The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is reshaping industries worldwide, and education is no exception. It’s a time of exciting possibilities, but also understandable apprehension. Since the launch of generative AI tools like ChatGPT two years ago, schools have been on a journey to balance the opportunities and risks presented by these technologies. As the Los Angeles County superintendent of schools, I’ve witnessed firsthand the innovative ways districts are integrating AI while addressing the accompanying challenges.

Generative artificial intelligence is a tool that can revolutionize how we teach and learn. From automating routine tasks to providing personalized learning experiences, AI offers immense potential to enhance the educational process. By understanding AI, educators can leverage its power to create more engaging and effective classrooms.

Over the past two years, the Los Angeles County Office of Education has been collaborating with local school districts to effectively integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms. Some of the districts offer bright spots and experiences others can learn from.

Lynwood Unified School District Inspired by the rapid advancements and widespread impact of AI, the Lynwood Unified School District formed an AI Task Force in November 2023 to develop a responsible AI strategy. LUSD’s Task Force has created a comprehensive policy outlining permitted and prohibited AI uses, responsibilities and consequences. The district emphasizes the importance of understanding AI systems and has focused on providing professional development and establishing protocols for addressing AI-related incidents. The district plans to incorporate AI into core operations and create a culture of innovation.

Torrance Unified School District Torrance Unified School District is leading the way in AI integration by providing extensive teacher training and gathering student and teacher feedback. The district is investing in professional development opportunities, including paid workshops, webinars and an AI exploration program, to equip educators with the tools to effectively use AI in the classroom. TUSD’s focus on equitable access, student readiness, and data-driven decision-making positions the district as a pioneer in leveraging AI to enhance teaching and learning.

El Segundo Unified School District The El Segundo Unified School District has conducted extensive community outreach to gather input on AI, ensuring the policy aligns with diverse perspectives and reflects the needs and values of its community. The district is committed to using AI ethically and safely, prioritizing student data protection and accountability. ESUSD is working collaboratively with stakeholders to create a robust AI policy that addresses potential challenges and benefits. The district is actively participating in national AI initiatives to stay informed about best practices and emerging trend.

LACOE AI Guidelines Recognizing that smaller districts may lack the personnel to dedicate to researching and planning for AI, LACOE developed comprehensive AI guidelines that aim to assist in streamlining the process for all 80 districts under its purview. The framework, developed with input from over 40 stakeholders including students, teachers, and administrators, nonprofit organizations, colleges and philanthropic partners, offers guidance on various aspects of AI implementation.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of addressing data privacy throughout implementing AI in schools. It recommends establishing clear data policies and standards encompassing data quality, retention, archiving, and disposal, and ensuring their communication to all stakeholders. The guidelines highlight transparency as a key factor during the vendor vetting process, advocating for vendors to openly explain their AI models’ decision-making processes and incorporate mechanisms for human oversight, particularly in critical situations.

Below are highlights of best practices, strategies, resources and considerations from the guidelines for integrating AI into schools.

Comprehensive AI policies: Districts are developing robust AI policies that prioritize ethical use, data privacy, and equity. These guidelines ensure responsible AI implementation while safeguarding student information. Dedicated task forces: AI task forces, comprised of educators, administrators, staff, parents and students, are driving AI initiatives. These teams research tools, develop policies, and address ethical concerns. Needs assessments: Conducting surveys and assessments helps districts understand the AI landscape within their communities, informing targeted training and resource allocation.

Expanding access and equity. . Equitable AI implementation: Districts are committed to bridging the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to AI tools. Teacher training: Investing in professional development empowers teachers to effectively integrate AI into their classrooms. Community engagement: Involving parents, students, and the community fosters transparency and addresses concerns. Ethical considerations and student preparation

Ethical framework: Districts are developing guidelines to address ethical challenges posed by AI, such as vendor transparency and AI incident response.

Student AI literacy: Equipping students with AI literacy skills is essential for responsible use and critical thinking. Policy updates: Schools are updating acceptable use policies to accommodate AI, including obtaining parental consent and outlining guidelines for student use.

Implementation and evaluation Pilot programs: Testing AI tools in controlled environments provides valuable insights for broader implementation. Continuous monitoring: Regular evaluation of AI programs ensures alignment with educational goals and addresses emerging challenges.

Even though it’s been two years since groundbreaking tools like ChatGPT emerged, I understand the concept of AI might still seem daunting or even intimidating for some educators and administrators. In 2024, LACOE partnered with nonprofit Project Tomorrow’s Speak Up Research Initiative and Arizona State University’s Learning Transformation Studios to survey education staff on their attitudes and beliefs towards AI. The survey revealed a generally low level of familiarity and understanding of generative AI among educators. Despite that, educators are using AI tools for tasks such as creating new content, getting feedback on content, supporting parent communications, processing information, supporting student learning and personalizing professional learning.

I know that learning new technologies can be challenging, and there may be concerns about how AI will impact traditional teaching methods. As school leaders, we must provide the support and resources needed to help educators and staff navigate this evolving landscape. We must invest in professional development opportunities to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to confidently integrate AI into their classrooms. Understanding and embracing this technology is crucial for educators to effectively prepare our students for the future. Our students are living and working in a world increasingly shaped by AI. They will need to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators who can harness the power of AI ethically and responsibly. By becoming AI-literate, educators can equip students with the skills they need to thrive in this new era.

Whether your school has already embraced AI or is just beginning to explore its potential, now is the time to accelerate your efforts.

For those who have yet to integrate AI, I encourage you to start small, focusing on low-stakes applications and gradually expanding your initiatives. Remember, the key is to provide comprehensive training for your educators and establish clear guidelines for AI use. If your school has already implemented AI policies, it’s time to deepen your integration, prioritize equity, and foster AI literacy among students and staff. Continuous evaluation and refinement of your AI strategies are essential.

It’s imperative that we, as school leaders, position our institutions at the forefront of this transformation. Together, we can harness the power of AI to create a brighter future for our students.

Debra Duardo is the Los Angeles County superintendent of schools. She leads the nation’s largest regional education agency, which oversees 80 K-12 school districts that serve nearly 1.3 million students across the country’s most populous and diverse county.