R277-334. Classroom Technology and Artificial Intelligence Governance

R277.  Education, Administration.

R277-334.  Classroom Technology and Artificial Intelligence Governance.

R277-334-1.  Authority and Purpose.

          (1)  This rule is authorized by:

          (a)  Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3, which vests general control and supervision over public education in the Board;

          (b)  Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to make rules to execute the Board's duties and responsibilities under the Utah Constitution and state law;

          (c)  Section 53E-4-202, which requires the Board to incorporate artificial intelligence, digital literacy, media literacy, and technology standards into Utah core standards;

          (d)  Section 53G-7-228, which requires the Board to:

          (i)  create a model policy on balanced technology use in the classroom;

          (ii)  establish grade-level frameworks for instructional technology use;

          (iii)  adopt methods for evaluating instructional technology effectiveness; and

          (iv)  make rules to implement classroom technology requirements;

          (e)  Section 53G-7-229, which requires LEAs to establish resource plans for students with technology-related learning difficulties;

          (f)  Section 53G-7-1402, which requires the Board to:

          (i)  publish and maintain a model artificial intelligence use policy; and

          (ii)  establish standards for LEA compliance, policy submission, implementation, and educator training; and

          (g)  Section 53G-7-1403, which requires the Board to establish ethical use guidelines for AI sandbox courses.

          (2)  The purpose of this rule is to:

          (a)  establish statewide standards for balanced instructional technology use in Utah public schools;

          (b)  establish minimum standards for LEA instructional technology policies and artificial intelligence use policies;

          (c)  establish grade-level instructional technology requirements;

          (d)  establish educator training, parent transparency, and student protection requirements regarding instructional technology and artificial intelligence;

          (e)  establish standards for LEA monitoring, reporting, and compliance; and

          (f)  establish safeguards and ethical use standards for artificial intelligence sandbox courses.

 

R277-334-2.  Definitions.

          (1)  "Artificial intelligence" or "AI" means the same as that term is defined in Section 13-72-101.

          (2)  "Artificial intelligence sandbox course" or "AI sandbox course" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53G-7-1401.

          (3)  "Artificial intelligence tool" or "AI tool" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53G-7-1401.

          (4)  "Direct instruction" means educator-led instruction involving active supervision, interaction, guidance, facilitation, or instructional support provided by a licensed educator or designated educational personnel.

          (5)  "Generative artificial intelligence" means the same as that term is defined in Section 13-77-101.

          (6)  "High-stakes artificial intelligence interaction" means the same as that term is defined in Section 13-77-101.

          (7)  "High-stakes determination" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53G-7-1402.

          (8)  "Instructional technology" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53G-7-228.

          (9)  "Non-essential screen-time" means student screen exposure not directly connected to instructional objectives, direct instruction, supervised academic activities, or approved educational accommodations.

          (10)  "Screen-time" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53G-7-228.

          (11)  "Technology-related learning difficulty" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53G-7-229.

 

R277-334-3.  LEA Instructional Technology Standards.

          (1)  Before permitting the use of instructional technology in a classroom, an LEA shall ensure the instructional technology:

          (a)  is designed specifically for instructional use;

          (b)  supports identified instructional goals or learning outcomes;

          (c)  is supported by evidence, data, or demonstrated educational value appropriate to the grade level;

          (d)  is safe for a student's physical, cognitive, and emotional development;

          (e)  minimizes distraction, interference with instruction, or reduction in academic focus;

          (f)  complies with Title 53E, Chapter 9, Student Privacy and Data Protection;

          (g)  complies with Section 53G-10-103 regarding sensitive instructional materials;

          (h)  is intentionally integrated into instruction to enhance student learning outcomes

          (i)  is not used as a substitute for direct instruction; and

          (j)  complies with LEA student data governance procedures established under Title 53E, Chapter 9.

          (2)  An LEA shall establish procedures for the selection, deployment, monitoring, evaluation, and periodic review of instructional technology.

          (3)  An LEA shall maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with this section, including:

          (a)  approved instructional technology inventories;

          (b)  technology review procedures;

          (c)  evidence of instructional value or effectiveness;

          (d)  monitoring or evaluation records; and

          (e)  records of parent-facing instructional technology disclosures.

          (4)  An LEA shall minimize non-essential screen-time and prioritize purposeful instructional technology use directly connected to instructional goals.

          (5)  An LEA shall implement instructional technology filtering and access controls consistent with age-appropriate standards and student safety requirements.

 

R277-334-4.  Balanced Technology Use Policies.

          (1)  Before July 1, 2027, an LEA shall adopt:

          (a)  the Board's model policy on balanced technology use in the classroom; or

          (b)  a locally adopted policy meeting the requirements of Sections 53G-7-228, 53G-7-229, 53G-7-1402, and this rule.

          (2)  Before adopting a policy described in Subsection (1), an LEA governing board shall hold a public meeting that:

          (a)  allows for public comment; and

          (b)  complies with Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and Public Meetings Act.

