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. 

States should consider creating scoring rubrics for the questionnaires that would help determine recommendations regarding the level of help, assistance needed and specific actions steps going forward. 

Sample recommendations and potential next steps for states to support districts follow the questions.

District Planning

• Does the district have a strategic plan for AI integration?
• Does each school have a plan?
• How does AI fit into the district’s long-term plan and goals?
• What efforts are being made to involve parents, students and the community in discussions about AI integration?

Finance

• To minimize costs to local districts, has the state considered statewide purchasing for AI?
• Does the district have a budget allocated for AI integration, including training, tools and infrastructure?
• What funds will the district use to support its AI efforts?
• Is the district pursuing external funding sources such as grants or partnerships to support AI efforts?
• How will the district sustain its AI effort over time?

Governance

• Does the state have a model AI in education policy for districts to use?
• Does the district have policies in place governing the use of AI in schools?
• Does the district have any guidelines for the ethical use of AI, particularly concerning data privacy and student assessment?
• Does the district have an acceptable-use policy for AI?
• How are ethical concerns communicated and addressed within the district?

Access for All Students

• Does the district have sufficient computing devices available for both students and staff?
• Do the district and its students have access to high-speed broadband?
• Has the state examined the possibility of providing high speed broadband through other providers where access is problematic?
• Are there disparities in students’ access to technology? For example, do rural and low-income areas have access?
• What programs does the district have in place to ensure access to AI learning tools for all students?
• Is the district considering or using AI tools to support students with special needs?
• How is the district using AI to address the diverse learning needs of its students?
• Does the district have career pathways for students to engage in AI-related coursework or extracurricular activities?
• Has the district developed or adopted AI-related curricula?

Privacy and Security

• How has the state determined that districts and schools have sufficient plans in place to protect student privacy and data?
• Is the district equipped with secure servers and cloud storage for data management?
• How frequently does the district update hardware and software?
• Does the district have a data management system that can support AI?
• Does the district have clear data privacy policies in place?
• Does the district have a history of cybersecurity breaches? If so, what measures have been taken to address them?
• Is the district aware of state and federal privacy laws regarding AI use in education? How is the district ensuring compliance with these laws?

Professional Development and Support

• What percentage of teaching staff have received training in AI tools and technologies?
• Does the district have access to AI specialists or consultants?
• Are professional development opportunities in AI available to educators and administrators?
• Does the district have a technology team that can support the integration and maintenance of AI tools?
• Does the district have AI coaches or technology integration specialists?

Evaluation and Monitoring

• How will the district assess the effectiveness of AI tools and initiatives?
• What metrics will the district use to evaluate AI’s impact on student learning?
• How will the district use those metrics to improve teaching and learning?
• How is the district monitoring school AI efforts and needs?

Sample Support Actions

Steps for States to Support Districts Depending on Needs 

•    State recommends next steps for the district to address urgent gaps.
•    State helps the district develop a plan for staff training.
•    State helps the district determine investments needed for technology and data management systems.