AI

Vision 

We believe AI can be a powerful tool when used ethically to supplement, not replace, human intellect. AI should never undermine the development of critical thinking, self-direction, and social-emotional skills that are central to our mission to “create a safe, inclusive environment that empowers all learners through innovative teaching and learning.” With proper safeguards and policies, AI can help us achieve key district goals to provide opportunities for personalized learning through the use of emerging technology and support all six components of our Vision of a Graduate.


 

AI Resource Links

(Developed by Bob Tivnan)

Image generated using the prompt” diverse student group learning with AI” by Adobe Firefly

Executive Summary

In alignment with our commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment, the AI Steering Committee outlines key recommendations for the ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Our vision seeks to uphold critical thinking, self-direction, and social-emotional skills. Proposed measures include revising technology policy, modernizing handbooks, and providing ongoing professional development opportunities for staff.  We advocate for the creation of an AI Scholars program, incentivizing early adopters and exploring partnerships for hands-on experiences. These initiatives, spanning policy, professional development, and student engagement, aim to leverage AI as a tool for personalized and innovative learning while ensuring responsible and ethical use within Holliston Public Schools.

Teaching, Learning, and PD (Professional Development)

2023-2024 school year recommendations

  • Designate a half day of professional development focused on helping teachers become more informed about AI advancements in education. Offer breakout sessions where teachers can choose between a variety of AI tools that streamline teaching tasks and promote critical, original and equitable student learning experiences. PD should allow time for reflection and discussion about risks and opportunities presented by AI innovations.

  • Develop an Innovation Pathway for AI at the high school level.

  • Empower teachers to take risks that aim to enhance teaching and learning with AI. 

  • Identify teachers who already are or want to become early adopters of AI in each school. Incentivize early adopter participation to evaluate and share AI innovations with their colleagues.

  • Compile a list of currently available AI technologies accessible to teachers and students which do not require additional purchases.

  • Provide the early adopter teachers with in-school opportunities to collaborate in the development of best practices for using AI in all aspects of teacher work.

  • Establish an AI scholars program for high school and middle school students who will become skillful in AI technologies which promote learning in all subjects. The AI scholars and the early adopter teacher group will work together to plan and implement responsible AI practices in the classroom.

  • Create a teacher stipend position at each school to advise AI student scholars and facilitate the early adopter teacher group.

Teaching, Learning, and PD (Professional Development)

2024-2025 school year considerations

  • Consider a keynote speaker for professional development 

  • Ensure the continued operation of the AI Steering Committee to revise and update recommendations as AI technologies evolve.
  • ​​​​​​​Rethink technology spending to include AI-assisted technologies which promote enhanced teaching and learning.

  • Expand the AI Scholars program to include primary grade students (e.g. AI All-stars)

  • Use teacher, student and parent feedback related to AI to inform future technology purchases.

  • Explore grants and other funding to support staffing needs for ongoing AI development.

  • Redefine the role of a Technology Integration Specialist to support and coordinate future AI initiatives.

  • Explore partnerships with universities to encourage projects for undergraduates and graduate students to support ongoing and future AI initiatives.

  • Explore high school internship opportunities with local businesses to promote hands-on experience with innovations in AI.

Data Privacy & Governance

 

  • Update student handbooks to modernize cheating and plagiarism procedures

Steering Committee Members

Name Stakeholder Group Subcommittee Group
Xuanye (Joshua) Zhang Student Policy & Data Governance
Owen J Griffin Student Teaching. Learning, & PD
Julia Elyse Sangil Student Teaching. Learning, & PD
Sohan Javali Student Policy & Data Governance
     
Urooj Zaman Staff Teaching. Learning, & PD
Tom Levesque Staff Teaching. Learning, & PD
JodiRene Harrington Staff Policy & Data Governance
Allie Curley Staff Teaching. Learning, & PD
     
Jesse Conant Staff & Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Teaching. Learning, & PD
Bob Tivnan Staff & Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Teaching. Learning, & PD
     
Nat Vaughn Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Teaching. Learning, & PD
Christos Matskas Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Teaching. Learning, & PD
Masha Hoffey Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Teaching. Learning, & PD
Chris Amato Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Teaching. Learning, & PD
Shamus Patry Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Teaching. Learning, & PD
Matthew Leach Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Policy & Data Governance
Tahsin Shamma Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Policy & Data Governance
Grant Gannaway Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Teaching. Learning, & PD
Karen Kilgore Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Policy & Data Governance
Chris Portal Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Teaching. Learning, & PD
Dan MacLeod Staff & Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Policy & Data Governance

AI Steering Committee Meeting Agendas