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PSJA ISD AI Guidebook

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Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District

PSJA AI Guidebook - Web Version (HTML)

Navigating the Future of Learning, Safely & Responsibly

DOCUMENT PURPOSE: This document outlines Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD's approach, expectations, and available resources for staff and students using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. As Version 1, it is intended to be a living document that will continue to evolve alongside advancements in AI. Updated September 2026.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction
  • Guiding Principles
  • Privacy and Security
  • Staff AI Expectations
  • Student AI Expectations
  • Academic Integrity
  • Using AI Responsibly: Examples of Misuse
  • References
AI CODE OF ETHICS AND MINIMUM STANDARDS: Texas Department of Information Resources. Per Government Code 2054.702, State and local government entities that use AI are required to adopt the code. TAC 219.

INTRODUCTION

This guidebook supports students, families, and staff in building AI literacy and using GenAI safely, responsibly, and effectively. As AI technologies continue to evolve, this guidebook will be updated to reflect emerging tools, best practices, and changing educational needs.

What is AI and GenAI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science focused on building machines that mimic human intelligence. It generally falls into two main categories:

  • Predictive (Traditional) AI: Analyzes existing data to recognize patterns, make choices, or predict outcomes.
    Examples: Movie recommendations, auto-correct, and digital assistants (Siri/Alexa).
  • Generative AI (GenAI): Processes massive datasets to create entirely new, original content.
    Examples: Generating new text, images, code, or audio (ChatGPT, Gemini).

Our Why

PSJA ISD's commitment to College³ - Ready. Connected. Complete. calls us to equip every learner with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to thrive in an AI-enabled world.

Learners

AI serves as a catalyst to enrich instruction, promote equity, and prepare graduates for future-ready success.

For Our Educators

AI is a tool to increase productivity and elevate professional practice while keeping human connection at the center of the classroom.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Adapted from AI guidance for schools toolkit, by TeachAI, 2025 (https://www.teachai.org/toolkit). Copyright 2025 by TeachAI.

Putting People First

AI empowers teachers and students, keeping humans in control. Humans retain ultimate responsibility for all decisions and outcomes.

Upholding Learning with Integrity

AI is a partner in ethical and transparent learning. Students use AI ethically and transparently to spark ideas and deepen understanding.

Cultivating Future-Ready Growth

Preparing students for an AI-integrated world. We build AI literacy by teaching students how AI works, how to use it responsibly, and how to evaluate its output to ensure success in college, careers, and life.

Safeguarding Safety and Privacy

Protecting student data and identity. We strictly select and utilize AI tools that meet rigorous data privacy and digital footprint standards.

Advancing Fair and Equal Access

Prioritizing fair and equal access to ensure all students have access to AI tools. We provide equitable access to high-quality tools that meet diverse learning needs and help every student reach their full potential.

Prioritizing Active Monitoring

Regularly reviewing AI use for effectiveness and safety. We evaluate AI tools and monitor school usage to ensure that these technologies always enhance learning, protect users, and uphold high ethical standards.

PRIVACY & SECURITY

To safeguard student privacy, ensure instructional integrity, and boost professional productivity, please follow these guidelines for district-approved AI tools (accessible via your district login). Do not use non-approved AI resources for any work-related activities.

Student Privacy & Data Protection (FERPA Compliance)

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and PSJA ISD Board Policy FL (LEGAL), safeguarding student data is a critical legal requirement.

STOP: Under no circumstances should staff enter, upload, paste, or describe identifiable student information into public AI tools or prompts.

Treat prompts as data leaving district systems. Even partial information combined with context can make a student identifiable.

Examples of Strictly Prohibited Information:

  • Basic Identifiers: Student names (first and last), Student ID numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, or parent/guardian names.
  • Protected Records: Social Security numbers, disciplinary records, health/medical information, or human resources/payroll info.
  • Academic & Support Data: Grades connected to an identifiable student, or Special Education (IEP) and Section 504 details tied to a specific student.

Incident Reporting Protocol

If you suspect a data exposure, a security breach, or the misuse of an AI tool, you must report it immediately to mitigate data risk.

