Santa Ana Unified School District's Response to the 2023-24 Orange County Grand Jury*

Published: August 28, 2024 9 pages

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Findings and Recommendations 3 findings

Orange County's K-12 public schools have implemented policies and/or guidelines around the use of different AI platforms in varying and inconsistent ways. Some prohibit AI's use; others allow it: and some don't have policies or guidelines governing AI at all. The District partially disagrees with the finding. The District cannot comment on other districts' policies and/or guidelines around the use of AI platforms. As it pertains to Santa Ana Unified School District, we have taken a proactive and comprehensive approach to implementing policies and guidelines for AI use in education. SAUSD has developed and adopted an AI Compass, which serves as a living document guiding our district's approach to AI integration. This AI Compass was developed with input from the Superintendent's AI Advisory Council in collaboration with AI Safe, demonstrating our commitment to thoughtful and informed policy-making. Furthermore, on April 23, 2024, the SAUSD Board of Education adopted both the AI Compass and a resolution positioning SAUSD as an AI Forward District. This action solidifies our 1601 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701-6322 (714) 558-5501 Fax: (714) 558-5610 BOARD OF EDUCATION Carolyn Torres, President • Alfonso Alvarez, Ed.D., Vice President Hector Bustos, Clerk . Katelyn Brazer Aceves, Member . Rigo Rodriguez, Ph.D., Member The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez Presiding Judge, Orange County Superior Court district's commitment to embracing AI technologies in education while ensuring their responsible and ethical use. Our approach is neither prohibitive nor permissive without guidance. Instead, we have established clear guidelines for both staff and student use of AI. We encourage exploration and innovation while maintaining a focus on responsible and ethical use, data privacy, and student safety. SAUSD has also established an Innovation Catalyst Collective (ICC) Policy Crew to continually work on AI-related policies and vet appropriate tools for classroom use. This ensures that our approach remains current and responsive to the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Related Recommendations (1)

By June 30, 2025, Orange County's K-12 schools should implement policies and guidelines regarding the appropriate use of AI. These may be provided at the district level or within individual schools through the adoption of an Acceptable Use Policy, Code of Ethics, or other written directives addressing the use of AI. The recommendation has been implemented. The District has implemented this recommendation as follows: 1. AI Compass: SAUSD has developed and adopted an AI Compass, outlining policies, guidelines, and ethical considerations for AI integration in education. 2. Board Resolution: On April 23, 2024, the SAUSD Board of Education adopted the AI Compass and passed a resolution positioning SAUSD as an AI Forward District. 3. AI Integration Guidelines: We have established clear guidelines for staff and student use of AI, covering exploration, data privacy, ethical use, and balancing innovation with safety. 4. Academic Integrity Policy: We've addressed AI in our policies, stating that SAUSD does not support AI-writing detectors for disciplinary or grading processes. 5. Approved Tools: We've officially approved certain AI tools for district-wide and site-based use, with a clear vetting process. 6. Innovation Catalyst Collective (ICC) Policy Crew: This group continually works on AI-related policies and vets appropriate tools. 7. Instructional Technology Site Leads Program: We've established a network of site-based AI leaders for consistent policy implementation. 8. Professional Development: We've implemented training programs to ensure staff understand and can effectively implement our AI policies and guidelines. These measures position SAUSD at the forefront of responsible AI integration in K-12 education, with a commitment to regular policy reviews and updates. The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez Presiding Judge, Orange County Superior Court

