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Artificial intelligence (AI) in education began in the 1950s with simple programs focused on playing checkers and natural language processing for medical prescriptions. In the ‘90s, it made a big jump with machine learning. In 2011, the world was introduced to Siri and generative adversarial networks (GANs) appeared in 2014.

By 2015, AI integration into search engines and educational tools became ubiquitous with the next leap coming in 2022 with ChatGPT, which is fueling applications in areas like intelligent tutoring systems, automated essay scoring, assistance with coding, and more.

With generative AI rapidly impacting every sector of society, K-12 school districts need to not only embrace the technology, but also create policy and practical implementation guidelines on its use. Educational leaders and AI enthusiasts Dr. Kecia Ray and Superintendent Jerry Almendarez shared insights into policy and practice during the edLeader Panel “Get Future Ready with AI: A Roadmap for District Leaders.”

New Technology, New Policies

As with any new technology, there are always risks and rewards. Educators at all levels are currently seeking policy guidance on how to implement generative AI tools—from district-level operational needs to instructional solutions in the classroom.

In May of 2023, the U.S. Department of Education released Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning as guidance about the opportunities and risks in AI for education. In the recently released National Educational Technology Plan, there is a strong emphasis on the need for collaboration among educators, researchers, and developers to craft effective policies at the state and local levels.

Several states, including California, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington, have issued official guidance on AI in the classroom, with many states scheduled to release guidance in the coming months. These state-level policies focus on identifying necessary skills for educators and students as well as providing resources for AI utilization and development.

In addition, the following resources have been created by several education organizations to provide guidance to districts:

• K-12 Generative AI Readiness Checklist, developed by CoSN and CGCS
• Teach AI, developed by CoSN, ISTE, CGCS and AASA
• AI Policy Guidance for Schools, developed by PACE at Stanford University

From Policy to Practice

Even though policy may not yet be clearly established, many early adopters are beginning to leverage generative AI for instructional and operational purposes. In the Santa Ana Unified School District in California, Superintendent Almendarez has encouraged his administrators and teachers to experiment with AI. He started the process by experimenting with ChatGPT to see if the information it provided aligned with the district’s graduate profile initiative.

He and his cabinet members were surprisingly impressed by its accuracy. This prompted them to introduce the platform to various internal stakeholders—school principals, instructional leadership teams, coaches, and classroom teachers—to gauge their interest and encourage experimentation of potential applications.

While some were skeptical, the district had many early adopters who experienced the immediate promise of the technology. For instance, one teacher developed an inventory checklist for instruments that produced results in minutes, something that would have previously taken two to three days.

Recognizing the need and the promise of generative AI, Almendarez formed an AI advisory council to address concerns, identify opportunities, and develop guidance for AI usage in the district. Rather than reinvent the wheel, the district used its existing acceptable use policy to guide its process.

Additionally, the district created community engagement efforts to educate and involve parents in the conversation about the ethical and moral uses of AI as well as how it could help them help their kids with homework.

Even though Santa Ana is at the forefront of generative AI implementation, Almendarez underscored the importance of staying informed about this evolving technology as district leaders will need to be flexible as they work to anticipate future trends and prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Get Future Ready with AI: A Roadmap for District Leaders, sponsored by Writable.

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Article by Ginny Kirkland, based on this edLeader Panel