STAFF AI EXPECTATIONS

Personal AI Account Policy

While PSJA ISD requires district-managed credentials for standard work to ensure legal compliance (CIPA, COPPA, FERPA, PPRA), it recognizes that staff may use personal premium accounts (e.g., ChatGPT Plus, Gemini Advanced) for advanced features. When doing so, staff must strictly adhere to data privacy guardrails: never enter student Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or confidential district data into an AI account.

Staff Security Protocols

To ensure network security and data loss prevention, all staff members must adhere to the following operational guardrails:

  • District-Managed Accounts Only: Always log in using official PSJA ISD Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace credentials. Never use personal emails or accounts for district business.
  • Approved Storage Systems: Store and share district documents only within approved environments (Google Drive, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams). Follow all existing sharing and permission rules.
  • No Unapproved Add-ons: Do not install AI browser extensions, add-ons, or connectors (for Google Workspace or Office 365) without explicit IT administrative approval.
  • Third-Party App Restriction: Staff are prohibited from authorizing third-party apps or granting AI tools permission to access district accounts and data sets.
  • Managed Endpoints Only: If an authorized AI tool requires file uploads or document access, it must only be accessed on managed district devices equipped with active endpoint protection.
  • Basic Identifiers: Passwords, access tokens, or any login credentials for district-managed systems must never be shared into AI tools.

Always follow district guidelines for safe, responsible, and effective use of AI.

District Approved AI Tools

Information Technology Department maintains a vetted list of AI domains and applications. AI tools and related web traffic will be actively logged and inappropriate content will be blocked on district networks and managed devices.

Approved Tools Include:

ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, MagicSchool AI, NotebookLM, Wayground, Khanmigo, Canva AI, Adobe Express, Diffit, Brisk, Curipod, TeachShare.

New tools for consideration must be requested and approved by the Information Technology Department (Send Requests to: PSJA ISD IT Helpdesk | helpdesk@psjaisd.us).

Before using any AI tool, confirm:

  1. You are using a district-approved AI tool and a district-managed account.
  2. No passwords, access tokens, or login credentials are included.
  3. No student-identifiable information is included.
  4. No confidential staff information is included.
  5. Output has been fact-checked.
  6. Content aligns with TEKS and district curriculum.
  7. You have reviewed and edited the response.
  8. Follow all Communications Department Guidelines on use of district branding.

STUDENT AI EXPECTATIONS

To ensure every PSJA ISD student is prepared to participate, compete, and excel in a global society, the district has established clear guidelines for student engagement with Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Student AI Commitments

LEADER

I act honestly and practice good digital citizenship in all my interactions.

CHANGE AGENT

I learn and adjust to new tools and keep growing in a changing world.

VISIONARY IMPLEMENTER

I think critically, create original work and innovate with AI.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPER

I use AI to collaborate respectfully and make a positive impact on my community.

PSJA Student AI Quick Guide

You are the Pilot. AI is the Co-Pilot. Humans in the Lead.

You are responsible for your work and must verify all AI-generated output for accuracy.

DO DON'T
  • Ask permission
  • Cite all use
  • Fact-check everything
  • No private info (ID, name, address)
  • No copy & paste
  • No cyberbullying
The Privacy Shield: Never enter your Full Name, Student ID, or Home Address into an AI tool.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students must always ensure they have explicit permission from their teacher before utilizing Generative AI tools for any coursework. When used, its assistance must be openly disclosed with proper attribution.

Activities requiring disclosure or citation include:

  • Quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing text generated by AI.
  • Incorporating AI-generated images, graphics, video, or audio into projects.
  • Using AI for brainstorming, structuring outlines, conducting preliminary research, or proofreading/editing drafts.

HOW TO ATTRIBUTE GEN AI USAGE

The type and depth of citation required depend entirely on the assignment and the teacher's expectations:

  • Formal Assignments (Essays, Research Papers): Require a full bibliographic citation (such as MLA or APA) in the Works Cited or References list, alongside in-text citations.
  • Informal Assignments (Presentations, Group Projects, Short Writing): Require a simple disclosure statement detailing how the AI was used.

SAMPLE CITATION (MLA FORMAT)

Format: Prompt, name of tool, version of tool, company, date of generation, general URL of tool

"Can you explain the difference between mitosis and meiosis using a simple sports analogy? Please don't give me a long essay; just break it down into bullet points." ChatGPT, 4, June 2026, https://chatgpt.com.

