From Concept to Classroom: Launching an AI Discovery Team in Your District

Outline

1. Understand How to Create a Strategic Vision for AI Integration:
Attendees will learn to establish a clear "why" for AI implementation that aligns with their district’s mission and goals. This will help them lead the charge in AI adoption with a strategic plan rooted in educational priorities rather than technology for its own sake.

2. Gain Tools for Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
Participants will leave with strategies for effectively communicating with and engaging key stakeholders—administrators, teachers, parents, and community members. They'll understand the importance of buy-in from a diverse range of voices to ensure the successful integration of AI.

3. Learn How to Set and Align Success Metrics with District Goals:
Attendees will develop skills for setting measurable goals that reflect the district’s vision, focusing on student outcomes, teacher professional development, and equitable access to technology.

4. Explore Policies, Procedures, and Ethical AI Practices:
Participants will be guided through researching and establishing policies ensuring AI usage complies with district, state, and federal regulations. They’ll also gain insights into fostering digital citizenship and promoting ethical AI use for students and educators.

5. Discover Methods for Vetting AI Applications for Classroom Use:
Attendees will learn the criteria for evaluating AI tools to ensure they are effective, safe, and aligned with the educational needs of their students. This includes assessing tools for accessibility and inclusivity.

6. Develop a Plan for Professional Development:
Participants will take away strategies for designing professional development that empowers educators to integrate AI into their classrooms. This includes training sessions on building AI literacy, enhancing teaching practices, and fostering responsible AI usage.

Supporting research

1. "The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education" by Daniel Fitzpatrick, Amanda Fox, Brad Weinstein
This book discusses the transformative role of AI in education, offering insights into how educators can integrate AI tools and the importance of AI literacy among students and teachers.
2. "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations" by the U.S. Department of Education (2023)
This report outlines how AI can enhance teaching and learning while emphasizing ethical and equitable use in schools, aligning with the topics of responsible AI usage and policy-making.
3. ISTE AI in Education Resources – ISTE AI Explorations and Their Practical Use in Schools
A comprehensive resource from ISTE offering guides, case studies, and tools for educators and leaders exploring AI in education.
4. Artificial Intelligence Explorations for Educators- ISTE Course
5. Consortium for School Networking (COSN) K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool- We attended the COSN conference in 2024, listened to the AI expert panel, and attended sessions to collaborate with AI experts and district leaders.
6. Generative AI Summit at Vanderbilt University- a collaboration of experts and distinct leaders from across the nation.