These questions were written to help create guidelines for the procurement, implementation and evaluation of artificial intelligence technologies in K-12 districts and institutions. These questions should help ensure that the AI tools purchased align with educational goals, comply with legal standards and promote ethical use. 

Questions for Districts and Postsecondary Institutions 

Does the AI product align with your education goals? 

Have you verified that the AI product in question supports ethical use?  

How do you know if your AI apps and tools guarantee fairness, transparency and accountability? 

Do your AI tools have scheduled bias audits? 

Have you established clear procedures for appeals processes related to AI-generated decisions? 

Does the AI product in question address educational or administrative challenges? 

Does this product support administrative efficiency? 

Does the AI product in question support your district’s or institution’s instructional goals? 

Does the AI product in question enhance accessibility and student learning outcomes? 

How does this AI product comply with privacy and security? 

How will the AI product in question promote transparency, accountability and responsible AI use? 

Have you received input from potential users of this AI product in your district or institution?  

Have you conducted a total cost of ownership analysis that includes licensing, maintenance, training and scalability? 

Have you conducted pilot programs before full-scale implementation? 

Have you provided ongoing professional development for educators using AI tools? 

Have you established a user feedback system to monitor AI effectiveness and usability? 

Are AI tools reviewed annually for compliance, effectiveness and ethical performance? 

Are adjustments to procurement strategies based on feedback, audits and emerging best practices? 

Have you formed an AI Advisory Committee that includes users and legal counsel? 

Have you publicly shared your procurement criteria and decision making processes? 

Have you incorporated exit strategies in contracts to address underperformance, security breaches or non-compliance? 

Do you require that vendors provide transition support if AI solutions are discontinued? 

Have you created a review cycle to adapt to technological advancements and regulatory changes? 

Questions for Vendors 

Do you ask vendors to disclose AI capabilities, limitations and data handling practices? 

Does your product meet FERPA, COPPA and ADA compliance standards? 

How will your AI tool integrate with our existing IT systems? 

Can you provide evidence of bias mitigation strategies and ethical AI development? 

Can you provide clear pricing models with no hidden costs? 

How do you determine that AI vendors are adhering to district cybersecurity policies? 

Do your contracts outline data ownership, retention and deletion policies? 

Do you require third-party security audits to assess vulnerabilities?