Key Takeaways
- The School District of Osceola County is holding a workshop to update the School Board on its AI implementation plan and outline next steps for responsible use.
- District policy permits AI as a supportive tool for lesson planning, professional learning, and tracking student progress, but expressly forbids using AI as a replacement for human creativity, judgment, or student thinking.
- Teachers Leyla Reyes and Jasmine Arevalo highlight AI’s usefulness for finding resources while stressing that it should aid—not replace—student cognition and creativity.
- Academic integrity remains a priority; the district is revising its student code of conduct to curb AI‑generated answers on tests and to set clear boundaries between acceptable assistance and cheating.
- Future initiatives include expanded employee AI training, broader student access to approved tools, an AI Fellows Program, and ongoing evaluation of AI’s impact on learning and operations.
Overview of the AI Workshop
The Osceola County School District is turning its attention to artificial intelligence as the new school year approaches. On Tuesday, district officials will host a workshop focused on AI implementation, delivering an update to the School Board on how AI is currently being used to support students, employees, and overall operations. Chief Communications Officer Dana Schafer described the session as “a continuation of discussions between School Board members and staff to plan for the use of artificial intelligence responsibly, transparently, and in ways that best support students, employees, and operational effectiveness.” The workshop will review the district’s two‑year journey with AI and outline forthcoming steps for classroom integration and operational applications.
Current Policy on AI Use
District policy explicitly permits the use of certain AI programs for professional learning, helping teachers build lesson plans and track student progress. At the same time, the policy makes clear that AI is not a substitute for human creativity, judgment, or creation—a point echoed by educators interviewed for this story. Teacher Leyla Reyes noted, “It does help the teachers, like if we need to look for a specific resource or things like that,” underscoring the technology’s role as a supplementary aid rather than a primary instructional source. The policy aims to harness AI’s efficiency while safeguarding the essential human elements of teaching and learning.
Teacher Perspectives on AI as an Aid
Jasmine Arevalo, another Osceola County teacher, shared a nuanced view of AI’s classroom potential. She said, “I think if you use it as an aid to assist, yes, but to use it as a source to do the thinking for you is where the problem lays. Because, of course, you want children to think on their own. You want them to get out there. You want them to create.” Arevalo also acknowledged that AI technology is still evolving, noting, “It’s evolving and it’s going to be different in the future. But, just learning along the way and knowing that it’s not something that you want to depend on.” Her comments reflect a broader consensus among district staff: AI can enhance productivity when used judiciously, but it must not undermine student autonomy or critical thinking.
Academic Integrity and Boundaries
Concerns about academic integrity have prompted the district to revisit its student code of conduct. In May, officials discussed revisions aimed at preventing students from using AI to generate answers on tests or assignments. Teacher Leyla Reyes emphasized the need for clear guidelines, stating, “I think probably set parameters. What is cheating and what is not.” By delineating acceptable uses—such as brainstorming assistance or research support—from prohibited actions like outright AI‑generated essays, the district hopes to preserve the authenticity of student work while still leveraging AI’s benefits.
Workshop Agenda Highlights
According to the workshop agenda, the School Board will receive an update on the district’s AI implementation plan, highlighting progress made over the past two years in establishing governance, providing professional learning opportunities, and approving specific AI tools for both students and staff. The presentation will also preview upcoming initiatives, including expanded employee AI training, broader student access to approved tools, the launch of an AI Fellows Program, and ongoing evaluation efforts to measure AI’s impact on learning outcomes and operational efficiency. These steps are designed to ensure that AI adoption remains measured, transparent, and aligned with the district’s educational mission.
Logistics and Community Engagement
The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the school district’s headquarters in Kissimmee. Interested parties, including parents, teachers, and community members, can view the agenda online ahead of the session. By opening the discussion to stakeholders, the district aims to foster transparency and gather feedback that will shape future AI policies. This inclusive approach underscores the district’s commitment to balancing technological advancement with the values of equity, accessibility, and educational integrity that define Osceola County’s schools.
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/07/27/osceola-county-teachers-weigh-in-on-ai-in-classrooms-ahead-of-district-workshop/