The document lays out a set of principles that describe "STELLAR" use of AI by administrators, teachers and students — stellar being an acronym for security, transparency, empowerment, learning, leadership, achievement and responsible.
"Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education by unlocking opportunities for personalized learning, data-driven instruction and innovative teaching approaches," the document reads. "As Nevada embraces AI in its schools, it is essential to ensure its use remains responsible, fair and aligned with best practices for everyone."
The document says that proper use of AI fosters digital literacy, maintains rather than replaces human connections and prepares students for a future in which AI will be more common.
Security means limiting data collection, regularly assessing tools for risks and working with trusted vendors.
Transparency means using tools that are easy to understand with clear explanations of how they work and what data they use to help students and parents recognize when AI is being used, such as in grading.
Empowerment means encouraging students to explore, create and solve complex problems with AI tools that are equitably accessible.
Learning means encouraging students to be self-directed, curious and resilient.
"AI has the power to enhance learning by making education more engaging, personalized and rigorous. It encourages students to ask deeper questions, explore complex ideas and develop cognitive flexibility," the guide says. "Rather than replacing the human element in education, AI serves as a powerful tool that empowers students to become creative problem solvers, ethical decision makers and forward-thinking leaders."
Leadership means using the technology to support strategic planning and learning.
Achievement means using AI to automate repetitive and administrative tasks like grading, attendance tracking and schedule optimization, give real-time feedback and form personalized learning pathways.
Responsible use means fairly and purposefully using AI while avoiding bias, misuse and shortcuts.
"Academic integrity plays a significant role where students need to clearly understand what counts as plagiarism and what is considered responsible AI use," the guidance says. "To support this, schools and classrooms must establish clear integrity policies and honor codes that define how AI can and should be used."
The document is available for download at doe.nv.gov/offices/office-of-teaching-and-learning/nevada-digital-learning.
CCSD HONORS EDUCATORS
The Clark County School District celebrated its staff this month with its third annual Evening of Excellence: Starlight Awards. This year's big winners were:
- Elementary Teacher of the Year: Monisha McPheeters, Twitchell Elementary
- Secondary Teacher of the Year: Garrett Gross, Molasky Junior High
- Support Professional of the Year: Jerome Weber, Rancho High
- Licensed Specialist of the Year: Joelle Azar, Lied STEM Academy
- Assistant Principal of the Year: Timothy Wells, Mojave High
- Principal of the Year: Pamela Lindemuth, Gunderson Middle
- Central Office Administrator of the Year: Kristin Grimm, Education Services Division
- Elementary New Teacher of the Year: Ana Stuff, Katz Elementary
- Secondary New Teacher of the Year: Brogen Ripley, Arbor View High
- New Licensed Specialist of the Year: Daliah Kosmicki, Employee Health Services
DEL SOL EARNS OP AWARD
Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts was awarded the Secondary Magnet School of Merit Award of Excellence from Magnet Schools of America.
The national honor recognizes the Las Vegas high school for commitment to academic excellence, curriculum innovation, diversity and community engagement in performing arts education. The award was announced during the Magnet Schools of America's conference this month in Nashville, Tenn.
The organization recognized 41 CCSD schools at some level this year.
PURPLE STAR SCHOOLS NAMED
Nine Clark County schools are recipients of this year's Nevada Purple Star School Award for supporting the educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected children and their families.
The schools receiving the award from the Nevada Department of Education are Bilbray Elementary, Johnston STEM Academy of Environmental Studies, Bozarth Elementary, Indian Springs Schools, Legacy Traditional Schools Southwest, Sierra Vista High School, Somerset Academy Lone Mountain, Somerset Academy Sky Pointe and Montessori Visions Academy.
Two schools in Fallon and one in Reno also received the designation.
Forty-four other Nevada schools have received the award since the program began in 2021.
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