SAMPLE DISCLOSURE OF AI USE

The sample disclosure might be used at the beginning, or at the end, of an AI-enhanced document:

  • Brainstormed ideas and narrowed down topic using Gemini
  • Asked for an analogy to better understand using ChatGPT
  • Edited and proofread final draft using Gemini

CITING TEXT & IMAGES

Cite text and images in presentations with a note naming the tool and prompt used, as well as the year.

Image generated with Gemini using the prompt "duck on a pond," 2026

For more details on MLA citation with AI: https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/
For more information on APA citation with AI: https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/how-to-cite-chatgpt

USING AI RESPONSIBLY: EXAMPLES OF MISUSE

The following behaviors are considered inappropriate and may result in disciplinary action depending on severity and intent:

  • Academic Dishonesty / Plagiarism: Using AI to generate essays, responses, or projects without teacher permission or failing to cite AI assistance when required.
  • Cheating on Assessments: Using AI tools during quizzes, tests, or exams to obtain answers or complete work dishonestly.
  • Cyberbullying or Harassment: Using AI to generate harmful messages, impersonate individuals, or target students or staff with offensive content.
  • Deepfakes or Manipulated Media: Creating or sharing AI-generated images, videos, or audio intended to mislead, embarrass, or deceive others.
  • Inappropriate or Explicit Content Generation: Using AI tools to produce violent, sexual, or otherwise inappropriate material.
  • Privacy Violations: Entering or sharing personal, confidential, or sensitive information about self or others into AI platforms without authorization.
  • Security Violations / Hacking Attempts: Using AI to attempt unauthorized access to school systems, accounts, or restricted data.
  • Misinformation and Disinformation: Using AI to generate or distribute false or misleading information that could disrupt school operations or harm individuals or the school community.

When students are uncertain about appropriate AI use, they are expected to seek guidance from teachers, counselors, or campus administrators.

STOP: Misuse of AI tools is considered a violation of the PSJA ISD Student Code of Conduct and will be addressed in alignment with district disciplinary procedures and campus-level implementation guidance.

REFERENCES

  • AI for Education. (2025). AI in education: What parents and caregivers should know. https://www.aiforeducation.io
  • Costanza-Chock, S. (2020). Design justice: Community-led practices to build the worlds we need. The MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/12255.001.0001
  • Dallas Independent School District. (n.d.). Artificial intelligence (AI) in Dallas ISD: A playbook for responsible and innovative use [PDF]. Link
  • Denver Public Schools. (2024). Handbook on AI in schools. https://academics.dpsk12.org/o/academics/page/ai-in-dps
  • Houston Independent School District. (2024). AI guidebook (Version 1). https://www.aiforeducation.io/s/HoustonISDAIGuidebook.pdf
  • Kira Learning. (2025, December 1). From AI novice to creator: What teachers are building in Kira's AI 101. https://www.kira-learning.com/blog/ai-101
  • Microsoft, & Cyberlite. (n.d.). Classroom toolkit: Unlocking generative AI safely and responsibly. Link
  • Office of Educational Technology. (2023). Artificial intelligence and the future of teaching and learning: Insights and recommendations. U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/documents/ai-report/ai-report.pdf
  • Partovi, H., & Yongpradit, P. (2024, January 18). AI and education: Kids need AI guidance in school. But who guides the schools? World Economic Forum. Link
  • RAISE Summit. (2025a). The state of generative AI in education: 2025 global report. https://www.raisesummit.com
  • RAISE Summit. (2025b, February 13). Top AI case studies in education 2025. Link
  • Senge, P. (2006). The Fifth Discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. Random House Books.
  • Stafford Municipal School District. (2025, February 11). Stafford MSD AI procedures [Presentation slides]. Link
  • SuperAnnotate. (2024, August 8). LLM hallucinations: Complete guide to AI errors. Link
  • TeachAI. (2025). AI guidance for schools toolkit. https://www.teachai.org/toolkit
  • Texas Computer Education Association. (2024). AI literacy framework for students [Google Sheets]. Link
  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2023, September 7). UNESCO: Governments must quickly regulate generative AI in schools. Link
  • Walton Family Foundation. (2023, March 1). Teachers and students embrace ChatGPT for education. Link