          (3)  An LEA policy shall include:

          (a)  standards minimizing non-essential screen-time;

          (b)  standards for purposeful instructional technology use;

          (c)  procedures for monitoring compliance with the policy;

          (d)  parent transparency requirements;

          (e)  educator training requirements;

          (f)  a technology-related learning difficulty resource plan;

          (g)  an artificial intelligence use policy;

          (h)  grade-level instructional technology frameworks consistent with Section 53G-7-228; and

          (i)  procedures for periodic review and revision of instructional technology practices.

          (4)  An LEA shall provide parents access to:

          (a)  a list of digital tools and applications used in the student's classroom; and

          (b)  information regarding instructional technology monitoring and filtering systems.

          (5)  Upon request and consistent with applicable privacy and security laws, an LEA shall provide a parent access to the student's:

          (a)  school-issued device;

          (b)  account credentials; and

          (c)  browsing history.

          (6)  An LEA shall provide parents with:

          (a)  the option to receive alerts when a student attempts to access material flagged as sensitive material under Section 53G-10-103; and

          (b)  resources to support supervision of instructional technology use in the home.

          (7)  An LEA shall submit to the Superintendent:

          (a)  the LEA's finalized policy; and

          (b)  a statement confirming the LEA held the public meeting required in Subsection (2).

          (8)  If an LEA fails to adopt a policy in accordance with this section, the Board's model policy shall serve as the default policy for the LEA.

 

R277-334-5.  Grade-Level Instructional Technology Requirements.

          (1)  An LEA serving students in kindergarten through grade 3 shall:

          (a)  prohibit students from taking home school-owned instructional technology;

          (b)  prohibit required one-to-one device ratios;

          (c)  prohibit classroom screen-time except for:

          (i)  introduction of state kindergarten through grade 5 computer science standards; and

          (ii)  preparation for or administration of a standards assessment;

          (d)  emphasize hands-on, print-based, and developmentally appropriate learning activities; and

          (e)  prohibit homework requiring internet access or instructional technology.

          (2)  An LEA serving students in grades 4 through 6 shall:

          (a)  prohibit students from taking home school-owned instructional technology;

          (b)  prohibit required one-to-one device ratios;

          (c)  balance instructional technology use with teacher-led, print-based, and analog instruction;

          (d)  limit instructional technology use to supervised academic purposes;

          (e)  prohibit homework requiring internet access or instructional technology; and

          (f)  limit internet access through age-appropriate filtering systems.

          (3)  An LEA serving middle or junior high school students may allow a student to take home a school-issued device only with written parent opt-in consent.

          (4)  An LEA serving middle or junior high school students shall:

          (a)  balance instructional technology use with teacher-led, print-based, and analog instruction; and

          (b)  limit internet access through age-appropriate filtering systems.

          (5)  An LEA serving high school students may allow a student to take home instructional technology unless a parent opts out.

          (6)  An LEA serving high school students shall:

          (a)  balance instructional technology use with teacher-led, print-based, and analog instruction; and

          (b)  limit internet access through age-appropriate filtering systems.

          (7)  This section does not apply to:

          (a)  a course where instructional technology is integral to the subject matter of the course or specialty class;

          (b)  online district or charter school instruction;

          (c)  the Statewide Online Education Program created in Section 53F-4-502;

          (d)  instruction designed to meet state core technology standards;

          (e)  an AI sandbox course;

          (f)  a public school located within the boundaries of a tribal nation where the LEA is the internet service provider; or

          (g)  instructional technology use consistent with a student's IEP or Section 504 plan.

 

R277-334-6.  Artificial Intelligence Use Requirements.

          (1)  An LEA shall adopt an artificial intelligence use policy based on the Board's model artificial intelligence use policy.

          (2)  An LEA shall maintain an inventory of approved AI tools authorized for educator or student use.

          (3)  An LEA policy shall prohibit uses of AI tools that threaten student safety or wellbeing, including:

          (a)  biometric surveillance; or

          (b)  psychological profiling.

          (4)  An LEA shall require educators to:

          (a)  keep professional judgment and instructional responsibility when using AI tools;

          (b)  communicate assignment-specific expectations regarding AI use;

          (c)  use only approved AI tools;

          (d)  ensure student work reflects the student's knowledge, skill, and understanding; and

          (e)  refrain from using generative artificial intelligence to independently grade student work.

          (5)  An LEA shall prohibit student use of generative artificial intelligence for academic work unless authorized by an educator for a specific instructional purpose.

          (6)  An LEA shall ensure approved AI tools:

          (a)  meet developmental expectations for the grade level;

          (b)  align with digital literacy standards adopted under Section 53E-4-202, which requires the Board to incorporate artificial intelligence, digital literacy, media literacy, and technology standards into Utah core standards; and

          (c)  do not expose students to harmful, manipulative, or inappropriate content.

          (7)  When generative artificial intelligence is used for classroom instruction, assessment, or activities, an LEA or educator shall provide written parent notification that includes:

          (a)  notice of the intended use of generative artificial intelligence; and

          (b)  a link to the LEA metadata dictionary required under Section 53E-9-303.

