- Norfolk Public Schools
- Artificial Intelligence Compass
Artificial Intelligence Compass
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- Artificial Intelligence Compass
- AI in Education Overview
- Establishing District-Wide AI Guidelines
- Integrating AI with Integrity
- "Upholding Academic Integrity and AI"
- Sample Classroom Policy: Navigating AI in Our Learning Journey
- Empowering Architects: Fostering AI Literacy Across Our Community
- AI in the Curriculum
- A People-First, AI-Enhanced District
- Adapting Our AI Guidance
- Initial Guidance on Key Areas
- All Hands on Deck: A Community Approach
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Norfolk Public Schools' Artificial Intelligence Compass
Your Guide to Navigating Our AI World Introduction
Founded in 1910, Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) is committed to empowering learners
through engaging, equitable, and inclusive educational experiences. Serving approximately 27,000 students and employing over 4,000 dedicated staff, NPS aims to prepare every student for lifelong success in a multicultural, technology-driven world. To align with this mission, we introduce the first draft of our AI guidelines and best practices—an essential compass to help our community navigate the intersection of artificial intelligence and education. This guide reflects our commitment to fostering compassionate, engaged, and empowered learners who can effectively harness AI's potential in an ethical and responsible manner.
As a district, we are building a foundation today that will help our students become architects of their future—a future shaped by human-machine collaboration, empathy, and critical thinking. Our goal is to create an AI-augmented educational environment where technology amplifies learning potential while safeguarding our core values of integrity, empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity. Our long-term vision is to see Norfolk Public Schools recognized as a leader in AI-augmented education, preparing students to excel in both human and machine collaboration environments over the next decade.
Aligning Norfolk Public Schools' AI Compass with the Strategic Plan
To further strengthen the alignment of Norfolk Public Schools' Artificial Intelligence Compass with the Strategic Plan: Continuing the Drive (2022-2027), the integration of AI serves as a catalyst to enhance the district's vision of ensuring every student achieves their maximum potential. By embedding AI-driven tools and practices, NPS can amplify its commitment to academic excellence, equity, and innovation, as outlined in the strategic plan. From leveraging AI to personalize learning experiences and improve instructional effectiveness to utilizing advanced analytics for data-driven decision-making, the AI Compass complements the strategic priorities of fostering student success, supporting professional growth for educators, and ensuring operational efficiency. This alignment not only supports the plan's objectives but also positions NPS as a forward-thinking leader in
preparing students for a technology-driven future.
Expanded Integration with Strategic Goals
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Student Excellence
AI-driven personalized learning will play a pivotal role in ensuring that students receive the support they need to achieve mastery of standards. Adaptive learning platforms will analyze student performance data and provide tailored experiences that address individual learning gaps, while AI-powered tutoring systems will target key areas such as literacy and mathematics. Additionally, students will engage in problem-solving and collaborative projects using AI tools, allowing them to blend computational abilities with human creativity and ethical decision-making. Early intervention systems powered by predictive analytics will help identify students at risk of falling behind, enabling timely and evidence-based interventions that support both academic and social development.
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Resources
Equitable Access to AI Technology: Schools will receive AI tools that cater to diverse learning needs, such as language translation for English learners, text-tospeech applications for students with disabilities, and culturally inclusive educational content. Additionally, AI will be used to analyze resource distribution and highlight inequities, ensuring every school has the tools needed to support students effectively.
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Workforce Development
AI Training for Educators: A district-wide AI professional development program will prepare educators to integrate AI tools into their teaching. Training will include modules on ethical AI usage, leveraging AI for differentiated instruction, and monitoring and evaluating AI-generated student data. Additionally, Norfolk Public Schools will establish a certification pathway for educators proficient in AI applications, creating a cadre of tech-savvy teachers to lead the initiative.
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Community Engagement
AI Literacy for Families: Workshops and online resources will equip families with the knowledge to understand AI’s role in education, address concerns about privacy and bias, and support their children's learning. Additionally, collaborations with local tech companies, universities, and nonprofits will provide students with access to internships, guest lectures, and real-world AI projects, ensuring they gain hands-on experience and exposure to AI innovations.
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Safety and Climate
Ethical and Transparent AI Policies: All AI applications will adhere to strict ethical standards, ensuring that decisions made by AI systems are transparent, with clear communication to stakeholders about their role and limitations. Robust protocols, including data encryption and regular audits, will protect student and staff information from breaches, and vendors will be required to comply with stringent district-approved security guidelines.
