It is no secret that artificial intelligence has increasingly become relevant in daily life, the workforce and even in education.
AI in education is a particular topic of interest, as students have unlimited access to platforms like ChatGPT and Grok and can utilize them in educational pursuits. On one hand, students can learn from the platforms and use them to check their homework, get help with an outline or learn more about the field they wish to pursue. On the other hand, students could allow AI offerings to do their work for them.
The Journal spoke with the Dolores, Montezuma-Cortez and Mancos school districts to learn how they are approaching AI in the classroom.
Dolores Superintendent Alesa Reed responded to The Journal’s questions by saying, “We, as a district, are not at a place to answer these questions yet,” adding that they now have a “place to move forward.”
Tom Burris, superintendent for the Montezuma-Cortez school district said he would have to speak with a “friend.”
“On this subject I’m going to phone a friend,” Burris said. “The AI subject is very interesting and difficult.” Burris did not respond to follow-up emails for further comment.
Mancos Superintendent Todd Cordrey directed The Journal to Secondary School Principal James Hughes, who shared the district’s detailed plan to educate students on AI in the classroom in preparation for their future educational opportunities and careers.
Hughes noted that teaching about AI aligns with the district’s mission to “foster safe, positive and rigorous learning experiences,” as well as their vision statement, which says, “Every student will graduate with a broad academic foundation which enables each to demonstrate the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and independent judgment.”
Hughes said AI “represents a significant opportunity for all stakeholders.”
“In order for students to succeed in future careers, they will need to develop proficiency in utilizing AI,” Hughes said. “This technology serves as a valuable resource that can enhance the experiences of both educators and students in the academic environment.”
The district has been working to “establish a clear understanding of the appropriate use of AI” and has been weighing concerns about cheating and job displacement.
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Mancos ninth graders will take a life skills class that will have a section focused on the appropriate use of AI in school.
“The objective is to demonstrate how to utilize this powerful tool to enhance personal thoughts and understanding, rather than replacing critical thinking,” Hughes said. “We anticipate that this initiative will positively influence the incidence of students caught cheating with AI. Given the novelty of this technology, it is essential to clarify what constitutes appropriate use, as this is often a gray area.”
To help prevent cheating and utilizing AI rather than one’s own unique work, Hughes said language art teachers will more than likely be able to discern whether a piece of writing is done by the student or not. They will also utilize tools that allow educators to “observe the document creation process in real time.”
“Our objective is to educate both students and teachers on the appropriate use of AI, which we believe will lead to reduced concerns about academic dishonesty and an increased emphasis on utilizing AI as a valuable tool,” Hughes said.
One of the “best uses” of AI in the Mancos district will be the ability for teachers to create a “ChatBot.”
“It is like a classroom that they put information into, which will create a resource for students to be able to use,” Hughes said of the ChatBot. “It will keep them off the open web and make sure that everything they research is accurate.”
The district will also be using a resource called AI Stoplight to help students learn appropriate uses of AI in their academics.
“Depending on the class type, students will be able to do fact checking, timelines, research. In writing class, students will not be allowed to use AI to help write their paper or rewrite it. It all depends on the class,” Hughes said.
Hughes shared that while many fear their jobs will be replaced by AI, a recurring theme he’s discovered at AI conferences is, “If you are afraid of losing your job to AI, it won't happen. The job will be given to someone who knows how to use AI.”
This statement helped Hughes realize how important it is for students to be equipped with the skills needed to thrive in their future careers, and that includes a working knowledge of AI.
“As educators, our primary responsibility is to prepare students for the future, and it is clear that AI will play a significant role in that future,” Hughes said. “To effectively serve our students, we must not only embrace AI but also teach them the skills needed to leverage this technology. By doing so, we ensure that they are equipped for the evolving job market and can thrive alongside AI advancements.”