          (8)  High-risk artificial intelligence interaction may not be used with students.

          (9)  An LEA shall provide parents with clear expectations regarding allowed and prohibited uses of AI tools in the classroom.

          (10)  An LEA shall submit an adopted AI use policy to the Superintendent for review and approval.

          (11)  An LEA shall review an AI use policy at least once every two years and update the policy as needed.

 

R277-334-7.  Professional Development and Training.

          (1)  An LEA shall provide training to educators and staff regarding:

          (a)  balanced instructional technology use requirements;

          (b)  instructional technology expectations and limitations;

          (c)  student privacy and data protection requirements under Title 53E, Chapter 9;

          (d)  approved AI tool use;

          (e)  educator responsibilities regarding AI use;

          (f)  digital citizenship and media literacy;

          (g)  academic integrity expectations; and

          (h)  age-appropriate instructional technology practices.

          (2)  An LEA shall provide training before implementation of a newly adopted or substantially revised policy required under this rule.

          (3)  An LEA shall maintain records documenting completed training.

          (4)  An LEA shall include in implementation planning procedures for monitoring staff compliance with instructional technology and AI use policies.

          (5)  The Superintendent may provide implementation guidance, technical assistance, or training resources to support LEA compliance with this rule.

 

R277-334-8.  Technology-Related Learning Difficulties.

          (1)  An LEA shall establish a resource plan for students demonstrating technology-related learning difficulties.

          (2)  An LEA may provide accommodations or supports including:

          (a)  printed instructional materials;

          (b)  alternative assignment formats;

          (c)  access to technology resource support;

          (d)  access to educational professionals with expertise in technology-related learning difficulties;

          (e)  project-based learning opportunities;

          (f)  book-based curriculum;

          (g)  verbal instruction; and

          (h)  additional time for technology-based assignments or assessments.

          (3)  An LEA shall maintain procedures for responding to and supporting students demonstrating technology-related learning difficulties.

          (4)  Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to:

          (a)  limit accommodations or services otherwise required under federal law, an individualized education program, or a Section 504 plan; or

          (b)  require an LEA or educator to diagnose a medical, psychological, or learning disorder.

 

R277-334-9.  Reporting, Monitoring, and Compliance.

          (1)  An LEA shall annually certify compliance with:

          (a)  Sections 53G-7-228, 53G-7-229, 53G-7-1402, and 53G-7-1403; and

          (b)  this rule.

          (2)  An LEA shall provide reports or documentation requested by the Superintendent regarding:

          (a)  policy implementation;

          (b)  educator training;

          (c)  instructional technology monitoring;

          (d)  approved AI tools;

          (e)  parent notification procedures;

          (f)  compliance activities; and

          (g)  implementation outcomes.

          (3)  The Superintendent may conduct monitoring or compliance reviews regarding implementation of this rule.

          (4)  If an LEA fails to comply with statutory or rule requirements, the Board may:

          (a)  require corrective action;

          (b)  require additional reporting;

          (c)  require additional training; or

          (d)  withhold or delay distribution of funds authorized under Section 53G-7-228.

          (5)  An LEA receiving state funds allocated for digital literacy, computer science, or educational technology programs under Section 53F-2-510 shall certify implementation of:

          (a)  a balanced technology use policy;

          (b)  a technology-related learning difficulty resource plan; and

          (c)  an artificial intelligence use policy consistent with Board requirements.

 

R277-334-10.  Artificial Intelligence Sandbox Courses.

          (1)  An LEA offering an AI sandbox course shall:

          (a)  limit the course to grades 9 through 12;

          (b)  limit course delivery to consistent with Board-approved career and technical education pathways;

          (c)  maintain secure and controlled digital environments that protect student privacy and safety;

          (d)  notify parents regarding the nature of the course;

          (e)  obtain written parent consent before student participation;

          (f)  ensure participation is voluntary; and

          (g)  ensure student use of artificial intelligence technologies occurs under educator supervision.

          (2)  An LEA shall ensure AI sandbox course activities comply with:

          (a)  federal student privacy laws;

          (b)  Title 53E, Chapter 9, Student Privacy and Data Protection;

          (c)  Section 53G-10-103; and

          (d)  Board ethical use guidelines.

          (3)  An LEA shall maintain documentation of parent notification and parent consent for students participating in an AI sandbox course.

          (4)  Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to authorize unrestricted student access to public generative artificial intelligence systems without educator supervision or LEA approval.

 

KEY:  technology, compliance

Date of Last Change:  October 8, 2026

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law:  53G-7-228; 53G-7-229; 53G-7-1401; 53G-7-1402; 53G-7-1403.

Status of Rule

Effective October 8, 2026

Five-year review October 8, 2031

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Related Utah Law

Public Education Statutes
None

Other Statutes
None

USBE Administrative Rules
R277-100, Definitions for USBE Rules

Related Federal Law

None

 

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Secondary Contact:
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