ChatGPT Policy for Schools: Specific Guidelines for Students and Teachers

Generic AI policies aren't enough. Schools need specific guidance for ChatGPT and similar generative AI tools, with different rules for students and staff.

This guide provides separate policy templates for students and teachers.

Executive Summary

• ChatGPT and similar tools require specific policy, not just general AI guidelines
• Students and teachers need different guidance (different contexts, responsibilities)
• Policy should address both educational use and data protection concerns
• Be specific about permitted/prohibited uses rather than blanket rules
• Account for different age groups and maturity levels
• Update policy as tools and understanding evolve

Student ChatGPT Policy

[School Name] Student Guidelines: ChatGPT and AI Writing Tools

For Students in Grades [X-Y]

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an AI tool that can write text, answer questions, and help with many tasks. It's powerful but has limitations—it can be wrong, it doesn't truly understand things, and it can't replace your own thinking and learning.

Why does this matter?

School is about learning. When you use AI to do your thinking for you, you miss the learning. Our guidelines help you use AI in ways that support your learning rather than replace it.

General Rules:

1. Don't submit AI writing as your own. Work you turn in should represent your thinking and effort.

2. Follow assignment rules. Each assignment may have different AI rules. Read them carefully.

3. Be honest about AI use. When you use AI (when allowed), be open about it.

4. Think critically. AI can be wrong. Don't assume it's correct.

5. Protect your privacy. Don't put personal information into ChatGPT.

When You CAN Use ChatGPT:

✅ To learn how something works (like a smart search engine) ✅ To explain concepts you don't understand ✅ To brainstorm ideas (then develop them yourself) ✅ To check grammar and spelling (like a spell-checker) ✅ When your teacher specifically says AI is allowed

When You CANNOT Use ChatGPT:

🚫 To write assignments you submit as your own work 🚫 To complete assessments meant to show YOUR understanding 🚫 When your teacher says "No AI" for an assignment 🚫 To take tests or quizzes 🚫 To write personal statements or applications

How to Use AI Responsibly:

1. Use it to learn, not to avoid learning. Ask "why" questions, not "do my homework" questions.

2. Verify information. AI makes things up. Check important facts.

3. Credit when appropriate. If AI helped, say so when required.

4. Start with your own thinking. AI works best when you have ideas first.

Consequences for Misuse:

Using AI inappropriately is an academic integrity issue. Consequences follow our academic honesty policy and depend on:

• Whether you knew the rules
• How you used AI
• Whether this is a first or repeat issue

Questions?

If you're unsure whether AI use is okay for an assignment, ASK YOUR TEACHER FIRST.

Teacher ChatGPT Policy

[School Name] Guidelines: ChatGPT and AI Tools for Teachers

Purpose:

These guidelines help teachers use AI tools productively while managing risks to students, data security, and academic integrity.

Permitted Uses:

Lesson Planning: ✅ Generating lesson plan ideas and structures ✅ Creating differentiated content variations ✅ Brainstorming activities and discussion questions ✅ Developing rubrics and assessment criteria

Content Creation: ✅ Drafting instructional materials ✅ Creating practice problems or examples ✅ Generating quiz questions (review before use) ✅ Writing parent communication drafts

Administrative Tasks: ✅ Drafting routine communications ✅ Summarizing meeting notes ✅ Organizing information ✅ Creating templates

Professional Learning: ✅ Exploring AI capabilities firsthand ✅ Understanding what students have access to ✅ Developing AI literacy

Restricted Uses (Proceed with Caution):

⚠️ Student data: Never input identifiable student information (names, grades, behavior details) into ChatGPT or similar public AI tools ⚠️ Assessment content: AI-generated questions may be easier for students to find/anticipate ⚠️ Sensitive communications: Review AI drafts carefully before sending ⚠️ Substitute for your judgment: AI can inform decisions but shouldn't make them

Prohibited Uses:

🚫 Inputting student names, grades, or personal information 🚫 Uploading student work for analysis (data protection concern) 🚫 Using AI to write student evaluations or reports without substantial personal input 🚫 Relying on AI for student recommendations without verification 🚫 Using AI in ways that violate school data protection policies

Data Protection Requirements:

1. Anonymize. If you need AI help with student-related content, remove identifying information.

2. Use school-approved tools. If the school has enterprise AI tools with data protection, prefer those over public tools.

3. Assume public. Treat anything you put into public AI tools as potentially public.

4. Check vendor terms. Understand whether your inputs are used for training.

Academic Integrity Responsibilities:

1. Communicate clearly. Specify AI expectations for each assignment.

2. Design thoughtfully. Create assessments that promote learning even with AI availability.

3. Model good use. Show students how to use AI appropriately.

4. Address violations fairly. Follow school protocols; never rely solely on detection tools.

Staying Current:

AI tools change rapidly. Commit to:

• Ongoing learning about AI capabilities
• Reviewing and updating practices
• Sharing effective approaches with colleagues
• Updating student guidance as needed

Implementation Guide

For Students

Communication:

1. Age-appropriate assembly or class presentation
2. Discussion in advisory/homeroom
3. Poster/visual reminder of key rules
4. Q&A opportunity

Reinforcement:

• Reference policy when giving assignments
• Discuss AI use openly in class
• Address questions without judgment

For Teachers

Training:

1. Overview session on AI capabilities
2. Hands-on exploration with ChatGPT
3. Discussion of permitted/restricted uses
4. Data protection reminder

Support:

• FAQ document for common questions
• Point person for AI questions
• Regular check-ins/updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What about AI features built into tools we already use?

These guidelines focus on standalone generative AI like ChatGPT. Embedded AI features in approved tools (Grammarly, Google suggestions) are generally permitted for routine use.

Q2: Can students use ChatGPT for research?

Generally yes—like a search engine. But they should verify information and cite appropriately.

Q3: Can teachers use AI to give feedback on student writing?

Only if no student names/identifiers are included, and ideally using school-approved tools rather than public AI.

Q4: Should younger students have different rules?

Yes. Younger students may need simpler rules, more supervision, and less access to AI tools directly.

Q5: How do we handle students who already know more about AI than teachers?

Acknowledge this. Involve savvy students in discussions. Learn from them while maintaining policy authority.

Next Steps

Adapt these templates to your school context. Train teachers first, then communicate to students with clarity and consistency.

Need help developing your school's ChatGPT approach?

→ Book an AI Readiness Audit with Pertama Partners. We'll help you create policies that work for your community.

References

1. UNESCO. (2024). ChatGPT in Education Guidelines.
2. Common Sense Education. (2024). AI Policy Templates for Schools.
3. ISTE. (2024). AI in Education Framework.