As the school year gets into full swing, our focus naturally shifts from setting up hardware to making sure technology is meaningfully driving instruction. For most Nebraska districts right now, that means addressing one of our biggest ongoing challenges: how to safely, and effectively integrate Artificial Intelligence in K-12 classrooms.
The Federal Perspective: The 5-Question AI & EdTech Test
In late August, the U.S. Department of Education released new guidance addressing the responsible use of classroom technology. Building on their foundational principles that AI must be educator-led, ethical, accessible, and protective of student data, the Department urges districts to ground tool selection in true educational value.
To help evaluate new AI tools or software renewals, the federal guidance lays out a practical 5-question test that every ed-tech product should be able to answer:
- What learning problem does it solve?
- When should it be used?
- For whom should it be used?
- For how long should it be used?
- What evidence demonstrates that it improves student learning?
This is a great framework to share with curriculum teams, instructional coaches, and building principals. It cuts through vendor hype and keeps the focus where it belongs: on student outcomes.
Aligning with Nebraska’s SEE Framework
These federal questions pair with the resources provided by NDE and the ESU Coordinating Council (ESUCC).
NDE’s digital guidance emphasizes that Generative AI acts as a “cognitive amplifier” and a “decision-making partner.” Because of that, students and staff need clear, intentional instruction rather than trial-by-fire exposure.
To support this, Nebraska continues to point districts toward the SEE Framework for Generative AI Literacy:
- Safe: Protecting student data privacy and building awareness around AI hallucinations and bias.
- Ethical: Establishing clear academic integrity guidelines while using AI to enhance—not replace—critical thinking.
- Effective: Moving students from passive consumption to active, intentional evaluation of AI outputs.
Leading the AI Conversation
As leaders, we play a vital role in bridging technical management with instructional policy. Whether you’re reviewing vendor contracts, updating acceptable use policies, or advising district leaders on data privacy, combining the federal 5-question test with Nebraska’s SEE Framework gives us a grounded, reliable starting point.
Check out these key resources to help support your district: