Artificial Intelligence in San José Unified School District

AI may appear in educational technology in various ways. In some tools, AI works behind the scenes to analyze information or support an existing learning experience. In others, students interact directly with generative AI. San José Unified evaluates digital tools based on their educational purpose and their ability to support safe, responsible, and meaningful learning. The tools available to students vary by grade level, course, and instructional purpose.

Amira | Grades K–2. San José Unified administers Amira once a year as our state-required screener for reading difficulties. Students read aloud while Amira uses AI, including speech recognition, to analyze their reading and identify areas where additional support may be needed. Parents and guardians may opt their child out by submitting a written request to the school principal.

Turnitin | Grades 6–12. Some teachers use Turnitin to compare student submissions against websites, publications, and other submissions to identify similarities. Turnitin also includes AI features that detect patterns that may indicate AI-generated text. These results are not definitive and are considered alongside the student’s work, instructional context, and other available information.

Google Gemini | Grades 9–12. Students have access to Gemini through the District’s Google for Education platform, with privacy, security, and data protections provided by the District environment. When teachers allow Gemini for assignments or learning activities, they use District-provided lessons to support responsible and critical use. High school course syllabi must state whether and under what circumstances students may use AI for coursework.

The presence of AI in an educational tool does not necessarily mean a student is using a chatbot or generative AI. Families are important partners in helping students understand when and how to use these tools responsibly. We encourage families to talk with their children about how AI is used at school, the importance of verifying information for accuracy, protecting personal information, and using technology to support rather than replace learning.

• Common Sense Media: Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Generative AI
• Common Sense Media: 5 Tips for Talking to Your Kids about Generative AI
•  Family Online Safety Institute: Parenting Resources
• Cyber Civics: Family AI Use Agreement
• California Department of Education: Learning With AI, Learning About AI
• California Department of Education: Artificial Intelligence Resource Kit