District Leaders Pave the Way for AI Integration in Education

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping the landscape of education, district leaders are increasingly faced with the task of preparing teachers, students, and parents for an AI-driven world. The Lower Hudson Regional Information Center’s (LHRIC) Instructional Technology Department recently provided a platform for educational leaders to navigate these key issues.

The workgroup session, titled "Embracing A.I. In Your District: Developing Your District Beliefs, Vision, and Practices," was held at the LHRIC’s Harrison campus and explored how AI can enhance teaching and learning experiences while addressing potential risks related to privacy, ethics, and bias.

Dr. Tara Nattrass, Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ISTE and ASCD, led the professional learning experience. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Chief Education Innovation Strategist at Dell Technologies and more than two decades of service in various teaching and leadership roles in school districts, making her the perfect choice to discuss the critical intersection of AI and education.

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Throughout the session, Dr. Nattrass emphasized the critical need for district leaders to establish clear policies regarding AI.

"Deciding on guiding principles and determining an approach to addressing development and guidance is paramount,” she remarked. “Without proper guidance, teachers and students can be exposed to potential policy conflicts, privacy violations, inconsistent disciplinary consequences, and counterproductive AI adoption practices."

When looking at AI’s potential for teachers, Dr. Nattrass said there are multiple buckets to consider, specifically curriculum and content development.

“There are opportunities for teachers to use these tools to create lessons, but how do we support them in using them in a way that makes sense and meets the needs of our students?” she asked.

Jen Mazza, Coordinator of Science, Technology and Engineering at Clarkstown Central School District, said the event has shed light on the incredible possibilities AI presents for her students.

“It's beneficial to have our district leaders and teachers come together to discover how we can integrate AI effectively into the curriculum,” said Ms. Mazza. “It will maximize what we can all do within our own schools.”

Ms. Mazza said she is looking forward to future collaborations with educators across the region and plans to attend additional professional learning sessions through the LHRIC and BOCES.

As district leaders across the region continue to explore the potential of AI in education, this professional learning session served as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, ensuring that teachers, students, and parents are well-prepared for the AI-driven future. 

Download information on upcoming AI Workgroup events.

For those interested, view the recently published AI Toolkit from Teach AI.