Marshfield Schools Implement New AI Policy
Committee Approves Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence and Academic Honesty
MARSHFIELD - December 3 - The Marshfield School Committee has approved a new policy addressing the use of artificial intelligence in academic settings and its relation to academic integrity. The decision came during a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3, where committee members discussed and voted on the implementation of the MPSD Artificial Intelligence and Academic Honesty policy.
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan presented the policy, emphasizing its importance in setting guidelines for the entire district. "We felt we needed something from an operational administrative level in our handbooks or a policy that was part of our handbooks that talked about AI, the proper use of AI, and its relation to academic honesty and integrity," Sullivan explained.
The policy was developed through a collaborative effort involving the district's AI committee and reviewed by legal counsel before being presented to the policy subcommittee. Sullivan clarified that while the current policy focuses on students, the district also consulted with the NEA to gather input on potential implications for staff.
Committee member Richard Greer raised concerns about the policy's writing style, noting that it differed from the district's previous approach to policy language. "As I recall, it's been a number of years since we were going into policy. We had stripped all of that type of writing out of our policies just to make it simple," Greer said.
Committee Chair Sean Costello addressed these concerns, explaining that the district is due for a comprehensive policy review. "MASC was who we worked with seven years ago, Mass Association of School Committees, and they recommend every five years a major policy review. We're coming up on eight years," Costello stated.
He suggested that the committee discuss engaging in a full policy review at their next meeting, which would include examining all policies, including the newly approved AI policy, to ensure consistency.
Despite the stylistic concerns, the committee moved forward with approving the policy. Costello emphasized the importance of having guidelines in place, stating, "I have no problem approving those in place. It's ensuring that we have something in place, and then it's also going to be reviewed to ensure consistency if and when we do another policy review."
The committee voted unanimously to approve the MPSD Artificial Intelligence and Academic Honesty policy.
In addition to the AI policy, the committee also approved changes to the staff handbook regarding social media use. The updated language now specifies that employees should not add or follow current MPSD students on personal social media accounts. This revision allows for connections with former students and parents, which the previous policy had prohibited.
Dr. Sullivan explained the rationale behind the change: "What was brought to our attention is that once students graduate and go off to college and become adults, that often they do connect with their teachers through Facebook, and parents seem to be on a different plateau."
The new staff handbook language also includes a statement emphasizing professional responsibility: "All MPSD employees are expected to practice responsible and professional use of social media at all times."
As the meeting concluded, Costello noted the significance of these policy updates: "So many districts are behind on AI policy right now. We're in good shape. It avoids a lot of legal hurdles."