Modesto Schools Launch AI Integration with Parent Training Programs

Modesto City Schools (MCS) has announced comprehensive guidelines for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its classrooms, focusing on accuracy, ethics, and data privacy. Earlier this year, the district established a 20-member AI committee consisting of students, staff, and parents to develop policies aimed at the responsible use of AI across all schools. Notably, MCS stands out as the only district in Stanislaus County with such a dedicated committee.

The committee has created a guidebook titled “Modesto City Schools AI Exploration: Navigating Our Digital Future,” along with brochures and posters to be distributed throughout the district. These materials emphasize the protection of student information and compliance with data privacy regulations. Staff members are now prohibited from sharing personally identifiable information with AI platforms.

At a recent school board meeting, members unanimously approved the first reading of revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulations, incorporating specific language regarding AI usage. Fawn Peterson, chapter president of the California School Employees Association, voiced the union’s concern that AI should not replace jobs, particularly in administrative roles or campus security. “The consensus is that AI should be a tool to lighten workloads, not to replace people,” Peterson stated.

Since the beginning of 2023, 776 staff members—which includes one-third of the district’s teachers—have successfully completed AI training courses. In the coming month, MCS will introduce AI training sessions for families, helping parents understand how to support their children with the tools being adopted in schools. Training sessions aimed at students on effective AI use in their schoolwork are also expected to launch shortly.

During the meeting, Matthew Ketchum, the district’s director of educational technology, shared a practical example of how AI could assist staff in addressing student needs. He recalled a conversation with Nutrition Services staff, where they expressed difficulty explaining food allergy restrictions to students. Ketchum suggested that AI could generate simple, engaging stories tailored to children’s interests, such as a Spider-Man narrative, to explain these limitations effectively.

Many attendees praised MCS for its proactive stance in adopting AI technologies. Nevertheless, Board President Abel Maestas warned that the district might be lagging behind due to the rapid evolution of technology. “We think we’re ahead, and we’re not,” he remarked.

MCS has established guidelines for AI usage, mandating that staff verify AI outputs for accuracy, bias, and relevance before implementation. They are encouraged to adhere to the “80-20 rule,” allowing AI to manage 80 percent of a task while applying 20 percent of their professional judgment to finalize results. Teachers are urged to leverage AI to personalize learning, differentiate instruction, and enhance student engagement. Students may only use AI tools with explicit permission from a teacher or parent/guardian.

When conducting research, students are required to properly cite sources, including AI tools, and must fact-check AI outputs. The use of AI for harmful, deceptive, or inappropriate purposes is strictly prohibited. A district report indicates that AI has the potential to save teachers an average of 5.9 hours each week from their current workload of 37.4 hours, equating to approximately six additional weeks of time over the school year. AI platforms can also reduce lesson planning and preparation time by seven to ten hours weekly, contributing to lower rates of teacher burnout.

As AI technology continues to advance, Maestas, who also serves as an instructional coach at Ceres Unified School District, emphasized the need for schools to reassess their teaching strategies. He shared a recent experience working with students who utilize Photomath, an app that employs AI to solve math equations. Instead of focusing solely on the app’s answers, he encouraged a student to articulate the reasoning behind each step. “That’s the thinking that you had to do; that was math,” he explained.

Looking forward, California enacted Senate Bill 1288 in September 2024, mandating the state superintendent to form a working group on AI in public schools. MCS’s AI committee was modeled after this state initiative, with the expectation that California will release AI guidance early next year. This guidance will be followed by model policies for districts in July and final recommendations scheduled for January 2027.

In October 2024, California will also integrate AI literacy into its K-12 curriculum across subjects such as English language arts, math, science, and history. This development necessitates that districts prepare for cross-subject AI standards. At the federal level, Presidential Executive Order 14277, signed in April, aims to advance AI education for youth. MCS’s AI committee plans to adapt to ongoing legislative changes as they arise.