How Santa Fe Schools Are Adopting AI Without Specific Policy

How Santa Fe Schools Are Adopting AI Without Specific Policy

https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/how-santa-fe-schools-are-adopting-ai-without-specific-policy

Publish Date: 2026-05-18 18:21:00

Source Domain: www.govtech.com

• Introduction of AI in Education:

  • AI tools like Chat for Schools are being introduced into classrooms to assist in learning and teaching.
  • Teacher Aaron Girdner warns students about the potential risks and deceit of AI but sees it as inevitable for future success.

• Widespread Usage and Debates:

  • AI’s presence in schooling aims to reverse declines in educational performance.
  • Santa Fe Public Schools and other districts lack firm policies, leading to varied teacher reactions and experimentation.
  • Teachers like Girdner believe AI is here to stay and must be mastered by students.

• Lack of Clear Guidance:

  • The school board avoids creating formal AI policies, instead relying on ongoing guidance by staff.
  • Meetings between teachers explore AI’s impacts and potential guidance, reflecting on various viewpoints.

• Experimentation and Tool Use:

  • Schools use district-approved AI tools like Chat for Schools while restricting tools like ChatGPT.
  • Teachers experiment with AI-enhanced tools, with mixed results concerning privacy and effectiveness.

• Data Privacy and Restrictions:

  • AI tools have data usage restrictions, particularly concerning special education information under federal protections.
  • Concerns around data privacy also extend to teacher use of third-party AI tools.

• Criticisms and Supportive Views of AI Tools:

  • Critics argue AI tools like Amira struggle with students’ diverse accents and speech.
  • Some teachers see AI tools as helpful for administrative tasks, speeding up lesson creation and grading.

• Students’ Perspectives:

  • Students find AI useful for specific questions but question its overuse and impact on creativity.
  • They also express environmental concerns related to AI’s energy consumption.

• Human vs. AI Perceptions:

  • Students believe some creative domains, like poetry, should remain human endeavors.
  • There is an acknowledgment of AI’s utility with reservations about its full replacement of human effort and understanding.