AI citizenship framework

Abstract

As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, K–12 schools face a pressing need to equip students with critical, ethical and functional AI competencies. This poster introduces the AI Citizenship Framework and its companion Growth Map (Scope and Sequence)—tools designed to support K–12 educators, particularly school library professionals, in leading this transformation. The AI Citizenship Framework presents a five-tiered progression—Awareness, Familiarity, Literacy, Critical Literacy and Citizenship—each aligned with practical skills development, real-world application and reflective assessment strategies. It equips learners with cognitive, behavioral, normative and transformative competencies. Together, the framework and growth map empower educators to create AI-integrated learning experiences that foster curiosity, critical thinking and ethical engagement. By positioning school library professionals as key facilitators of AI education, this approach highlights their evolving role in promoting digital literacy and information integrity. It also offers actionable strategies for embedding AI literacy into school library programs, ensuring alignment with curricular goals such as digital literacy and research skills, while upholding broader ethical standards. Ultimately, the framework aims to ensure that students become not merely passive users of AI technologies, but active, responsible and informed citizens in an increasingly AI-mediated world.