OpenAI is partnering with the Boise School District to give educators upgraded access to AI chatbot ChatGPT.

The district plans to roll out “ChatGPT Edu” for its teachers in the spring semester. Boise joins more than 100 districts, charters and other K-12 organizations nationwide that have partnered with the company, according to OpenAI.

The agreement gives Boise teachers and administrators upgraded access to ChatGPT while tightening data privacy protections. In an August interview with Idaho EdNews, Boise Chief Technology Officer Ryan Gravette called the arrangement “one of the strongest data privacy agreements” he has seen from a partner.

Earlier this year, lawmakers had concerns about data privacy when they passed Senate Bill 1227, which instructs the Idaho Department of Education to develop a statewide framework for integrating generative AI into classrooms. Some teachers already use ChatGPT, which harvests data from user interactions if they use the free version.

Gravette — who previously worked at the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance, where he helped set up the same partnership — said he approached OpenAI to bring Boise into the program. He said teachers can use AI to reduce the time they spend doing clerical duties so they can focus on teaching students.

“What I think is important is that we’re taking a data-based approach around what really is the data showing,” Gravette said. “And let that guide the direction that the district is taking,” rather than the “emotional direction” of some community members.

“Their model was, ‘If everybody grows up using an Apple product, they will buy an Apple product when they’re an adult,'” Goodman said. Microsoft eventually became the dominant software provider in schools, showing how deeply those early technology choices can shape the market.

Gravette theorized OpenAI aims to become a leader in the education sector of tech, a space where Google has long been dominant.

AI in the classroom

AI integration for students has become a subject of frequent media attention.

As states and districts develop AI policies, some experts are raising concerns about how schools are using the technology — including for tasks such as replacing counselors or writing essays as examples for students.

Tech companies have said students should use AI to prepare for the workforce, where it’s already widely used. Goodman agrees, but Idaho teachers have struggled to find solutions when students use AI to cheat.

The Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, published a report in January outlining risks of AI use in schools.

“At this point in its trajectory, the risks of utilizing generative AI in children’s education overshadow its benefits,” the report summarized.

It’s nuanced, Goodman said. What helps high schoolers learn is not the same as what helps elementary schoolers learn. That’s why, he said, the Idaho Education Technology Association wants to push legislation to eliminate screen time for kindergarten through third grade in the coming legislative session.

Goodman serves on the Idaho Education Technology Association’s board as a communications coordinator.

The privacy agreement

The terms of OpenAI’s partnership with Boise and other districts prevent the company from sharing student data, with some exceptions:

• If it lacks identifying information
• If it’s subject to law enforcement or legal requests
• If the law requires it

Under the agreement, student data include student names, contact information, demographics or content generated by students.

“OpenAI will not sell student data to any third party,” the agreement says.

In the event of a data breach, OpenAI will notify districts “without undue delay” and provide details of the breach. The agreement gives districts responsibility for notifying students and their families.

If you have tips or questions about artificial intelligence in Idaho’s schools, send them to EdNews intern reporter Kaeden Lincoln at kaeden@idahoednews.org.