04-02-2026
New York City holds the largest school district in the US. The NYC school district released proposed AI rules for teachers and the over 1 million students who attend school in the district. This 30-page guide defines artificial intelligence and discusses its potential capabilities. It advises when technology is acceptable, when it must be used with caution, and when it is helpful as a tool.
The school district advises teachers that AI should not replace their own work. Instead, AI should be used to support their work. AI should not make decisions about student placement, discipline, or graduation; make decisions about promotions; develop plans for students with disabilities; assign grades; or conduct surveillance. The guidebook cautions teachers against entering any private student information into AI. Instructors may use AI for brainstorming, drafting communications, scheduling, formatting, summarizing non-sensitive information, and translating non-critical material. The district encourages using AI as a guide or sounding board.
Students may use AI for research and exploring topics. Teachers must check student responses for accuracy, appropriateness, and bias. The guidebook states that students “need accurate instruction, meaningful practice, and adults who know them well enough to decide when AI belongs in their learning and when it does not.”
Chicago, Denver, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and some states issued their guidance for schools well before NYC. Experts warn that instruction on AI involves some guesswork because its full capabilities are unknown. How best to use AI will necessarily evolve as the technology does. NYC’s leaders concur, acknowledging that its long-term impact on society and students is not yet fully understood. (New York Times) The NYC guidance expressly leaves open unresolved questions, including on grade-band guidance, homework and academic integrity, algorithmic bias, and environmental impact. NYC left a 45-day public comment window during which feedback will be considered.
Takeaways: AI is constantly evolving and impacts schools and workplaces. Employers may find the school district’s guidance helpful in refining their own approach to employee use of AI, balancing the protection of private information and the need for accuracy with the benefits of using it.