AI Rec 5 Local Capacity Assessments

Overview

Assess Local Capacity and Needs
Policy recommendation 5, Commission on AI in Education

States should develop and conduct AI needs assessments across their states to determine the capacity of local districts, schools and postsecondary institutions to integrate AI successfully.

These should be designed to help states determine which institution, district or school needs state support, what type of support and at what level. 

The success of new policies and initiatives hinges on how effectively they are implemented. Decades of research strongly suggest that implementation success in education depends on factors such as leadership, planning, resources, context, knowledge, support and feedback. Taken together, these factors constitute local capacity. 

When local capacity is limited, implementation can be a struggle. As a result, the outcomes or goals intended by policies are less likely to be achieved. 

Decades of school reform research strongly suggest that failed implementation efforts tend to fuel resistance and even increase resistance to future changes, no matter how important they may be. Accordingly, states should pay special attention to the levels of local capacity across their states as they move to integrate AI into education settings.

Post

Supporting Local Capacity to Integrate AI

For schools, districts and institutions of higher education located outside urban and suburban settings, implementing new policies and programs can be quite a challenge. They may have limited financial resources, fewer qualified staff, limited access to high quality professional development, and older infrastructure that may not support AI. When institutions or districts lack capacity, vulnerable students ─ such as those with disabilities, English language learners, or students from low-income families ─ may not receive the benefit from new policies and existing gaps can be exacerbated.

Support from state policymakers and state education agencies can significantly influence the success of policy implementation. We know that when state leaders provide clear direction, guidance, training and resources they are more likely to succeed.

Model Questionnaires

This recommendation is accompanied by two model questionnaires SREB developed to help states get started determining capacity. The questions are intended to gauge critical pieces of the implementation puzzle such as technology infrastructure, staff capabilities, student needs and planning. Both include examples of recommendations and potential next steps.

K-12 model questions >
Postsecondary questions >

States should consider creating scoring rubrics for their questionnaires to help determine recommendations regarding the level of assistance needed and specific actions steps. 

Feedback and Evaluation

States and districts will also need mechanisms to monitor progress and evaluate implementation efforts. Feedback loops should be built into the front end of any new efforts so they can inform state leaders on how to adjust policy and practice as needed.

References

Post

K-12 AI Needs Assessment
A resource to help states assess local capacity

Determining Local School Capacity to Integrate AI 

The Commission on AI in Education’s recommendation on local capacity is accompanied by two model questionnaires. SREB staff developed these to help states develop assessments and begin determining the capacity of school districts or institutions of higher education. 

These questions are intended to gauge critical pieces of the K-12 implementation puzzle such as technology infrastructure, staff capabilities, student needs and planning. 

Post

Postecondary AI Needs Assessment
A resource to help states assess local capacity

Determining a Postsecondary Institution’s Capacity to Integrate AI 

The Commission on AI in Education’s recommendation on local capacity is accompanied by two model questionnaires. SREB staff developed these to help states develop assessments and begin determining the capacity of school districts or institutions of higher education.  

These questions are intended to gauge critical pieces of the K-12 implementation puzzle such as technology infrastructure, staff capabilities, student needs and planning.