AI in Schools: From Bans to Balance

In August, Innovating with AI Magazine released survey findings that reveal what many educators already know: students are using AI—and they’re not waiting for schools to catch up.

According to their research, nearly 70% of students use large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT at least occasionally for schoolwork. Teachers estimate that about 30% of students use them regularly. Only a small fraction say they never use AI at all.

So what does this mean for schools and classrooms?
​It means the conversation can’t be about if students will use AI—they already are. Instead, the real challenge is figuring out how to guide and harness that use for learning.

Why Bans Aren’t Working

Early in 2023, many schools tried banning AI tools. But as the article points out, these bans didn’t last. Students are skilled at finding workarounds, and AI use quickly went underground.

One educator quoted in the article summed it up well:
“Kids are really good at finding the path… low friction or easy.”

Instead of eliminating AI, bans just made it harder to have honest conversations about when and how these tools should be used.

Redefining "Cheating"

The survey revealed how students are actually using AI:

• 85% to brainstorm ideas
• 63% to draft outlines
• 35% to generate full essays or assignments

This raises the question: where’s the line between “cheating” and legitimate support? Is using AI for grammar like using spellcheck? Is brainstorming with ChatGPT different from asking a friend for ideas?

Schools are beginning to redefine academic integrity in the AI era. The focus is shifting from punishing misuse to teaching responsible, transparent use.  Instead of punishing students for using AI, educators are asking: How did you use it? What decisions did you make along the way?

• If a student brainstorms with ChatGPT but then refines ideas with peers, that shows growth.
• If they use AI for grammar suggestions but revise based on teacher feedback, that demonstrates responsibility.
• If they can explain their process—even if AI was part of it—that’s authentic learning.

When the process carries more weight than the product, students are less tempted to misuse AI. Instead, they are guided to use it transparently, responsibly, and as part of their toolkit for deeper learning.

​Why the Final Product Matters Less

Traditionally, grades have been heavily weighted toward the final product—an essay, a project, or a presentation. But as the graphic illustrates, the final project is only 15% of the grade. This isn’t an accident; it’s a deliberate choice to value the entire learning journey.By assigning more weight to brainstorming, collaboration, revision, and creation, we acknowledge that deep learning doesn’t happen in a single moment of “turning it in.” It happens in the messy, iterative process where students generate ideas, share feedback, refine their work, and explore multiple tools and approaches.

​The Key Takeaway

“When we grade the process, we honor student thinking, growth, and creativity—not just the final result.”

More Trends in AI and Education

The case for AI in schools goes beyond banning or detecting it. Here are five trends shaping the conversation:

1. Responsible Integration
Like calculators in math, AI is becoming a standard tool. Teachers are designing assignments that allow AI for specific stages (brainstorming, outlining) while requiring original thinking in others (analysis, reflection, oral defense).

2. Ethical Guidelines
Clear, shared policies help distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate use. These guidelines also address equity, ensuring that AI doesn’t give secret advantages to some students while leaving others behind.

3. Teacher Training
Over half of educators report they want professional development on AI. Districts are starting to provide PD that mirrors blended learning approaches: modeling classroom use, encouraging safe experimentation, and boosting teacher confidence.

4. Assessment Redesign
The AI era is forcing schools to rethink traditional assessments. Many are exploring:

• Performance tasks and presentations
• Oral defenses of written work
• AI-inclusive assignments, where students reflect on how they used the tool

5. Student Agency
Ultimately, the goal is to empower students. AI can free up time for deeper thinking, creativity, and authentic learning. But students need coaching in digital citizenship: understanding bias, evaluating outputs, and using AI as a partner rather than a shortcut.

The Bottom Line

The data is clear:
​AI is here, and students are already using it. Schools can either chase bans and detection methods—or embrace the opportunity to redefine learning for the AI era.

By setting clear guidelines, redesigning assessments, and training both teachers and students, schools can move from fear to empowerment.

The future of education isn’t about fighting AI. It’s about preparing students to use it responsibly, ethically, and creatively—skills they’ll need well beyond the classroom.

Ready to Rethink Learning in the AI Era?

AI isn’t just changing how students learn—it’s reshaping how we teach, assess, and define academic integrity. Teachers deserve the tools and training to feel confident guiding students through this new landscape.

That’s why we offer AI in the Classroom professional development designed to:
✅ Help teachers model responsible, transparent AI use
✅ Provide ready-to-use strategies for grading the process, not just the product
✅ Equip educators with tools to save time while boosting student engagement
👉 Learn more about AI training for your school and join a growing community of educators preparing students for the future of learning.

References

• Egger, J. (2025, August 29). The case for using AI in school. Innovating with AI Magazine. Link
• UK Department for Education. (2025, June). Artificial intelligence in schools: Everything you need to know. Link
• Walton Family Foundation & Gallup. (2025). Teaching for Tomorrow: How Educators See AI Shaping the Future of Education.
• White House Executive Order (April 2025) mandates AI literacy, proactive educator training, and early exposure to AI for a “AI‑ready” future workforce