Episode 60
AI, Accountability, and the Big Education Shift Ahead
Brief description of the episode
Anna Edwards, Co-founder and Chief Advocacy Officer of Whiteboard Advisors discusses current trends and future directions in education policy and technology. She shares insights on federal education policy changes, state-level innovations in accountability measures, and the growing emphasis on career and technical education (CTE) through public-private partnerships. The conversation explores how AI is being integrated into K-12 education, both as a teaching tool and as a subject for student literacy, and the importance of data infrastructure in education technology.
Key Takeaways:
- There has been significant discussion about restructuring the Department of Education, with some programs potentially being run by other agencies.
- Student loan programs could be moved to the Department of Treasury, which is better equipped to manage financial transactions.
- The Office of Civil Rights might be overseen by the Department of Justice, which already addresses civil rights issues in education.
- The debate centers on reallocating specific programs and funding streams rather than eliminating the Department, which is unlikely without congressional approval.
- Structural changes are more likely, and these could lead to improved efficiency and outcomes for K-12 education by streamlining operations and aligning programs with the most capable agencies.
- Superintendents are primarily concerned about funding, especially after the expiration of ESSER funding, which had increased per-pupil spending by 20%.
- Rising inflation and education costs create uncertainty around how states will compensate for the loss of federal funding.
- Federal programs like Title I (for disadvantaged students) and IDEA (for students with special needs) are crucial, though funding is expected to remain stable, with hopes for increases in IDEA due to parent advocacy.
- Title I funding has bipartisan support, so major changes are unlikely, but other funding streams, like Title IV, could see adjustments to align with new priorities.
- Accountability systems may become more flexible at the state level, with states exploring new metrics to measure student outcomes while maintaining rigorous standards to prevent students from falling through the cracks.
- States are forming private-public partnerships involving both large companies and small businesses to offer apprenticeships and internships, providing high school students with essential work-based learning experiences.
- Technology platforms, such as Washington State’s School Links, help students assess their interests and connect them to local employers for career-focused learning opportunities.
- There’s a growing effort to ensure equal access to CTE programs across both rural and urban districts, making career preparation opportunities more equitable.
- Virtual CTE and apprenticeship programs are expanding, allowing K-12 and post-secondary students to participate in practical learning experiences at scale.
- CTE has gained prominence in state policy, with more than half of U.S. governors highlighting its importance in their state-of-the-state speeches, signaling a growing emphasis on integrating education with workforce development through technology.
- AI has been integrated into edtech for years, but the rise of tools like ChatGPT has pushed districts to establish policies around ethics, plagiarism, and acceptable use as students gain access to AI tools.
- Some districts are evolving by allowing AI tools, such as ChatGPT or Gemini, to assist in creating projects and reports, shifting towards more flexible student assessments.
- While some districts embrace AI to teach students real-world applications, others continue to restrict its use in assignments.
- Teachers view AI as a tool to improve efficiency and enhance the learning experience, using AI for content creation, assessments, and lesson planning to save time and increase engagement.
- AI tools like Merlin Mind are enhancing teaching, and providing teachers with a “classroom assistant” experience, and district policies will likely continue to evolve to keep pace with AI developments.
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