Artificial intelligence, or AI, is already part of students’ lives. It appears in search tools, apps, social media, and many places in between.
Highline’s approach is to help students understand AI, use it responsibly and know when not to use it. This work is about teaching active use of technology: asking questions, solving problems, testing ideas and explaining thinking.
Building clear guidance
This year, Highline developed an AI Vision Statement to guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence in schools and departments.
The vision statement outlines Highline’s commitment to using AI in ways that support learning, belonging and student success.
Highline is also updating additional guidance to help staff use AI responsibly in instruction and daily work, with attention to privacy, safety, equity and human oversight.
This work was developed with support from Highline’s AI Ambassadors, a group of educators, school staff and leaders from across Highline. The group will continue to develop resources and recommendations as technology evolves.
Student learning in action
During Computer Science Education Week in December, about 1,500 Highline students participated in Hour of AI. Students explored AI through hands-on lessons focused on logic, language and decision-making. They learned that AI does not think on its own. It responds to instructions.
Staff learning continues this summer
On June 18, Highline staff will participate in an AI & Innovation Summit. The summit will help staff build practical skills with AI and Microsoft tools. Staff will learn how these tools can support day-to-day work, save time and strengthen decision-making while keeping people, data privacy and student learning at the center.
What families may see next year
Next year, more teachers will include AI expectations in class syllabuses and assignments.
These expectations will explain when AI may be used, when it may not be used and how students should identify when they use it.
For example, AI tools may be used to support work in this class when specifically allowed by the teacher. AI cannot replace student thinking or voice. Students are expected to follow assignment-specific guidance and identify when AI is used in submitted work. Submitting AI‑generated work as one’s own without permission or explanation is not acceptable and considered academic dishonesty.
Part of the Promise
Highline’s Promise is that every student is known by name, strength and need, and graduates prepared for the future they choose.
AI is one part of that future. Our job is to help students understand it, question it and use it responsibly.
Students still need to read, write, talk, listen, create and build relationships. Technology should support those skills, not replace them.