AI Is Everywhere!
(But Let’s Keep Our Secrets Secret)

It seems like every day there’s a new AI tool promising to revolutionize the IEC profession. From ChatGPT writing our reports to Claude helping to write this post, the digital revolution is in full swing. While these tools can be incredibly helpful for brainstorming ideas, drafting templates, and streamlining administrative tasks, we need to chat about the elephant in the room.

As we navigate this brave new world of artificial intelligence, it’s crucial that we remember our professional obligations, especially when it comes to confidentiality. Before you copy and paste that case note into your favorite AI writing assistant or upload a student’s application, please remember IECA’s Principles of Good Practice, which apply to all IECA members:

Section III. Relationships With Students And Families, Part C,i:
Members maintain confidentiality of records, notes and client information and disclose confidential information only with written consent and on a need-to-know basis.

Think of AI tools as that chatty neighbor who seems helpful but might accidentally share your business with the whole neighborhood. While these platforms can assist with general professional development, planning templates, and research summaries, they should never be fed confidential client information, student records, or sensitive case details.

If you are interested in one of the many companies popping up lately offering to collect and anonymize student data for summary purposes, please be sure you first secure specific written student/parent consent, and that you and the company are in compliance with all state, national, and international privacy laws that govern the handling of personal data (including but not limited to FERPA, GDPR, CPRA). When in doubt, consult an attorney.

Here are some AI-friendly ways to boost your productivity while keeping confidentiality intact:

• Use AI for creating general templates and frameworks
• Generate ideas for professional development topics
• Draft generic communication templates
• Research best practices and current trends
• Create training materials using hypothetical scenarios

Let’s embrace the future while honoring our past commitments to those we serve. After all, trust is still the one thing AI can’t replicate!

Stay innovative (and confidential).

By Belinda Wilkerson, EdD, IECA President