Getting Started and Going Further: Practical AI Steps for School Psychologists

As school psychologists, we're increasingly recognizing the value of AI in enhancing our professional practice. However, I frequently hear from colleagues who are new to AI that they don't know where to start, and even veteran users are often curious about exploring new and effective AI applications. I initially created this resource for use during professional development presentations, but believe that it would be beneficial to a wider audience of school psychologists who are seeking clear, actionable strategies for integrating AI ethically and effectively into their daily work. This guide offers practical steps tailored to your level of AI experience, ensuring you can confidently harness AI tools in a way that enhances your practice without compromising ethical standards.

Important Notice: Student information (even deidentified) should never be entered into AI tools that are not fully FERPA (or preferably HIPAA) compliant. Furthermore, you should obtain consent before doing so. Any AI tool used for student data must have robust security measures in place. I am not endorsing any specific AI platform—you must do your homework. For example in this example when I say “BastionGPT,” this could represent any LLM that you are certain is compliant with FERPA (or preferably HIPAA). Similarly, if I mention “ChatGPT,” similar tasks could likely be performed with Claude, Meta.ai, Gemini, Mistral, or other AI tools.

The link provided for BastionGPT on this blog is an affiliate link. While it grants you an extended free 30-day trial (compared to the standard 7-day trial), please note that I do receive a small commission on all sales generated through my unique affiliate link. If you prefer not to participate, you may instead use the regular BastionGPT link.

Cautions When Using AI

• Misinformation: AI can generate incorrect information (hallucinations). Always verify outputs with trusted sources.

• Overreliance on AI: AI should not replace professional judgment. Be cautious about depending too much on AI-generated content.

• Skill Degradation: Relying on AI for tasks such as report writing may lead to decreased expertise over time. Use AI to support, not replace, critical professional skills.

Actionable AI Steps by Experience Level

For Non-Users (Never Used AI Before)

1. Sign up for AI tools

   • Create an account with BastionGPT (or another secure AI platform). Always use this for handling any personal or sensitive information, even if names are removed.

   • Also sign up for a free account for one general LLM (ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude are my personal favorites) for non-sensitive tasks.

2. Ask AI to explain something complex in simple terms

   • In ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, type:

     • "Explain executive functioning to a parent in several sentences."

   • Why: Demonstrates AI’s ability to simplify complex concepts for clearer communication.

3. Use AI to generate a simple to-do list

   • In ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, ask:

     • "Help me create a checklist for preparing for a meeting."

   • Why: AI can help with organization, making responsibilities easier to manage.

4. Know when to use BastionGPT (or other secure LLM) instead of other AI tools

   • If any personal information is involved, even if names are removed, always use BastionGPT.

   • Writing or softening an email to a parent? Always use BastionGPT.

   • Summarizing a research article? A general AI tool is fine.

For Novices (Used AI a Few Times, But Not Regularly)

1. Use AI to assist with a work-related task

   • In BastionGPT, upload a student assessment and ask:

     • "Summarize the key concerns and generate recommendations."

   • In BastionGPT, ask:

     • "Draft a letter to a parent explaining an upcoming school evaluation."

   • Why: AI can help streamline communication while allowing professionals to focus on student support.

2. Use AI for summarizing meeting notes

   • Upload a meeting transcript or long email thread to BastionGPT and ask:

     • "Summarize this email thread and highlight only the key points relevant to me."

   • Why: Helps process large amounts of information quickly.

3. Generate bullet points for pediatricians

   • In BastionGPT, ask:

     • "Summarize ADHD assessment findings into concise bullet points for a pediatrician."

   • Why: AI can help tailor reports for different audiences, making them clearer and more actionable.

For Intermediates (Use AI Occasionally, Not Fully Integrated)

1. Synthesize a long research article

   • Upload a journal article, state guideline document, etc., to NotebookLM and ask:

     • "Summarize the key ideas and their implications for school psychologists."

   • Why: NotebookLM can distill dense research into actionable insights, allowing you to verify accuracy or listen on-the-go via podcast.

2. Generate student recommendations

   • In BastionGPT, upload an assessment report and ask:

     • "Generate tailored intervention ideas based on these data."

   • Never use general tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) for sensitive student data.

   • Why: Ensures data privacy and compliance.

3. Create PowerPoint materials with AI

   • Step 1: Use DeepResearch in ChatGPT or Gemini to gather key insights on a topic.

   • Step 2: Use ChatGPT or Claude to generate slide content by asking: "Create an outline and speaker notes for a PowerPoint presentation on trauma-informed care in schools." Note: As of 3/14/2025, only Gemini offers this on its free plan.

   • Why: AI streamlines content creation, significantly enhancing efficiency.

For Pros (Regular AI Users)

1. Conduct an AI bias test

   • In BastionGPT, ask:

     • "Create a mock report of a student from an upper-middle-class white family with ADHD."

     • "Create a mock report of a student from a low-income migrant family."

   • Why: Helps uncover bias in AI-generated responses and understand risks in automated assessments.

2. Use AI to analyze school-wide data

   • Upload anonymized student performance data to BastionGPT and ask:

     • "Identify trends that might indicate systemic learning gaps."

   • Why: Supports data-driven decision-making in school psychology.

3. Refine AI-generated reports with incremental prompting

   • In BastionGPT, input a draft report and ask:

     • "Rewrite this summary in a more parent-friendly tone." Follow up with: "Make it even simpler, at a 6th-grade reading level."

   • Why: Shows how AI can adjust outputs based on refinement requests, making materials more accessible.

4. Create a professional development plan using AI

   • In ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, ask:

     • "Create a six-month professional development plan for a school psychologist wanting to stay updated on AI ethics and best practices."

   • Why: Ensures ongoing learning and adaptation to AI advancements.

Final Reminders for Everyone

• Use BastionGPT (or compliant AI) for any student/parent data (even if deidentified).

• Always verify AI-generated information.

• AI is a tool, not a replacement for professional judgment.

• Begin with low-risk tasks to build confidence.

• Set practical AI goals, like integrating AI weekly.

By thoughtfully incorporating AI, you empower yourself to enhance your effectiveness while maintaining high ethical standards.