Superintendents provide varying levels of support in implementing AI policies and/or guidelines in their respective school districts. The District partially disagrees with the finding. The District partially disagrees in that it cannot comment on the superintendent's level of support in implementing AI policies and/or guidelines in other districts. As it pertains to Santa Ana Unified School District, Superintendent Jerry Almendarez has demonstrated strong and proactive support for implementing AI policies and guidelines. Superintendent Almendarez has taken several key actions to ensure comprehensive AI integration in our district: AI Compass Development: Superintendent Almendarez spearheaded the development of SAUSD's AI Compass, a comprehensive guide that outlines the district's approach to integrating AI in education. This document serves as a foundational roadmap for responsible AI use across the district. 2. Board Resolution: Under Superintendent Almendarez's leadership, the SAUSD Board of Education passed a resolution on April 23, 2024, adopting the AI Compass and positioning SAUSD as an AI Forward District. This formal endorsement at the highest level of district governance underscores the importance placed on addressing AI in education. 3. Superintendent's AI Advisory Council: Superintendent Almendarez established an AI Advisory Council to provide ongoing expertise and guidance on AI-related issues. This task force brings together diverse perspectives to inform district decision-making on AI implementation. 4. Innovation Catalyst Collective (ICC): Superintendent Almendarez supports the ICC, which focuses on fostering innovation in education, including the responsible use of AI. The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez Presiding Judge, Orange County Superior Court This involvement demonstrates his commitment to staying at the forefront of educational technology trends. 5. Professional Development: Superintendent Almendarez has prioritized AI literacy among staff by supporting the development of comprehensive training programs and encouraging exploration of AI tools.

Related Recommendations (1)

Superintendents should ensure that their schools have policies that cover, at a minimum: the scope, guiding principles, and training regarding the responsible use of AI tools by students and teachers; any prohibited uses of special considerations regarding AI tools; and related security, privacy, and safety considerations. The recommendation has been implemented. The District has implemented this recommendation as follows: 1. AI Compass: SAUSD has developed and adopted an AI Compass that comprehensively covers the scope, guiding principles, and responsible use of AI tools by students and teachers. This living document serves as our district-wide policy framework. 2. Innovation Catalyst Collective (ICC) Policy Crew: Superintendent Almendarez has established this group to continually work on AI-related policies, ensuring they remain current and effective. The ICC Policy Crew is actively engaged in: a) Refining the scope of AI use in our schools b) Developing and updating guiding principles for AI integration c) Creating training materials for responsible AI use d) Identifying and addressing prohibited uses and special considerations e) Addressing security, privacy, and safety considerations Training Initiatives: We have implemented and are expanding professional development programs to ensure all staff understand and can effectively implement our AI policies and guidelines. These include asynchronous courses, workshops, and hands-on exploration sessions. 4. Instructional Technology Site Leads Program: This network of site-based AI leaders ensures consistent implementation of AI policies across all schools in the district, facilitating communication between the district and individual sites. 5. Approved Tools and Vetting Process: We have established a clear process for vetting and adopting new AI technologies, with special attention to security, privacy, and safety considerations. 6. Regular Policy Reviews: The Superintendent ensures that AI policies are regularly reviewed and updated to address emerging challenges and opportunities. 7. Board Oversight: The SAUSD Board of Education has formally adopted our AI approach, providing high-level governance and accountability. While these measures are in place, we recognize the rapidly evolving nature of AI in education. The ICC Policy Crew is continuously working to refine and expand our policies, with a focus on getting information to sites efficiently. The Superintendent is committed to ongoing oversight and adaptation of our AI policies to ensure they remain comprehensive and effective. 2. . The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez Presiding Judge, Orange County Superior Court

There are many resources to guide educators in using AI. Several are available at the local level through the Orange County Department of Education, Orange County Board of Education, CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County, and Orange Unified School District Technology Department, to name a few. However, utilization and even awareness of the availability of such resources is highly variable across school districts. The District partially disagrees with the finding. The District does not have firsthand information regarding the utilization and awareness of the availability of the AI resources across school districts. As it pertains to Santa Ana Unified District, we have proactively developed and utilized a range of resources to guide educators on the use of AI. These resources include: 1. SAUSD's AI Compass: This comprehensive guide serves as the cornerstone of our AI education strategy. It provides educators with a clear framework for understanding and implementing AI in their teaching practices. The AI Compass will be regularly updated to reflect the rapidly evolving AI landscape and has been highly effective in providing a consistent, district-wide approach to AI integration. 2. Superintendent's AI Advisory Council: This council, composed of educators, technology experts, and community stakeholders, provides ongoing guidance and

Related Recommendations (1)

K-12 students should be trained on the appropriate use of AI. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. The District has not yet fully implemented this recommendation but will implement this recommendation by June 30, 2025, with the following action plan: 1. AI Literacy Curriculum Development (August 2024 - December 2024): Develop a comprehensive K-12 AI literacy curriculum tailored to different age

Agency Responses 1

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

Santa Ana Unified School District

July 31, 2018 • 5 pages • 8 responses • Score: +3 (+3, 4, 0) View Details ▾

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8 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Agree Score: +1

: The Santa Ana Unified School District agrees with this finding. School safety and security are a priority in the Santa Ana Unified School District. <b>F.2.:</b> The implementation of security measures for schools, in many cases, is limited by funding.

