San Rafael schools to create AI advisory panel

San Rafael City Schools in California is establishing an artificial intelligence committee to develop recommendations for implementing AI technology in educational settings, marking a significant step in addressing the growing influence of AI in education.

Committee Formation and Structure: The district’s technology director, Christy Novack, is leading the initiative to create a diverse panel of 12 to 15 members including parents, staff, and students to guide AI implementation in schools.

• The committee will conduct four online meetings between January and May 2024, each session running from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Student participation is being emphasized as a crucial component of the committee’s composition
• Applications for committee membership are being accepted through an online portal

Current AI Implementation Status: The district maintains a controlled approach to AI technology access while planning for broader integration.

• Only teachers and staff currently have access to the district’s ChatGPT and Google Gemini AI programs
• Google’s AI tools are restricted to the district’s domain server, limiting student and public access
• Students may independently access publicly available AI tools like ChatGPT outside of school

Key Focus Areas: The committee will address several critical aspects of AI integration in education.

• Development of safety and ethics guidelines for AI usage
• Exploration of ways to enhance staff efficiency and productivity through AI tools
• Implementation of strategies to prevent bias and misinformation
• Determination of appropriate timing and methods for introducing AI tools in classroom instruction

Leadership and Expertise: The district is leveraging internal and external expertise to guide its AI initiative.

• Technology Director Christy Novack has already conducted AI presentations across district schools
• Digital literacy coaches are being involved in establishing guidelines and implementation strategies
• The initiative is connected to broader countywide AI efforts through collaboration with the Marin County Office of Education

Looking Ahead: The integration of AI in San Rafael schools represents a broader educational transformation focused on preparing students for a technology-driven future.

• The initiative aims to balance innovation with responsible technology use
• Board members are seeking detailed parameters for implementation while expressing enthusiasm for the exploration
• The focus extends beyond mere technology instruction to developing crucial computational thinking skills

Future Impact Analysis: As schools nationwide grapple with AI integration, San Rafael’s structured approach to developing AI guidelines through community involvement could serve as a model for other districts, though success will depend on careful implementation and continuous evaluation of educational outcomes.