AI & Digital Skills

Artificial intelligence is already part of how students learn, create, and communicate. At Cohasset Public Schools, we believe our job is to help students understand these tools clearly, use them responsibly, and think critically about the role they play in our lives. This page is your starting point, whether you're a student, a parent, or a teacher.

What is AI Literacy and why does it matter?

AI literacy means understanding what artificial intelligence is, recognizing where it appears in everyday life, knowing how to use AI tools effectively and ethically, and being able to think critically about their limitations and impact. Just as we teach students to evaluate a website or cite a source, we now teach them to think carefully about AI-generated content - where it comes from, whether it's accurate, and when it's appropriate to use.

District Guidance on AI Use

Cohasset Public Schools supports the thoughtful use of AI tools in learning. Our guidance is built around three principles: transparency (students should be honest about when and how they've used AI), critical thinking (AI output should always be evaluated, not just accepted), and academic integrity (AI cannot replace a student's own thinking, reasoning, or voice).

Cohasset Public Schools AI Guidelines

Our Approach by grade level

Elementary (PreK–5) Students learn foundational concepts: what a computer can and can't do, how algorithms give instructions, and how to think carefully about information they find online. AI is introduced as a concept, not yet as a hands-on tool, with an emphasis on curiosity and critical thinking.

Middle School (6–8) Students begin exploring how AI systems work, including how they're trained on data and why that matters. They discuss bias, privacy, and the ethics of automation. In appropriate contexts, students may use AI writing or research tools under teacher guidance, with explicit instruction on how to use them honestly and effectively.

High School (9–12) Students engage more deeply with AI tools across subjects; for research, writing, coding, data analysis, and creative work. They develop their own frameworks for responsible use, learn to evaluate AI-generated content critically, and explore the societal implications of AI in areas like hiring, healthcare, and media.