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

: The recommendation is being pursued. The Santa Ana Unified School District is exploring additional funding. The District applies for Safety Grants from Alliance of Schools for Cooperative Insurance Programs in addition to the District's Emergency Preparedness and other discretionary funding. R.2.: School districts should re-evaluate the lack of secure fencing on all school campuses and present a report to their respective boards by December 31, 2018, outlining their plans to make campuses more secure. (F.2, F.3)

Response: Agree Score: +1

: The Santa Ana Unified School District agrees that funding is critical. The Santa Ana Unified School District's Board of Education has identified Safety and Wellness as Goal 3 and has budgeted funds to cultivate and maintain a healthy safe, secure and respectful school and working environment. Funds have been allocated for: Effective and efficient emergency response and preparedness and To improve and maintain facilities to ensure safety, security and high quality learning • environments F.3.: Many Orange County school campuses were constructed to reflect an "open and inviting" atmosphere but...

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

: The recommendation has been implemented. The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education requested a report on the status of security measures at all District sites at its' February 27, 2018 Board meeting. All schools were evaluated in this requested study with the following areas considered: single point of entry, security, fencing, surveillance cameras and classroom door access. The completed study was provided to SAUSD Board Members in March, 2018. R.3.: School districts should implement procedures to ensure that all campuses maintain a complete, daily log (electronic or manual) ...

Response: Agree Score: +1

: The Santa Ana Unified School District agrees with this finding. Schools within the Santa Ana Unified School District are safe, effective, and attractive learning environments. 1601 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701-6322 - (714) 558-5501 BOARD OF EDUCATION Valerie Amezcua, President • Rigo Rodriguez, Ph.D., Vice President Campus designs are intended to be welcoming, public spaces and yet cultural shifts now create targets of open campuses by those with questionable intent. The District has reviewed campus facilities and has assessed their safety and security features to determine how...

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

:</b> The recommendation has been implemented. Since 2015, the Santa Ana Unified School District has used RAPTOR visitor management system at all its' schools. SAUSD has just upgraded RAPTOR to Version 6 which will allow the District to differentiate visitors from volunteers from contractors and has added the Drill Manger to better assist the district in monitoring compliance of mandated drills. Raptor 6 Miller Elementary A EMERGENCY SIGN OUT 8 4 8 O CONTRACTOR VOLUNTEER STUDENT STAFF B Sign in/Sign Out E Modulet ? Support 1601 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701-6322 - (714) 558-5501 BO...

K-12 teachers should be trained on the appropriate use of AI. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. The District has not yet fully implemented this recommendation but will implement this recommendation by June 30, 2025, with the following action plan: 1. Comprehensive Training Program (August 2024 - December 2024): We are developing a multi-faceted approach to train teachers on appropriate AI use, including: Asynchronous online courses 0

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

: The recommendation has been implemented. The aforementioned RAPTOR visitor management system requires photo identification and provides for instant screening. Each visitor/volunteer/contractor must present a government issued I.D. to be scanned against the sex offender database in fifty (50) states along with custom databases that each school can set up. R.5.: School districts should implement procedures to ensure that all faculty and staff are required to wear visible photo ID badges while on campus. (F.5.)

Schools and educators should be encouraged to collaborate with the various available AI consortiums and think tanks, such as OCDE and CLAOC, to effectively implement AI and establish basic tenets for its use. The recommendation has been implemented. The District has implemented this recommendation as follows: 1. Existing Collaborations: AI Safe Partnership: Collaborated in developing our AI Compass o Innovation Catalyst Collective (ICC): Our internal think tank for AI implementation strategies L...

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

: The recommendation has been implemented. The Santa Ana Unified School District directs all staff to wear District issued badges identifying them as employees of the district. R.6.: All school districts with middle or high school campuses should consider using student ID cards in a format to be worn as student ID badges while on campus. (F.6.)

* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.