NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) — New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels has released fresh guidance on how educators, parents, and students can ethically use artificial intelligence in the classroom.
Samuels emphasized that while the guidance is meant to “empower” educators, “no tool” can replace what teachers bring to the classroom every day.
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The guidance follows a “traffic light” framework, which is meant to help with decision-making around the use of AI applications.
Educators can use AI in brainstorming and organizing, creating initial drafts of some forms of communication, and scheduling and formatting documents. However, educators cannot use it in grading, care and counseling, behavioral monitoring, and crafting Individualized Education Programs or 504 accommodation development.
The chancellor’s guidance will be rolled out in four phases from now through June 2026, beginning with clarifying existing policies, outlining what’s not allowed, and creating opportunities for feedback and recommendations.
Families, educators, and school leaders can now give feedback through May 8. More revisions and development will follow before a final draft is developed.
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NYC Public Schools AI RulesRED: AI cannot be used in
IEP and 504 plan development
Surveillance and behavior
Deciding a child’s course path
YELLOW: AI can be used with careful judgment in
Translating and transadapting instructional material
Research, exploration and creative projects for students
GREEN: AI can be used in
Brainstorming and organizing lesson ideas, approaches and unit planning
Drafting and refining communications
Scheduling, formatting and summarizing non-sensitive information
Operational data synthesis
Translation of non-critical school communications for families who prefer languages other than English
Creation of accessible materials for families and communities
Professional development, preparation and research
More information on the use of AI in schools can be found here.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
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