Microsoft Copilot 13+ is an AI-powered conversational assistant developed by Microsoft. Like other generative AI platforms, it utilizes large language models (LLMs).

Designed for students aged 13 and older, Copilot 13+ reflects the reality that generative AI tools are increasingly present in students’ lives. Providing access within a protected school environment enables for consistency, safeguards and guidance, while keeping educators central to teaching, learning and student well‑being. 

Copilot 13+ offers a much more protective environment than other familiar generative AI platforms. It secures and encrypts data and never uses it for training. Copilot 13+ also filters out harmful content. 

The decision to introduce Copilot 13+ to secondary students aligns with VSB’s existing administrative procedures including AP 140: Acceptable Use of Technology, AP 251: Selection of Learning Resources and AP 350: Student Code of Conduct, which help guide how digital tools, including personal digital devices, are used in ways that support student learning and well‑being.

No. Copilot 13+ is available only to students aged 13 and older in secondary schools. Currently, Copilot 13+ is available to students in Grades 8-12 who are 13 and older. In subsequent years, it will be available to students in Grades 9-12, with Grade 8 students gaining access in second semester, after most Grade 8 students will have turned 13.

Copilot 13+ is being introduced to support secondary students build their digital literacy and prepare them for a world shaped by technology.
 

Students may already be using AI through search engines, social media and personal devices, often without clear guidance. VSB’s approach is to provide a structured, supervised environment where educators can teach students to use AI safely, critically and responsibly.

Copilot 13+ is used like any other learning tool: it supports learning when guided by educators and does not replace it.

Families have shared that preparing students for a technology‑rich future is important, and that schools play a key role in helping students use these tools responsibly.

The version of Copilot 13+ used by VSB operates within a secure, education-focused environment. Some features include:

• Student and staff data are protected. Prompts and responses are handled within VSB’s secure Microsoft school environment and are not shared publicly
• Harmful or inappropriate content is filtered out
• Input is not used to train AI models

These safeguards are key reasons why VSB chose Copilot 13+ instead of other available AI tools.

As outlined in the District Code of Conduct, students are expected to take increasing responsibility for their learning as they progress through school.

Educators use a range of assessment strategies, including in class work such as discussions, presentations and quizzes, to understand each student’s learning. They also teach students how to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly as part of digital literacy.

Learning remains grounded in critical thinking, reflection and human interaction. Copilot 13+ can support learning but it does not replace the role of educators or the importance of students developing their own ideas and understanding.

No. AI will not replace teachers in VSB classrooms.

Teaching is a relational, human profession. While AI can support some tasks, it does not replace educators or the social nature of learning.

Copilot 13+ supports learning—it does not replace the role of teachers and school staff.

Some examples of educator use of Copilot include:

• Assisting with lesson planning
• Adapting resources to meet diverse learning needs
• Generating ideas for classroom activities, sample assignments or questions

Some examples of students’ learning with AI and digital tools include:

• Protecting personal privacy when using AI
• Creating effective prompts to achieve desired results
• Using Copilot 13+ as a tutor or guide, to explain concepts deeply
• Fact-checking or researching
• Analyzing large data sets

VSB supports students in developing the judgement to use AI responsibly, ethically and with purpose.

Families play a critically important role in helping children develop safe and responsible technology habits. While schools provide guidance and structure during the school day, conversations and expectations at home help students solidify positive digital habits.

We encourage you to have open conversations at home about emerging technologies and set clear, age-appropriate expectations. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to support a balance between screen time and offline activities like reading, physical movement, creative pursuits and social activities.