At Penda Learning, our mission is to support high-quality science instruction and improve student outcomes through responsible and ethical use of technology. As part of this mission, we leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to streamline grading, provide accessibility tools and provide data-driven insights—while safeguarding student privacy, maintaining content integrity, and ensuring educator oversight at all times.
Purpose and Scope
This policy governs the use of AI tools and large language models (LLMs) within the Penda Learning platform and website. It is intended for all Penda customers—school districts, educators, and families—to understand how AI is used, the safeguards in place, and our guiding principles for responsible AI deployment.
Penda’s AI Approach
Penda Learning utilizes Large Language Model (LLM) resources, including those provided through corporate accounts with OpenAI and Anthropic, to power features such as automated grading support and instructional feedback.
Educators remain central in this process. All AI-supported features are designed to assist, not replace, teacher decision-making.
Core Principles Guiding Our AI Use
Student Safety and Content Integrity
All AI-supported grading and feedback rely on standards-based rubrics and sample answers crafted by Penda’s curriculum experts, along with content generated through AI. A points-based scoring structure has been created by Penda curriculum experts to ensure consistency and instructional rigor. District administrators have full control to enable or disable AI features.
Transparency and Educator Control
Teachers are provided a review window for AI-generated grading and feedback before it is visible to students. They can edit or override AI responses. AI grading and feedback tools are optional and can be turned off per activity or assignment.
Privacy and Data Security
Penda complies with FERPA, COPPA, and other data privacy laws. No personal student data is shared with external AI providers. AI tools are accessed only via secure, enterprise-level environments.
Human Oversight
Educators remain the primary decision-makers. AI tools are assistive, not autonomous.
Bias and Fairness Mitigation
AI responses are monitored for bias or inconsistency. Fair evaluation across diverse student groups is prioritized.
Continuous Improvement and Feedback Loop
Educator feedback informs the ongoing refinement of AI models. All updates are reviewed for alignment with standards.
Incident Management and Accountability
A clear escalation path exists for reporting issues. Penda’s AI governance team reviews and resolves all incidents.
Additional Best Practices in K–12 AI Governance
In line with national guidelines and ethical standards for AI in education, Penda also adheres to:
- - Age-appropriate design
- - Accessibility for diverse learners
- - Family transparency
- - Auditability of AI actions
Policy Review and Updates
This policy is reviewed on an annual basis and revised to reflect technological advances, regulatory updates, and educator feedback.
Contact Information
For questions or concerns about our use of AI, please contact: info@pendalearning.com
© 2025 Penda Learning. All rights reserved.