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Cary School District 26

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Technology

"Technology integration works best when it's intentional and tied to learning outcomes." — Liz Kolb

At Cary 26, we provide students with the tools to explore, create, and collaborate safely. This hub provides resources to help families manage digital wellness, protect privacy, and stay connected.

AI Implementation Plan: Where We Are & What’s Next

Cary School District 26 is developing a comprehensive AI Implementation Plan to ensure the safe, ethical, and instructional use of artificial intelligence in our schools.

District 26’s vision is to implement Artificial Intelligence through a human-centered, learner-driven approach that ensures ethical, transparent, and equitable use while expanding access, reducing barriers, and supporting meaningful learning for all students. This commitment empowers our students to become future-ready 21st-century digital citizens who lead with integrity and purpose, equipped with the decision-making and problem-solving skills to succeed as global citizens.

Guiding Principles 
Four core principles serve as guardrails for tool selection, classroom use, and professional learning
• Prioritize Physical, Emotional, and Digital Safety: We ensure AI supports a healthy and secure learning environment
• Focus on Education & Learning: AI is used to personalize lessons and enhance teaching effectiveness while supporting human teachers
• Be Transparent: We are honest about when and how AI is used to build trust with students and families.
• Safeguard Privacy, Security & Data Protection: We protect personally identifiable information (PII) and ensure data use follows laws like FERPA, COPPA and SOPPA.

  • District 26’s vision is to implement Artificial Intelligence through a human-centered, learner-driven approach that ensures ethical, transparent, and equitable use while expanding access, reducing barriers, and supporting meaningful learning for all students. This commitment empowers our students to become future-ready 21st-century digital citizens who lead with integrity and purpose, equipped with the decision-making and problem-solving skills to succeed as global citizens.

  • Guiding Principles 
    Four core principles serve as guardrails for tool selection, classroom use, and professional learning
    • Prioritize Physical, Emotional, and Digital Safety: We ensure AI supports a healthy and secure learning environment
    • Focus on Education & Learning: AI is used to personalize lessons and enhance teaching effectiveness while supporting human teachers
    • Be Transparent: We are honest about when and how AI is used to build trust with students and families.
    • Safeguard Privacy, Security & Data Protection: We protect personally identifiable information (PII) and ensure data use follows laws like FERPA, COPPA and SOPPA.

Implementation Roadmap

Our multi-phase approach ensures thoughtful planning before full adoption:

Phase 1: Exploration & Awareness

(Oct – Dec 2025) [COMPLETE]: Established shared language, developed guiding principles, and gathered data from 1,220 community surveys

Phase 2: Vision & Guardrails Development

(Jan – March 2026) Finalize the vision statement, establish clear usage expectations, and launch an instructional pilot

Phase 3: Plan Finalization & Implementation Prep

(April – May 2026) Draft the final AI Plan, create a professional development roadmap for staff, and design a transparency plan

Insights From Our Community

Survey data from students, staff, and parents has been vital in shaping this plan.

Students

(Grades 3-8) 70% of older students see AI's potential as a personal tutor, though 80% are skeptical of its accuracy.

Staff

88% believe AI can reduce administrative workloads, though 94% are concerned about its impact on student writing and critical thinking.

Parents

74% agree that learning AI responsibly is a critical life skill, while 82% emphasize the importance of data privacy.

This plan is developed in alignment with Illinois HB 2503SB 1920Press Policy 6:235 and supports the District’s Strategic Plan goals of student success, a strong learning culture, and supporting exceptional staff 

 

View the AI Implementation Plan Presentation