EPISD considers an AI framework (Credit: KFOX14/CBS4)
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) —El Paso Independent School District trustees are expected to discuss how artificial intelligence could be used in classrooms, though no final districtwide AI policy is scheduled for adoption Tuesday.
The district agenda cites the Students First Act of 2026 as part of the discussion.
The document outlines protections and responsibilities for students, parents, teachers and administrators when artificial intelligence is used in K-12 education. Students First Act of 2026
Under the document, students through eighth grade would not use AI to complete schoolwork.
Students beyond eighth grade could use AI for activities such as studying, brainstorming or editing when allowed by a teacher, but not to complete assignments for them.
The proposal also addresses student-data privacy, AI literacy instruction, teacher training and written rules explaining when AI is permitted, restricted or prohibited.
Norma, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, said it is important for EPISD to establish guidelines so teachers, students and parents understand how AI would be used in the classroom.
“I think it’s extremely important that EPISD put these guidelines in place so classroom teachers, students and parents are very much aware of how AI is going to be used in the classroom,” Norma told CBS4.
She said the district should use the guidelines to determine what works before creating a formal policy.
“I think the guidelines are the first step. Policy would be based on those guidelines, how they worked and what didn’t work, then developing the policy,” she said.
Norma said AI could be useful in education, but should not replace the role of teachers or student learning.
“We have to keep up with the times. We don’t want artificial intelligence to replace humans, our kids or our teachers, but I think there’s a way to use it effectively and successfully without it taking over,” she said.
Some EPISD parents who spoke with KFOX14 said they would prefer their children use traditional learning methods, including books and independent online research, instead of relying on AI for assignments.
They said students learn more by researching information and working through assignments themselves.
Trustees could direct district staff to begin developing an AI framework, guidebook or board policy.
KFOX14 will be at Tuesday’s meeting and will provide updates on the discussion.
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