This session addresses a pressing challenge in today’s classrooms: how to ensure authentic student thinking and writing in the age of artificial intelligence. Rather than focusing on restricting AI use, this presentation demonstrates how teachers can intentionally design writing tasks that require critical thinking, originality, and student voice. Participants will explore practical, classroom-tested strategies for integrating AI tools as instructional supports rather than shortcuts. The session will highlight how educators can structure assignments that emphasize the writing process, reflection, and evidence of thinking, while still leveraging technology to enhance instruction and feedback. Tools such as AI-supported writing platforms and digital feedback systems will be demonstrated as examples of how technology can streamline assessment and support student growth without replacing authentic learning. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities where they evaluate and redesign writing prompts to reduce reliance on AI-generated responses and increase cognitive demand. Participants will leave with ready-to-use strategies, revised assignment templates, and practical approaches to strengthen student writing across grade levels and content areas.