Page 10 Excellence In Education Lincoln Daily News January 2026 school policy,” she wrote, “we prefer to lead by example and guide them in its responsible and ethical use.” She went on to say that the district plans to teach students to use AI as a tool to make their work better, not a replacement to do work for them. When asked about what steps the district is taking to encourage staff and students to use AI more frequently and responsibly, Coffey had this to say: “We believe technology is most effective when teachers find it personally valuable. We are launching a two-year workshop series on Magic School AI… As teachers become more comfortable, they will introduce AI to students in age-appropriate ways.” Coffey then went on to explain that students will begin using AI in third grade to help them get writing feedback, and use it through 8th grade, where they will be using it in more complex ways. Next, Coffey was asked about Magic School’s policy on data collection, something that has been a major area of concern for many people. She ensured LDN that District #27 takes data protection seriously, and that most AI tools are blocked to students in the district. “We have specifically selected tools like Magic School Student and Canva because they are SOPPA [Student Online Personal Protection Act] compliant and guarantee data privacy.” Coffey ended the interview by giving an outline for the next year of AI in District #27. “Ultimately, our goal is to empower our entire school community - students and staff alike - with the confidence and ethical foundation to use AI as a catalyst for deeper learning and innovation.” AI is only becoming more and more prevalent in our world. Each year, AI becomes ‘smarter’ and more common. Like the internet found its way into schools with the use of online curriculum or online classes, AI is likely to find its way as well. When states and schools see AI as the next step in the evolution of technology, this gives them the chance to regulate something and use it to the best benefit they can, rather than trying to outright ban it, just to see it make its way into schools years down the line anyway. The reality is that kids are always going to find a way to use the newest technology, whether their parents want them to or not. Schools and parents can combat this as much as they can, but there is no way to stop every child in every situation. Schools and states seem to, like District #27, be trying to teach kids to use AI as a tool and not something to be abused. The internet, as mentioned earlier, was something that eventually made its way into
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