Springfield Public Schools Introduces First AI Handbook for Classroom Use
Springfield Public Schools (SPS) in Missouri has released its inaugural artificial intelligence (AI) handbook, a 36-page guide designed to provide students and staff with clear instructions on the appropriate and safe use of AI in educational settings. Rather than banning AI tools, the district aims to integrate them as supportive resources. Bruce Douglas, SPS chief information officer, stated that the handbook's primary goal is to offer clarity on when and how to use AI effectively within the educational environment. The guide outlines SPS's AI literacy framework, which is built upon four pillars emphasizing AI as a supplementary tool while prioritizing human judgment and safety. Dr. Lloyd Smith, a computer science professor at Missouri State University, supports this initiative, noting the importance of students learning to use AI for their future careers, while also stressing that AI should not replace critical thinking. 
