AI Literacy &

Professional Development

Understanding how Artificial Intelligence (AI) impacts our classrooms and the world is crucial for both teachers and students. In the Sun Prairie Area School District, we are dedicated to helping everyone learn about AI and how to use it effectively and ethically. To achieve this, we plan to focus on three main areas: common definitions, awareness of bias, and the ethical use of AI. We aim to ensure everyone knows what AI and ethics mean, with ethics involving principles of right and wrong that guide our use of technology. We will emphasize the importance of recognizing bias in AI, which can lead to unfair treatment of certain groups, and teach how to address this issue. We also plan to focus on teaching responsible AI use, understanding both the positive and negative effects AI can have, and ensuring that it is used in ways that are fair and just.

We intend to provide professional learning opportunities for teachers to understand how AI works and how it can be used in classrooms. We will include AI education in the curriculum so that both students and teachers understand how AI functions and its broader effects. We will pair approved resources with training sessions to give teachers the skills they need to use AI effectively in their teaching. Throughout the year, we plan to offer regular training opportunities to help teachers improve their knowledge of ethical and effective AI use in education. These efforts will cover all grade levels, from introducing AI concepts in elementary school to offering elective courses in middle and high schools. By providing ongoing professional development, we aim to build a community of educators who are skilled in using AI to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for the future.

Professional Development Training Plan

In the fall of 2024, SPASD will provide online professional development for all staff members. This training will give everyone a basic understanding of AI (Artificial Intelligence), helping them learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to use AI effectively in our schools. The training will also cover strategies for incorporating AI into teaching, highlighting its practical uses and educational importance. By completing this training, our staff will be well-prepared to support the transformative power of AI.

Key components of the training will include:

Understanding AI Fundamentals: Staff will learn the basics of AI, including how it works and its key concepts like machine learning and neural networks. Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, they will gain a solid understanding of AI technologies and how they can impact our work.
Integrating AI in Practice: The training will cover practical ways to use AI tools in daily activities, making tasks more efficient and accurate. Staff will learn how AI can help with administrative tasks and decision-making, improving our overall workflows.
AI Literacy in Education: Recognizing the importance of AI knowledge in today’s world, the training will focus on how to teach students about AI. Staff will learn how to create engaging lessons, lead meaningful discussions, and help students understand the ethical and societal implications of AI.
Modeling AI with Students: Building on the foundational knowledge, staff will explore ways to demonstrate AI concepts and applications to students. Through collaborative projects, real-world simulations, and interactive demonstrations, educators will inspire curiosity and critical thinking skills in their students, preparing them for an AI-driven future.
Collaborative AI Initiatives: The training will emphasize working together on AI projects within the school district. Staff will be encouraged to explore interdisciplinary projects, share best practices, and use AI technologies to address complex challenges collectively.

To ensure our staff is ready and confident, the training will include assessments to measure understanding and readiness. Additionally, ongoing training and updates will be provided throughout the year to keep everyone informed about the latest AI developments and best practices. We will also collaborate with our special education department to teach teachers and students how to use AI for various accommodations, such as speech-to-text for students with writing difficulties, predictive text for those with communication challenges, and personalized learning plans for diverse learning needs. By ensuring AI tools are accessible and tailored to meet these various learning needs, we aim to provide all students with the benefits of this technology.

Scope & Sequence for K-12 AI Literacy

This scope and sequence is our aspirational goal and it's not set in stone. What we do know about AI is that it is changing and advancing by the minute. There will be a constant review of what we need our students to know to be literate in this new AI world.

Grades K-5:

During library time, integrated into the coding unit, students will begin to learn about the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI). They will explore foundational concepts such as algorithms and understand what machine learning is. We will also focus on teaching them to use AI technologies responsibly and to make ethical decisions from an early age.

Grades 6-8:

Building on what they learned in earlier grades, students will engage in hands-on activities using AI tools across various classroom settings, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses like Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Ethics. The curriculum will deepen their understanding of ethics and responsible use, encouraging them to think critically about the ethical implications of AI technologies. They will also explore real-world applications of machine learning, learning how AI is used in different industries and fields.

Grades 9-12:

In high school, students will get a comprehensive introduction to advanced AI tools and technologies, along with an in-depth exploration of ethical considerations. They will use district-approved AI tools under supervision, applying their AI literacy skills in practical situations, preparing them for future careers. AI literacy will be integrated across subjects, including English and Math, helping students make connections and critically analyze AI advancements in their studies and future careers. This plan is still in development, and we are exploring additional options, such as a required AI course, embedding AI lessons within digital citizenship classes, content-specific lessons, and integrating AI topics into computer science courses.

To extend this learning, we will provide insights into potential career opportunities in AI and related industries. Through career exploration activities and guest speaker sessions, students will learn about diverse career paths and the importance of AI literacy in shaping their future careers. We are also developing additional options for high school, such as a required AI course, embedding AI lessons within digital citizenship classes, content-specific lessons, and integrating AI topics into computer science courses.

This K-12 AI literacy plan will equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework they need to navigate an AI-driven world responsibly and confidently.

AI Literacy for Families

The Sun Prairie Area School District values the strong partnership we have with our families, recognizing that their involvement is crucial in creating a supportive and enriching educational environment for our students. In line with this commitment, we are developing sessions specifically for families to explore the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We aim to provide families with essential knowledge and insights into AI, fostering meaningful discussions and understanding of its various implications. These sessions will be community-based and held at various district sites to ensure accessibility for all families. We will take care to provide a common definition of AI, a clear understanding of "ethics" in AI, and an awareness of the inevitability of bias in AI technologies.

Our team, including educators and community partners, will be working with families to deliver these sessions. By grounding our discussions in shared definitions and understandings, we aim to create a cohesive and inclusive learning environment for everyone.

These sessions will cover topics such as:

Foundational Principles of AI: Understanding the basics of AI and how it works.
Ethics in AI: Discussing what we mean by "ethics" in the context of AI and the importance of making responsible decisions.
Hands-on Learning Experiences: Engaging in activities that demonstrate AI concepts.
Data and Media Literacy: Learning how to navigate and understand data in an AI-driven world.
Online Safety in AI: Gaining insights into staying safe online in the context of AI.

This plan is still in development, and we are considering the accessibility of AI resources in other languages. We are exploring resources available in various languages to ensure that all families, students, and staff can benefit. We are committed to providing high-quality AI resources for our students and families, and we are also exploring additional resources that may be available in other languages.

Vetting Criteria:

Educational Quality: Resources must support our educational goals and help students understand AI concepts clearly and accurately.
Safety and Privacy: Resources must comply with all safety and privacy standards to protect our students' information.
Cultural Appropriateness: We ensure that resources are culturally sensitive and appropriate for all students, regardless of their background.
Accuracy: All resources must provide accurate and reliable information about AI.

Ensuring Quality in Other Languages:

Language Availability: We are making sure that AI resources are available in multiple languages to support our diverse community.
Cultural Sensitivity: We review these resources to ensure they are culturally appropriate and respectful to all communities.
Accuracy in Translation: We work with experts to ensure that translated resources are accurate and maintain the integrity of the original content.

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