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PWCS has adopted Regulation 295-5: Use of Artificial Intelligence, effective March 13, 2026. This regulation establishes clear expectations for the ethical, transparent, and safe use of approved AI tools across instructional and operational settings. View the regulation on BoardDocs.

Guidance for High School Student Use of Generative AI Tools

To support high school students with understanding the responsible and ethical uses of generative AI tools, Prince William County Public Schools has developed guidelines that teachers can share with their students if they choose to use an approved generative AI tool as part of their learning.

Acceptable Uses of Generative AI

Student use of generative AI tools should support and enhance, not replace, their learning. Below are some acceptable uses of generative AI tools:

  • Brainstorm ideas
  • Generate outlines
  • Summarize information
  • Suggest revisions
  • Create images

Inappropriate Uses of Generative AI

Using generative AI tools to fully complete assignments or cheat on assessments would be considered inappropriate use. Below are some examples of inappropriate uses of generative AI tools:

  • Fully complete assignments
  • Replace your writing and analysis
  • Complete research for you
  • Get answers to test or quiz questions

Reminders for Students

Before students use a generative AI tool, they must:

  • Get teacher permission
  • Use PWCS-approved AI tools

After students use a generative AI tool, they should:

  • Check for accuracy and bias in generative AI outputs
  • Cite their sources

Generative AI tools available for PWCS High School Students

Adobe Express AI

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in Adobe Express are now enabled for PWCS high school students. These features, powered by Adobe Firefly and integrated into Adobe Express, make it easier than ever to create stunning visuals, videos, and designs.

Canva Magic Studio AI

Magic Studio has tools to unleash student creativity and support high school students with brainstorming ideas, writing, and multimedia design.

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is a generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can support personalized learning, writing, and organizing schoolwork in a classroom setting.

In addition to the resources on this site, each high school has an AI for Students course that can be found in each student's Canvas dashboard.

Tips for Families Supporting their Students with Generative AI

The following suggestions are recommendations from NetSmartz for families supporting their child's use of generative AI tools safely and responsibly.

  • Stay informed about how generative AI is being used by children in your life and others.
  • Talk to children regularly about online safety topics, including misuse of generative AI.
  • Make sure children know you will always be there for them.
  • Help children manage privacy settings online to limit access to images that could be used to create generative AI content.

Learn more about healthy AI habits at home. (PDF)

Citing the Use of AI

It is important for students to provide citations for any AI used in their work just like any other research resource. Below are resources to guide the use of citations of the use of AI.

For additional questions about citing generative AI, please contact your school's librarian.

7 Tips for Students

Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

Here are seven tips students can keep in mind when using AI tools for learning:
  1. Put Learning First
    Let AI support your brainstorming, but keep the thinking and writing yours.
  2. Know AI Permissions
    Follow your teacher's rules for AI use and only use approved AI tools.
  3. Protect Your Privacy
    Keep your information private. Don't share names, IDs, or photos.
  4. Honor Integrity
    Use AI honestly and ensure your work reflects your own learning.
  5. Be Transparent
    Share your AI use with your teacher and always cite it.
  6. Fact Check
    Always use lateral reading to verify answers and outputs.
  7. Deepen Learning
    Use class resources as a starting point, and use AI to deepen your understanding.