Artificial Intelligence (AI) ✨ | LTG

Current Deployment Status

Buffalo Public Schools Instructional and Technology Departments are dedicated to the continuation of pioneering the deployment of AI technologies in the educational landscape. Policy is currently developed by stakeholders including: Teachers, Parents, Students, Instructional Technology Coaches, Administrators via appropriated funds via the Learning Technology Grant (LTG).

Currently AI is only offered in the most limited capacity, technology within applications can be utilized by students.

Prompt Pioneers: Guiding Teachers to Leverage Generative Tools Through Coaching

As artificial intelligence tools become more advanced and widely available, it’s essential for students, educators, and families to understand the appropriate and inappropriate uses of these technologies in academic settings. These guidelines outline what AI is, highlight academic integrity concerns, and address key safety, privacy, and learning challenges associated with its use.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the technology that enables computer systems to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving tasks. It’s used to perform tasks that usually require human thought, like understanding language, recognizing patterns, or making decisions. Examples of AI in everyday life include Google Translate, Grammarly, Netflix viewing recommendations, and facial recognition.

Generative AI is a subset of AI that can learn patterns and relationships and use that information to create new content, such as text, images, music, audio, and videos. This field of AI has grown rapidly over the past few years and continues to evolve. ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, and Gemini are examples of generative AI tools.

Why Incorporate AI in the Classroom?

Incorporating age-appropriate artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom offers benefits for both students and educators.

General AI Usage Guidelines for All Buffalo Public Schools Users

These guidelines apply to all Buffalo Public Schools students, staff, administrators, contractors, and volunteers. They outline clear expectations to ensure AI is used responsibly, ethically, and in ways that support learning and operational goals.

 1. Human Judgment and Responsibility

AI can generate useful outputs, but it does not replace human expertise, professional judgment, or critical thinking.

Users are responsible for:

  • Reviewing AI-generated content before using or sharing it

  • Confirming the accuracy and relevance of information

  • Considering multiple perspectives and sources

  • Applying appropriate judgment when making decisions

  • Taking ownership of final work products and outcomes

AI outputs should be viewed as suggestions, not facts or decisions.

2. Accuracy and Critical Thinking

AI systems can produce inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, or biased information. Responses may sound convincing even when incorrect.

Responsible use includes:

  • Verifying important information

  • Comparing information across trusted sources

  • Identifying potential bias or missing perspectives

  • Evaluating whether AI-generated content aligns with the intended purpose

  • Asking questions and challenging assumptions rather than accepting outputs automatically

Critical thinking remains essential regardless of the technology being used.

3. Privacy, Security, and Confidentiality

AI tools should be used in ways that protect student, staff, and district information.

Users should:

  • Follow district data privacy and security requirements

  • Use district-approved tools when working with district-related information

  • Consider the sensitivity of information before entering it into any AI tool

  • Protect confidential, personal, and protected information

4. Transparency and Ethical Use

AI use should promote honesty, integrity, and responsible participation in learning and work.

Responsible use includes:

  • Being transparent about AI engagement

  • Respecting copyright, intellectual property, and attribution expectations

  • Recognizing when human-created work is more appropriate than AI-generated content

  • Using AI in ways that support creativity, understanding, communication, and growth

The goal of AI use is to enhance human capabilities, not obscure authorship or responsibility.

5. Continuous Learning

AI technology continues to evolve. Effective use requires ongoing learning, reflection, and adaptation.

Users are encouraged to:

  • Explore AI thoughtfully and responsibly

  • Build AI literacy skills over time

  • Reflect on the strengths and limitations of AI tools

  • Consider the impact of AI on communication, learning, and society

Developing AI literacy includes understanding not only how to use AI, but also when and why to use it.

*These guidelines help ensure AI is used safely, ethically, and in ways that align with our district’s mission to support all learners and staff.

Training & Coaching

Buffalo Public Schools is launching a new initiative to explore how artificial intelligence can support teaching and learning in meaningful, practical ways. As part of the LTG grant, secondary teachers and instructional coaches will take part in Prompt Pioneers: AI Integration & Instructional Coaching for 7–12 Classrooms beginning Wednesday, September 25, 2025.

AI Integration & Instructional Coaching Kickoff

This professional learning experience will feature:

  • A live virtual visit with Magic School

  • A thought-provoking session with Dr. Jeremiah Okal-Frink

  • Ongoing learning opportunities focused on AI integration in the classroom

Instructional Technology Coaches will provide ongoing support as educators implement AI tools to enhance teaching and learning.

Virtual Training Sessions

Live virtual sessions featuring AI-focused professional learning, expert insights, and ongoing support for integrating AI tools into teaching and learning.

AI is simultaneously revolutionary and aomething that's been quietly helping us out for years a slide show prevention during a virtual meeting

Our Prompt Pioneers

IT Supervisors

Kristen Harrington

Brianna Pride

Maria Muhlbauer

Teachers

Timeline

Prompt Pioneer Day Sessions

Our Teacher Leaders participating in School Development with our Tech Coaches.

Empowering Future Minds | AI in Action Prompt Pioneers Showcase

A culminating celebration and share‑out of classroom innovation through the NYS Learning Technology Grant.

Leadership Conference

AI: From Policy to Practice | NYSCATE, NYC Public Schools, Buffalo Public Schools.

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Magic School

Magic School is a popular AI-powered platform designed for educators to streamline tasks like lesson planning, rubric generation, and assessment creation. It offers over 60 tools, including a chatbot named Raina, to assist with teaching, personalized learning, and generating instructional materials across various subjects

Magic School Challenge

From September 18, 2025– October 6, 2025 educators will had the chance to compete in the Magic School Challenge. Participants explored innovative AI-powered tools designed to:

  • Save time on lesson planning

  • Boost student outcomes with curriculum-aligned supports

  • Enrich instruction with high-impact planning resources

Magic School tools available include:

  • Standards Unpacker

  • Common Misconceptions

  • DOK Questions

  • Assignment Scaffolder

  • Real World Connections

  • Buffalo Custom Lesson Plan Generator

Magic School Virtual Training Sessions

Magic School Educator Spotlight

Click to View Spotlights

Magic School Challenge | Winners

Top participants were recognized, with special prizes on October 14, 2025.

WInners are Grant Gillan PS 198, Shana Powers PS 304, Hannah Blum PS 74,Nikky Abernathy

Magic School Challenge Winners of Dinner at Tappo Restaurant | Grant Gillan PS 198, Shana Powers PS 304, Hannah Blum PS 74 (Also Pictured Nikky Abernathy, Maria Muhlbauer, Kristen Harrington, Brianna Pride)

BPS Highlighted in Magic School Article!

Districts Leading the Way in AI Adoption 2026 | Magic School

Discover how leaders across nine school districts are approaching AI adoption in schools, supporting educators, and creating new opportunities for teaching and learning! Read Article.

BPS Sanctioned Software with AI

Adobe

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Canva

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Copilot

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Magic School

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WeVideo

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Power Buddy

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