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Schools across El Paso are teaching students about artificial intelligence, implementing policies and using programs that utilize the new technology.
El Paso schools are actively adapting to the rise of artificial intelligence, incorporating AI tools and teaching AI literacy to students. For example, at Hanks Middle School, sixth-grade social studies students use AI programs like Google's Gemini to convert handwritten notes into presentation slides and videos, emphasizing its use as a tool for sharing information rather than replacing critical thinking. High school students, like El Dorado High senior Azul Larson, experience varied teacher approaches, from strict anti-AI policies that use software to detect AI-generated writing, to teachers who use AI themselves to solve complex problems or encourage its use for inspiration and guidance. This widespread adoption, from generative chatbots like ChatGPT to specialized educational software, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive guidelines on ethical and responsible AI use. Socorro and Ysleta independent school districts are at the forefront of developing policies and programs. YISD plans to implement a monthly digital citizenship course for students next year, focusing on responsible technology and online navigation, including AI. Harmony Public Schools, the county’s second-largest charter system, will introduce a dedicated AI class for all eighth graders. El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) has also integrated AI into instruction, utilizing programs that provide writing feedback, though specific details were not provided. These local initiatives come amidst a national push, including a presidential executive order encouraging AI literacy from kindergarten, and growing concern that training and policies are lagging behind rapid technological advancements. A 2025 RAND survey revealed that 54% of students and 53% of teachers use AI for school, yet over 80% of students lack formal lessons on its use, and only 45% of principals have clear AI policies. Texas currently lacks official state guidelines or curriculum standards for AI literacy in public schools, leaving individual districts to navigate its integration. Clifton Tanabe, dean of UTEP's College of Education, notes that districts are in various stages of establishing 'dos and don'ts' for AI, prompting UTEP to host a Region-Wide K-12 AI Learning Incubator. This series of workshops focuses on AI literacy, ethics, data security, and different AI models, culminating in a summit to define the future of AI in regional education.
Miguel Moreno, SISD's instructional technology coordinator, points out that AI programs have been used in schools for years under different names, such as 'software adapted to student needs' or 'tailoring instruction.' The recent shift involves large language models like ChatGPT, Claud, Copilot, and Gemini, which generate human-like responses. Veronica Alvarez, YISD’s director of innovative learning, explains that these AI agents leverage large language models for specific tasks. SISD, YISD, and Harmony Public Schools all utilize Magicschool, a program offering education-specific tools for tasks like generating lecture feedback, drafting parent emails, and translating text. Burak Yilmaz, Harmony's director of instruction, emphasizes customizing such programs to align with school policies, ensuring teachers use AI to enhance existing lesson plans rather than create them from scratch, by providing checklists and feedback. Kim Vandagriff, a sixth-grade teacher at Hanks Middle School, uses Google’s Gemini for practical applications such as translating documents for non-English-speaking students and adjusting reading levels for articles. Eastwood High School junior Sophia Gutierrez highlights using AI for generating flashcards and quickly finding answers, noting that some teachers encourage exploring such apps for study purposes. However, Gutierrez also expresses a desire for clearer district policies, as the lack of explicit guidance makes it easy for students to over-rely on AI rather than using it as a learning aid, creating ambiguity about appropriate use. YISD has blocked ChatGPT on school computers, redirecting students to a school-accessible Securely AI chatbot. SISD has taken a proactive step by adopting a policy in November 2025 that permits AI use only with teacher permission, requiring students to do their own work and properly cite AI tools. The district is developing a handbook for teachers and students to provide basic AI information and guidance on policy adherence, with a board vote expected soon. Similarly, YISD is crafting a 'framework' for responsible AI use and a curriculum for direct student instruction, set to be presented to the school board in the coming months. Vandagriff underscores the necessity of AI education, stating that since students will inevitably use these tools, it is crucial to teach them responsible and ethical practices to ensure they contribute positively rather than fall into problematic usage habits.
For the past two years, YISD has integrated AI instruction into its digital citizenship courses, which students complete online at the start of each school year. These courses are tailored to be age-appropriate for all grade levels, covering fundamental AI concepts, how to identify AI, responsible usage, and critical awareness. Beyond AI, the curriculum also addresses broader digital literacy topics such as online safety, privacy protection, cyberbullying prevention, and media literacy, which includes distinguishing fact from opinion and recognizing misinformation and bias. This holistic approach aims to equip students with a foundational understanding of technology in the modern world. At SISD, the approach to AI literacy is integrated into overall digital literacy, treating AI as another technological tool. Instructional technology coordinator Miguel Moreno explains that teachers initiate discussions with students about appropriate AI use and responsible technology habits at the beginning of the academic year, reinforcing these routines throughout. Harmony Public Schools currently employs a similar method, addressing AI literacy as it arises in students’ learning experiences. However, starting in August, Harmony will implement a dedicated AI literacy class for all eighth-grade students. This new course will delve into responsible AI usage, potential harms from incorrect use, and the importance of critical thinking. Burak Yilmaz, Harmony’s director of instruction, emphasizes preventing students from using AI as a shortcut for cheating and instead encouraging them to remain 'primary thinkers' while engaging with AI both inside and outside of school. Kim Vandagriff, a teacher at Hanks Middle School, strongly advocates for AI education, recognizing its inevitability. She believes that providing students with proper guidance is essential: 'They’re going to figure out how to use it anyway. So either we can teach them how to be part of the solution, or we let them grow up and be part of the problem. And I would rather that they learn how to use it as a responsible citizen.' This sentiment reflects the growing understanding among educators that teaching AI literacy is crucial for preparing students for a future where artificial intelligence will be an integral part of their lives.