompt 3 – Risks and Ethical Dilemmas
- “What concerns do you have about AI in the classroom?”
Topics to Consider:
- Misinformation or hallucinated outputs
- Over-reliance on AI instead of deep learning
- Equity of access and digital literacy
- Student privacy and protections
- Academic integrity and student ownership
- Intellectual property of teachers and the school or district
Part 4: Alignment with School or District Goals
Prompt 4 – Policy and Practice Alignment
- “What norms or guidance do we need to develop as a school team?”
Collaborative Topics:
- When and how AI can be used in student work
- How to talk with families about AI use in instruction
- Guardrails for privacy, data protection, and transparency
Prompt 5 – Professional Growth Needs
- “What training or support would help you feel more confident using AI tools responsibly?”
Part 5: Looking Ahead Together
Prompt 6 – Vision and Next Steps
- “What would thoughtful, ethical, and equitable integration of AI look like here in the next year?”
Planning Prompts:
- Identify priority use cases to pilot
- Determine needed professional development
- Begin drafting an internal AI use policy or guidance document
