Artificial Intelligence (AI)

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the introduction and use of artificial intelligence (AI) with staff for productivity and instruction and with students for instruction. This policy is intended to ensure that AI use at Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) aligns with State agency requirements, educational best practices, and MSD's mission to provide equitable, accessible, and high-quality education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

II. Background

The State of Maryland has adopted a comprehensive, risk-based governance framework for AI systems used by state agencies. This framework emphasizes:

— Human-centered design

— Security and safety

— Privacy protection

— Transparency

— Equity

— Accountability

— Effectiveness

AI technologies are rapidly evolving and offer significant opportunities and alongside potential challenges for K-12 education. When used responsibly, AI tools can enhance instruction, accessibility, communication, and operational efficiency. When used improperly, they may introduce risks related to privacy, bias, academic integrity, data security, and student safety.

This policy provides clear operational guidance for MSD users including staff and students on the responsible use of AI tools. The policy is designed to support appropriate and effective AI use while ensuring compliance with State agency requirements and protecting the rights, safety, and educational interests of students, staff, and the MSD community.

III. Policy Statement

A. The Maryland School for the Deaf Board of Trustees (Board) recognizes that achieving educational excellence and operational effectiveness requires thoughtful and strategic approaches to teaching, learning, and organizational practices that meet the evolving needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

B. The Board acknowledges that innovation in instructional practices and operational systems, including the responsible use of AI can support accessibility, communication access, collaboration, and efficiency when implemented with appropriate safeguards.

C. The Board recognizes that the use of AI, when governed responsibly and used appropriately, may enhance student learning and engagement by supporting differentiated instruction, accessibility, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while also supporting staff productivity and operational effectiveness.

D. The Board affirms that AI shall be used as a supportive tool, not as a replacement for professional judgment, human decision-making, or legally required educational processes.

IV. Definitions

IV. Definitions

A. AI Literacy — The ability to understand, use, and critically evaluate AI systems in a responsible, ethical, and informed manner, including awareness of limitations, bias, privacy, and security considerations.

B. AI Evaluation Process — The formal process established by MSD to review, assess, and approve AI systems prior to implementation.

C. Algorithmic Bias — Systematic and repeatable errors in AI systems that may result in unfair, inequitable, or discriminatory outcomes.

D. Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Computer-based systems capable of performing tasks, such as generating content, analyzing data, recognizing patterns, or producing predictions or recommendations.

E. Agentic AI — AI systems designed to autonomously pursue defined objectives within a specified environment.

F. Deep Fake — Digitally manipulated audio, video, or images that falsely represent an individual.

G. EdTech Vendor — A provider of educational technology products or services, including those that incorporate AI components.

H. Generative AI — AI systems capable of producing new content such as text, images, audio, video, or code in response to prompts.

I. Hallucination — AI-generated output that is inaccurate, misleading, or fabricated while appearing credible.

J. Harm — Actual or potential negative impacts to individuals, organizations, or systems, including impacts to civil rights, safety, privacy, or educational outcomes.

K. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) — Information that can be used to identify an individual, either alone or in combination with other data.

L. Proof of Concept (POC) — A limited pilot or trial conducted to evaluate whether an AI system can be responsibly or effectively deployed.

M. MSD Approved AI System — An AI tool or system that has been formally reviewed and authorized for use by MSD.

N. School Official — A contractor, consultant, or vendor performing institutional services under MSD's direct control and in compliance with applicable data governance requirements.

V. Standards

A. AI Governance and Oversight

1. The Superintendent shall establish and maintain an AI governance or working group to guide the responsible planning, evaluation, and oversight of AI use at MSD, consistent with State requirements.

2. Where appropriate, the governance group may consult with relevant stakeholders, including instructional staff and subject-matter experts, to inform guidance and best practices.

3. Planning for the use and acquisition of AI systems shall address, at a minimum:

a. Alignment with MSD's mission, strategic priorities, and educational goals;

b. Privacy and data security, including safeguards to protect student and staff information;

c. Transparency regarding how AI is incorporated into instructional or operational systems and its potential impact on users;

d. Protections against algorithmic bias and discrimination;

e. Clear accountability structures and procedures for addressing errors, misuse, or unintended

consequences;

f. Requirements for meaningful human oversight and the availability of human review or intervention; and

g. Requirements for vendors to disclose the presence and role of AI within their products or services.

B. Guidelines for the Use of AI

1. The use of AI systems or AI-enabled features that materially impact MSD operations, instructional delivery, student interaction, data processing, or decision-making shall be subject to review and approval by the Superintendent or designee.

a. Appropriate professional development shall be provided to staff authorized to use AI systems. Professional development may include:

i. Ethical considerations related to AI use;

ii. Applicable federal and State laws and regulations; and

iii. Best practices for responsible and effective AI use.

b. AI systems shall be used to supplement, not replace, instruction provided by teachers and other instructional staff.

c. When required by law or policy, parental consent or notification shall be obtained prior to student participation in certain AI-enabled instructional activities.

d. The use of AI at MSD shall comply with all applicable federal and State laws and regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

e. Staff shall guide and monitor student use of AI in instructional settings to ensure alignment with Board policies, administrative procedures, and academic integrity expectations.

f. AI-generated content shall be disclosed and cited when required. AI-generated work may not be submitted as original work without authorization. Plagiarism and copyright infringement are prohibited.

g. Staff and students shall not rely on AI systems as sole source of verification or fact-checking. Users are responsible for verifying the accuracy and appropriateness of AI-generated information.

h. Inappropriate or unauthorized use of AI in violation of Board policy, administrative procedures, or applicable laws may result in disciplinary action.

i. MSD may engage in collaboration and knowledge-sharing efforts related to ethical and responsible AI use when such activities align with its mission and State guidance.

VI. Responsibilities

A. The Superintendent shall develop and maintain administrative procedures to implement this policy, including procedures related to AI governance, evaluation, approval, training, monitoring, and compliance.

B. The Board shall review and, as appropriate, revise this policy on an annual basis in response to evolving technologies, legal requirements, ethical considerations, and feedback from stakeholders.

VII. Legal References

- 20 USC 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99-Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 15 USC 6501-6506; 16 CFR 312.1-.12-Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE HISTORY

Adopted: February 6, 2026