The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) recognizes the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education to foster innovative teaching practices to enhance learning outcomes. At the same time, we are mindful of the ethical, privacy, and equity challenges that AI poses.

Guided by our Multi-Year Plan, we chose to prioritize AI literacy over simple tool adoption, ensuring that our foundation is built on critical thinking and ethical responsibility. Rather than just reacting to new technology, we are intentionally preparing students and staff to navigate the digital landscape with the equity, well-being, and discernment necessary for long-term success.

• Staff Readiness: 

  • Prior to widespread adoption, we want to ensure our educators have the capacity and confidence to use these tools ethically and responsibly. Over the past few years, we have been building staff awareness around AI Literacy. This spring, we are launching AI professional learning modules.

• Student Voice: 

  • UGDSB students have played an integral role in the AI @ UGDSB framework. At the March 2025, UGDSB System Leaders' Meeting, several UGDSB secondary students participated in a fireside chat, discussing all things AI. In May 2025, secondary students from across the UGDSB were at the board's Innovation Lab in Orangeville, participating in AI Amplified, a student-led AI conference.

• Rigorous Vetting: 

  • Through our active leadership and collaboration with provincial organizations, our board helps shape the provincial standards for data security and ethical AI. This ensures our vetting process remains at the forefront of technological shifts, allowing us to pivot as tools evolve while keeping student privacy and safety at the center of every decision.

• Current Tool Access: 

  • The UGDSB is currently piloting a variety of board-approved AI tools designed to enhance foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. By focusing on versatile platforms that adapt to individual learner needs, we are exploring how these technologies can personalize support and reduce barriers to achievement, all while remaining firmly aligned with the goals of our Multi-Year Plan.

• Parent and Family Engagement: 

  • We believe that navigating the AI landscape is a collective responsibility, and we are committed to an ongoing partnership with our families and stakeholders. Through active dialogue and community collaboration, we continue to share our progress and learn alongside one another, ensuring that our community feels empowered and informed.

• Privacy First: 

  • Privacy and data protection are paramount. Staff have received Cyber Security training and use data mitigation strategies. All AI users should refrain from inputting any identifiable student or staff data into public AI tools. 

• Human Oversight: 

  • AI will never replace the critical human element of professional judgment. Board staff remain responsible for all assessment, evaluation, grading, and student decisions.

• Addressing Bias: 

  • We are committed to critically evaluating AI tools to ensure their outputs are free of inherent biases that could disadvantage students based on gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics.

• Environmental Responsibility: 

  • We are conscious of the environmental footprint of AI, including its significant energy and water use, and we teach students to use these powerful technologies with sustainability in mind.

When integrated with intention, AI serves as a powerful catalyst for student learning—empowering students and staff to analyze, refine, and innovate as they navigate the complexities of a technology-driven future.

• Future-Ready Skills: 

  • By embedding AI literacy into our classrooms, we empower all students to move beyond being passive users of technology to becoming ethical, critical co-creators who can navigate the modern workforce with confidence.

• Personalized Learning Pathways: 

  • AI tools allow educators to more effectively tailor instruction to the unique strengths and interests of every student, providing real-time feedback and adaptable resources that meet each learner where they are.

• Removing Barriers to Success: 

  • We utilize AI to make learning more accessible and engaging for everyone—from providing instant language support and transcription to offering innovative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding and creativity.

UGDSB students have played an integral role in rolling out and expanding the AI @ UGDSB framework.