Comprehensive Resource Aids School Districts in Responsible Integration of Generative AI Technology

 

Washington, D.C. (October 11, 2023) – The Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) today jointly launched the K-12 Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) Readiness Checklist. The innovative resource empowers district leaders by providing them with a comprehensive list of factors to consider before implementing Gen AI solutions within their school districts. Supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the National Schools Public Relations Association (NSPRA), and the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), this initiative marks a significant step toward bridging the knowledge gap and ensuring the responsible integration of Gen AI technology.

Gen AI has the potential to revolutionize education, but its successful implementation requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. The K-12 Gen AI Readiness Checklist offers a curated list of questions to help district leaders devise implementation strategies across six core focus areas: Executive Leadership, Operations, Data, Technology, Security, and Risk Management. The resource focuses on ensuring that Gen AI solutions are free from bias or algorithmic discrimination, protect data privacy, and have a clear understanding of the sources of generated information.

“While there are numerous discussions surrounding the opportunities and challenges of Generative AI in K-12 education, practical guidance for educational leaders has been lacking,” said Keith R. Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “This breakthrough checklist serves as the foundation for practical action and lays the groundwork for further development as the field of Gen AI matures.”

“By simply blocking the use of Gen AI, districts are unintentionally widening the gap between those who have personal access to this tech outside of school and those who do not,” said Ray Hart, Executive Director of CGCS. “We know the future will include Gen AI in many forms and functions, and we have a responsibility to prepare students for that future. By creating this checklist, we hope to provide awareness and understanding among K-12 leaders of how they can safely implement Gen AI so every student can learn how to use this transformative technology.”

The K-12 Gen AI Readiness Checklist represents the first step taken by CGCS and CoSN to assist school districts in preparing for the adoption of this transformative technology. In the next phase of this initiative, CGCS and CoSN will expand upon the considerations outlined in the checklist to develop a comprehensive K-12 Gen AI Readiness Assessment rubric. This rubric will allow school districts to self-evaluate their Gen AI readiness maturity and pinpoint specific areas requiring further attention. 

“AWS is happy to support CoSN and CGCS in this very important work. Generative AI has the potential to transform education, enhancing the student, teacher, and family experience,” said Ann Marie Lehner, K12 Business Development & Strategy Leader at AWS. “Preparedness is key to unlocking the opportunities Generative AI can bring when it’s implemented responsibly and securely. This checklist is a tactical resource to help districts prepare their organizations for adoption of this transformative technology.”

“The K-12 Gen AI checklist gives district leaders a starting place and framework to tackle the opportunities and challenges Gen AI will bring to our schools,” said Evangelina Mendoza, Chief Information Technology Officer for the San Antonio Independent School District. “My team is already working through this list and has identified several readiness factors we had yet to consider as we create policies and procedures for the safe implementation of Gen AI across our district.”

To get help preparing your school district for the use of Gen AI, download the K-12 Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) Readiness Checklist. Read more about how to use the Checklist in Leveraging the K-12 Gen AI Readiness Checklist: A Guide for District Leadership.

About Council of the Great City Schools
The Council of the Great City Schools is the only national organization exclusively representing the needs of urban public schools. Composed of 78 large city school districts, its mission is to promote the cause of urban schools and to advocate for inner-city students through legislation, research and media relations. The organization also provides a network for school districts sharing common problems to exchange information, and to collectively address new challenges as they emerge to deliver the best possible education for urban youth. cgcs.org

About CoSN
CoSN is the premier professional association designed to meet the needs of K-12 EdTech leaders, their teams and other district leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community, best practices and advocacy tools to help edtech leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. CoSN.org

MEDIA CONTACT
For CGCS: Tonya Harris, tharris@cgcs.org
For CoSN: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com