AI tools complement and enrich teaching approaches, rather than replace or automate them. Educators bring empathy, adaptability, and an irreplaceable human element to the learning experience for students – building relationships that foster curiosity, trust, connection, and belonging.

Surrey School District is committed to ethical AI practices, promoting creativity, critical thinking, data privacy, bias prevention, and diversity. As AI tools evolve, educators and students are using them more. To ensure responsible AI use, consider the following:

• Privacy and protection of personal information: Always keep student and employee data confidential. As we continue to develop AI procedures, remember to never input identifying personal information, especially student information, into AI tools.

• Ethics and Compliance: AI tools must comply with all District policies and procedures. The legal and ethical aspects of AI use are still developing and will evolve in the coming years.

• Critically Evaluate Responses: While AI tools can assist with gathering information quickly, it should not be relied upon as the sole source of information or content. Educators and leaders should ensure that responses are accurate, relevant, and free of bias.

• Physical Security: Ensure platforms that require sign-in are approved for District use based on a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA).

MICROSOFT COPILOT

We recognize that many of our staff members are already utilizing AI tools; however, in support of cyber security best practices, we are currently encouraging staff members to use Microsoft Copilot as the supported AI platform for District work and devices.

Why Copilot?

Copilot is an advanced AI text composition assistant (and more) that can help us create clear, effective communication in various contexts and languages. Copilot is currently the only AI tool that meets the district’s security requirements.

Accessing Copilot

SD36 staff can access our secured Copilot environment by going to https://m365copilot.com.