Katy ISD is adapting its curriculum to handle the rise in technology and artificial intelligence.
What’s happening?
At a July 20 work study meeting, Sanée Bell, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, provided an update to the board of trustees on the technology Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS, implementation and the district’s AI framework
TEKS for technology applications are the state-approved guidelines for students kindergarten through eighth grade on how to responsibly and incrementally interact with technology that is student-centered, teacher-guided and future-ready.
Managing the impact
Bell said Katy ISD’s AI framework will go into effect in the 2026-27 school year and outlines how students come in contact with AI in and out of school.
“This is the current emerging technology of our time,” Bell said. “So it’s here, it’s in our students hands, they’re using it, it’s changing how people work, how they create [and] communicate.”
Katy ISD’s goal is to expose students to consistent, intentional AI use across all campuses, while not getting in the way of learning and teaching.
Bell said the framework has a “scaffolded access” for students based on the grade they are in with regulations, including:
- Grades kindergarten through sixth grades can use district-approved platforms like Amira Learning and Writable under teacher guidance, but can not use generated AI chat tools Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini.
- Seventh grade is allowed to use district-approved AI tools under teacher supervision, but can not use non-approved generative AI tools on school devices or networks.
- Eighth through 12th grades are permitted to use generative AI tools for specific educational purposes with teacher authorization, but they must follow district policies and cite AI when appropriate.
Before you goBell said an AI literacy course will launch in the next few weeks once teachers return from summer break.
For parents, the AI framework and approved tool list will be published on the district’s website. Parents also have the opportunity to join the district’s AI advisory committee.
